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“Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism”: Buhari meets APC & PDP leaders
President Muhammadu Buhari met with leaders of the two major political parties in Nigeria – the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his party All Progressives Congress (APC).
The presidency made the announcement on the Nigerian President’s official Twitter account.
The meeting signifies the unity of the country, the president said, as it is not a party occasion, and democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.
Read President Buhari’s full statement below:
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. 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.
The PDP Caretake Committee Chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi welcomed the president from his 100 days medical vacation in the UK.
He said the president of Nigeria, regardless of what party he is from, is everyone’s president. He said:
The entire family of PDP joins compatriots in welcoming you back from your medical vacation. We thank God for your recovery.
We believe the President of our country — regardless of what party flag he or she flies — is our President.
We will never wish ill of anyone, not to talk of the person saddled with the responsibility of leading Nigeria.
PDP ready to offer legitimate, decent opposition. We will do this to keep government in check, but ultimately for the benefit of Nigeria.
We assure you of as much cooperation as an opposition party can give—After all the role of the opposition is to take over power.
The chairman of APC John Odigie-Oyegun also spoke at the meeting, saying: “By this meeting [the president] has sent out a message that he’s President of all Nigerians, regardless of party/religion/ethnicity.”
President Buhari also announced that he will meet with the governors of all 36 states later in the afternoon.
See photos and videos from the meeting below:
President @MBuhari meeting with PDP and APC Leaders at the State House this morning. PDP Chairman Sen Ahmed Makarfi arriving for the Meeting pic.twitter.com/e8LVwgESk4
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 25, 2017
Photo Credit: buharisallau
