President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja appealed to Nigerians and all political parties in the country to put party differences aside and join the administration’s campaign against insecurity in the country.
Buhari made the appeal during the Iftar dinner with members of the business community and the leadership of political parties.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted the President as describing insecurity as a ‘‘common enemy’’ bedevilling the country in a statement on Wednesday.
‘‘Without mass, popular support to our hard working Armed Forces, it will take us much longer to finish off the successful war we are waging against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Our country must be kept safe for progress and prosperity to be entrenched.
‘‘I look forward to seeing the reflection of this spirit in the relationship between the parties and the government, especially as the electioneering season will soon be on us,’’ he said.
According to the President, his administration has changed the ease of doing business in the country.
He told the captains of industry and political leaders at the dinner that his Government has done exceedingly well in improving the business climate, urging the private sector to complement government’s effort in poverty reduction and job creation for the young people.
‘‘No administration has done as much as we have done in the creation of a climate best suited for business, big and small, to thrive.
‘‘The ease of doing business index that is globally recognized has acknowledged that the ease with which business is carried out in the country has never been better than it is today. We will continue to make it better.
‘‘We will equally continue to count on the support of the private sector to improve economic growth and create new job opportunities for our teeming population.
‘‘Employment is critical to stability and prosperity of our country. Government and the private sector, working together, have an opportunity to transform the lives of people in ways that was hard to imagine in the past,’’ he said.
The National Chairman of APC, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, charged political leaders to make firm commitments towards peaceful and successful 2023 general elections, and challenged them to work in unison to achieve the purpose.
According to Adamu, leadership demands that they take responsibility in ensuring peace and stability and inspiring the party faithful and Nigerians to conform to the laws of land in matters relating to electioneering and the elections.
The Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Coordinator Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Engr. Yusuf Yabagi, while speaking on behalf of other political parties described the President as a true democrat, said the Iftar event and the invitation by the President has introduced ‘‘credibility, respect and admiration in the polity’’.
‘‘The fact that political leaders of various political parties are sitting with you today speaks volumes that you are truly a democrat and believe in the project of growing democracy in this country,’’ he said.
He announced that IPAC was preparing to give the President an award as ‘‘Hero of Democracy’’, citing the historic signing into law of the Electoral Act, describing it as a paradigm shift that will guarantee peaceful, acceptable and all-inclusive elections in the country.
‘‘Mr President, history beckons on you. 2023 is going to be your glorious exit. That is our prayer and for that to happen you have to take charge of every activity that matter in the exercise’’. He stated.
The IPAC Coordinator, commended INEC for innovation and reforms towards ensuring credible elections.
He appealed to the President to look into the role of security agencies in the forthcoming general elections.
‘‘Members of IPAC are worried by the programme of INEC that elected candidates will spend 10 months campaigning around the country. That is a herculean task.
‘‘We also want the President to consider the appointment of a Political Liaison Officer,’’ Yabagi said, noting that the office will ensure better coordination between the President’s office and political parties.” He added.
A representative of the business community and Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, speaking on the next President of Nigeria, said the person must carry ‘‘the banner of hope for a new Nigeria, not a banner of self.’’
‘‘We are transitioning and I want to respectfully ask the President that anybody who comes around to show interest in leadership, you must ask them for their manifesto. Not what they want to do but how they want to do it.
‘‘The challenge has always been how, not what,’’ he said.
Adesina thanked the President for sustaining investments in infrastructure across the country, including the Second Niger Bridge, the East-West Road, among others and stressed the need for continuity by the next government.
