President Muhammadu Buhari Hinges Nigeria’s Progress On Democracy, Strong Institutions

President Muhammadu Buhari has attributed Nigeria’s development to the dynamism of its democracy and strong institutions. He spoke yesterday on the fifth day of his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The president shared warm moments with some state governors and other top officials of the federal government, who briefed him on the situations at home, including the conclusion of the supplementary elections across the country.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, at the Makkah Guest Palace, where he is accommodated by the government of the host country, Buhari received Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State and the incoming governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda.

The others were the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a past chief of army staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd).

After listening to the briefs, Buhari said whatever Nigeria has achieved today is due to the power of its democracy and the power of the institutions, which must continue to be strengthened.

Speaking individually after the meetings, the governors of Borno and Yobe states said they remained appreciative of the efforts of the president in curbing the threats of Boko Haram terrorists in their states and were happy that peace had been restored.

They promised to continue to work for the betterment of their peoples and remain loyal to the president.

The chairman of the EFCC briefed the president on the efforts to conclude the ongoing court cases and the plan to prosecute more offenders.

He also briefed on the arrests of several suspects in connection with election fraud and the plan to take them to court.

Dr Radda gave assurances of his commitment to run a transparent government as he promised during the campaign. After the meeting, the guests joined the president to observe the afternoon prayers.