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| President Buhari in a handshake with Makarfi |
President Muhamadu Buhari has said that opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism even as he acknowledges that in a a democracy, 'viabrant' and 'responsible' opposition was necesassary.
Similarly, chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi, assured the president that the opposition party would never wish him ill.
Speaking, Friday, when he met with executive members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and those from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the State House, Abuja, the president noted that multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government, and enjoined all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and prosperity of the country.
His words: "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."
While thanking them collectively and individually for finding time to come to Abuja to welcome him back home, the president said the visit signified the unity of Nigeria.
"This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion'" the president said, adding, "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," hesaid.
The president also expressed happiness with the gathering he said to be made of "all shades of opinion in Nigeria," and a deep appreciation to all those who prayed for his recovery.
On his part, Makarfi, said the opposition party would never wish the president ill, and congratulated him on his recovery. The PDP chief prayed God to give him greater strength to shoulder the responsibilities of his office for the betterment of our country.
Speaking, Friday, when he met with executive members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and those from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the State House, Abuja, the president noted that multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government, and enjoined all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and prosperity of the country.
His words: "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."
While thanking them collectively and individually for finding time to come to Abuja to welcome him back home, the president said the visit signified the unity of Nigeria.
"This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion'" the president said, adding, "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," hesaid.
The president also expressed happiness with the gathering he said to be made of "all shades of opinion in Nigeria," and a deep appreciation to all those who prayed for his recovery.
On his part, Makarfi, said the opposition party would never wish the president ill, and congratulated him on his recovery. The PDP chief prayed God to give him greater strength to shoulder the responsibilities of his office for the betterment of our country.
He said, “It is on record, Mr. President, that while you were away, being the major opposition party in the country did not stop us from praying for your quick recovery and return to Nigeria. This is because we honestly believe that the president of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our president; and his or her health is substantially linked with the nation’s health in so many ways.
“So, a prayer for your health, Mr. President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers
“In any case, this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country.
“Mr. President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.”
“So, a prayer for your health, Mr. President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers
“In any case, this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country.
“Mr. President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.”
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