Former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to adopt a citizen-centric approach in their governance.
He explained that leadership presents both a challenge and an opportunity, emphasising that balancing the two would significantly advance national progress.
Buhari expressed confidence in the progress made by the governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s advancement.
He further stressed that leaders should prioritise the welfare of the people rather than their own interests. He cited his own example of leaving office with the same personal assets he had prior to his presidency.
Buhari thanked the administration of President Bola Tinubu for renovating his home in Kaduna. He also noted that although the building appeared largely unchanged externally, substantial improvements had been made internally.
Buhari expressed his appreciation to the governors for their visit. The former President noted that while he had worked with several of them, some were new to him.
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Meanwhile, PGF Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, stated that their visit was intended to greet the former president on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr and to ‘convey our heartfelt gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the strengthening of our party.’
He said: “Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity.
“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time.
“It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party. Mr President, you are pan-Nigerian.
PGF chairman Uzodinma lauds Buhari
“Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent. You did not only win power; you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honour, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.
“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programmes such as the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Programme, and ushered in a road and rail revolution that continues to bear fruit.
“Programmes like the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security. You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party.
“Today, the APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unshakably committed to progress. Your public endorsement of him in your recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.
“Your Excellency, today we honour you, not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue supporting and guiding us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation and ensure that the APC remains in power for a more prosperous Nigeria.”
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