*Promises his administration will bequeath strong political institutions
*As Govs pledge to respect FG deal with ASUU
As Nigeria prepares for its general election in 202w3, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja assured Nigerians that their votes will be respected to determine the outcome of the elections as his administration will not interfere in the process to the elections
The president, who stated this when he hosted the Governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the presidential villa in Abuja also said he will not allow anyone to use personal resources influence to intimidate other Nigerians.
President Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Femi Adeshina at the end of the meeting, also vowed that his administration will not create the room for the money bags to use any form of intimidations, whether materially, morally or physically in the general elections.
This is even as the progressive Governor Forum (PGF) expressed their readines to accept any negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU that would lead to resolution of contentious issues and long month crisis embarked by the University teachers.
The President further assured of a transparent election in 2023, said the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, (APC), will continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflect the choices of voters, through non-interference in elections, citing outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States as indicators.
He contended that non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate, adding that his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matter in choosing political leaders at different levels.
According to him, “I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that we will allow them to vote who they want.
“We all witnessed what happened in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding.’’
“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidations materially, morally or physically. This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation.
“In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere and we respect them,’’ he added.
President Buhari urged the party’s political leaders to intensity efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategizing for the 2023 elections.’’
In his remarks, the Chairman of the PGF, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state, thanked the President for his leadership, which he noted is guided by wisdom and foresight
“We want to congratulate you on the positive trajectory of the economy, with the 3.5 per cent growth in the second quarter, up from 3.1 per cent of the first quarter of this year.
“Infrastructure projects are ongoing in parts of the country, and the social intervention programme is expanding,’’ Bagudu stated.
The PGF Chairman reminded the President that some APC Governors were contesting elections for second term in 2023 with impressive records in their first term.
“We note the pronouncement of ASUU. We recall the appeal of the President to ASUU while we were visiting Daura, that they should consider the future of students.
“We will not dwell on that now. We are ready to accept any negotiations for resolution,’’ Bagudu added.
