According to President Muhammadu Buhari, the fact that 10 current State governors were unsuccessful in their candidacy for the Senate demonstrates the sophistication of Nigerian voters when it comes to making political decisions.
Speaking on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja when he met with Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi, the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State Capital, he declared that the 2023 elections had demonstrated the expanding strength of the nation’s democracy.
The shocking result of 10 Governors failing to gain Senate confirmation, according to President Buhari, demonstrated that there is no longer a surefire path to power and that the electorate is actually in charge of elections.
He said: “It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things.
“Assumption is always that you are Governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth.”
According to a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President(Media & Publicity), after listening to the Emir who listed several government projects put in place for Jigawa State under the Buhari Presidency, and a request for some more, the President promised to do his best for the State in the remaining time left, and to brief the incoming President, Bola Tinubu on those requests, agreeing with visitors that the particular problem of water supply to the State Capital is worrisome.
The President told the Emir and members of the Emirate Council who accompanied him that he and the entire nation will continue to miss his friend, the late Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, saying that he will continue to pray for the repose of the deceased.
The Emir and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim thanked the administration of Muhammadu Buhari for helping Jigawa State to excel in major rice production, for approving a rail link to Dutse from Kano and for the restoration of peace to the State, the entire nation and the neighbouring countries that had suffered past insecurity.
The Emir also welcomed the upgrading of the Army Battalion in Dutse to a full military Brigade and requested the President to do something about the acute water shortage affecting the State Capital.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has hosted two outgoing Ambassadors in farewell audiences during which they expressed kind words about their tour of duty in Nigeria.
His Excellency, Dr Eustaquio Januario Quibato of the Republic of Angola thanked the President for the “wise leadership you’ve been giving to Nigeria,” for being the Champion of Anti-Corruption in Africa, and for degrading the Boko Haram insurgency group.
The outgoing Ambassador also lauded President Buhari for repositioning the Nigerian economy to be less import dependent.
President Buhari recalled the role Nigeria played in the liberation of Angola, noting that the country uses its size and resources to help sister African nations as much as possible.
He said despite the rash of military coups in some parts of the continent, “democracy is still the best option.”
In another audience, President Buhari received the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, saying he was quite glad that Nigeria made a good impression on him, as he stated in his remarks.
Recalling that he had been well received anytime he visited UAE, President Buhari assured that the two countries will continue to improve on their relationship, “as we have so much in common.”
Dr Taffaq equally pledged that the two countries will continue to work “on the details of our relationship,” adding that he made lots of friends in government, the private sector, and civil society during his five-year stay.
He said he travelled extensively in Nigeria and has come to understand the diversity and culture of the people.
“I am leaving with beautiful memories. I will continue to be close to Nigeria in different capacities,” the Ambassador promised.
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