Former President Muhammadu Buhari has called on members of the Progressive Governors Forum to embrace a citizen-focused style of governance, emphasizing that leadership is both a responsibility and an opportunity.
Speaking at his residence in Kaduna during a courtesy visit by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari said that striking a balance between the challenges and opportunities of leadership would significantly accelerate Nigeria’s development.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, and made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the former president expressed optimism about the strides being made by the APC governors. He also reiterated his call for unwavering dedication to the country’s progress.
“Leaders should accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves,” Buhari stated, citing his own example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had prior to his presidency.
He extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for renovating his Kaduna residence, noting that while the building’s exterior remains largely the same, significant improvements have been made inside.
The former president thanked the governors for their visit, saying that while he had worked with many of them, a few were new to him.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, who led the delegation, said the visit was to pay the former president a Sallah homage and express appreciation for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the APC.
“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 and direction,” Uzodinma said.
He added that Buhari’s recent public reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC was a timely and reassuring gesture to party members.
“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 governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honour, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful,” he added.
Uzodinma also highlighted key achievements of Buhari’s administration, including gains in the fight against insurgency, the expansion of infrastructure, and the implementation of social welfare programs such as the Conditional Cash Transfer, School Feeding Programme, and the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership as bold, reform-driven, and committed to progress, noting that Buhari’s public endorsement of his successor was a strong symbol of unity and continuity.
“Today, we honour you not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we deepen progressive politics across the nation and ensure the APC remains the party of choice for a prosperous Nigeria,” Uzodinma said.
Comments