Osinbajo challenges governors on the economy, ASUU strike
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that his administration will not permit the intimidation of voters during next year’s elections.
He said those in government and other highly privileged citizens would not be allowed to humiliate the electorate.
President Buhari assured that his administration would guarantee a conducive atmosphere during the polls when members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by its chairman, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Also yesterday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said concrete steps should be taken to tackle national crises, particularly the worsening economic downturn and the protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
President Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, assured Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to protect their electoral rights through non-interference at polls, citing the outcomes of elections in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun states as indicators.
President Buhari said: “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 the Osun States. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding.”
For the 2023 elections, President Buhari said the government will also ensure that Nigerians do not get intimidated.
“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidation 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 intensify efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategizing for the 2023 elections.’’
Bagudu thanked the President for his leadership, wisdom, and foresight, affirming that the economy had grown despite challenges.
He said: “We want to contrary lake you on the positive trajectory of the economy, with the 3.5 percent growth in the second quarter, up from 3.1 percent of the first quarter of this year. Infrastructure projects are ongoing in parts of the country, and the social intervention program is expanding.”
The governor said the growth trajectory had defied initial predictions of some multilateral institutions, affirming that the World Bank and others had acknowledged the resilience of the economy, and reviewed their positions.
