President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday held a crucial meeting with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. While the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun led delegations from the ruling party, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi led the PDP team to the meeting.
The president during the meeting said the meeting became imperative as the administration explores all avenues to unite the country amidst calls for restructuring and separation. He said while all truly democratic government cannot thrive without opposition, opposition was not synonymous with antagonism or hostility.
According to him “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home. This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.
“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible. I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria."
He further appealed to the stakeholders to support government's quest to strengthen the unity of the country. "Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria. I thank you so much God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Responding, Makarfi said the PDP was prepared to support the administration where necessary to ensure governance by keeping the President on his toes.
“...this we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better. Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility. Mr President, I want to reiterate our offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels."
"We identify with, and will continue to support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow down our nation’s wheels of progress.”
He further said “there is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry The government should lead the charge in this regard by, especially, exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians."
“The PDP as a great believer in the unity of this country will also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships that seem to be cracking at the moment. 10. Mr President, we once again express our sincere happiness at your recovery and return home. We wish you more good health, strength and God’s guidance" he added
