By Godwin Amunde
As Nigeria celebrates 60 years of independence from colonial rule, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), an umbrella body of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reaffirmed its commitment to Nigerias democracy, development and the well being of the people.
The PGF, in a message signed by its Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, congratulated the Nigerian people for their resilience and faith in a united democratic Nigeria, adding that as democrats, they have accepted their electoral victories and losses without much ado, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for providing an indiscriminate leadership.
The statement reads:
“On this auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of Nigerias independence, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) wishes to join President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, all our revered leaders traditional, religious, organised private sector, labour, civil society, women, youth, persons with disabilities, political leaders across all our political parties and indeed all Nigerians to celebrate this historic day.
“We in particular commend and congratulate the Nigerian people for their resilience and faith in a united democratic Nigeria. Sixty years of independence and nationhood were years with moments of rasping experiences. Coming out of these years as a united country gives us all the reasons for celebration, most especially because we are today emerging as a stable democracy having been in our Fourth Republic for twenty years now with six successful general elections.
Therefore, emerging as a stable democracy, we can say with confidence that the growing confidence of our people to our fledgling democratic system of governance is indisputable. As Governors elected on the platform of our party, APC, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that democratic governance should lead to improved welfare for the mass of our citizens.”
The Governors said the celebration imposes a responsibility on all elected representatives to work for policies that promote the wellbeing of citizens, while commending governments in all APC controlled States and the Federal level who have remained focused and implementing pro-people initiatives across all sectors.
The Forum also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing an indiscriminate leadership at this point in the nation’s national life.
“At a time when partisan affiliation is expected to influence political choices both with respect to government initiatives, beneficiaries and location, President Buhari is providing indiscriminate leadership ensuring that all Nigerians from all parts of the country irrespective of all our differences receive equal treatment.
“Under the leadership of President Buhari, our politics is today being refined to ensure indiscriminate development of all parts of the country. In addition, the President is inspiring all of us in APC to change our political culture especially in relations to electoral contests. Unlike what obtains in other parties where the operative culture is to manipulate electoral contests to produce set outcomes, the environment in our party, APC, is being made more liberal. With such a liberal atmosphere, combined with impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a governing party, our electoral probability, in all elections, is even,” the statement added.
The Governors said they are proud of their accomplishments as a democratic country and as a political party and thereby restated their commitment to make all APC states models of good governance with records of rapid human development and progress founded on the principles of social democracy in line with provisions of the party constitution and manifesto, stressing that they shall continue to take all the necessary steps to roll out programmes in APC controlled states that will facilitate development of synergy, experience sharing and collaboration.
While felicitating with all Nigerians at this auspicious occasion, the PGF reiterated its commitment to the democratic development of Nigeria, putting in place programme to improve the welfare and living conditions of all Nigerians.
