PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has hailed Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his Zamfara State counterpart Bello Matawalle for displaying courage to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buhari who gave the commendation on Monday at the State House, Abuja, when he received the governors, said that the pair will be respected more by their people for joining the ruling party.
The new APC members were accompanied by the Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, today, Buhari said “This is one of the happiest times for us in this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it”.
He added, “I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.
“We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.”
President Buhari added that the coming of the two Governors to APC was very important to the party, adding: “To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”
Governor Mai Mala Buni said the Governors joined APC in appreciation of the good works the President was doing for the country, and also announced that ward, local government and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021.
He said the congresses were shifted for one week, because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities.
