Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to accommodate all stakeholders to ensure asense of belonging among the diverse people of Nigeria.He gave this advise in his goodwill message at the gala dinner to mark the handover of power to Buhari and Vice President,Professor Yemi Osinbajo at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. On May 29.
According to him “As the new government ponders and goes through this difficult process, it should not forget that Nigeria is a diverse country and that our diversity is our strength. It will be important to be as inclusive as possible not only to take advantage of the diverse talents scattered across the country but also to accommodate all stakeholders in the governance project. These will promote a sense of belonging and worth by all and ensure needed peace for our continued growth and development.
The former vice president noted that expectation from the new government were extremely high but he urged Nigerians to give the new government time .
Said Atiku,“True, a new government has taken over today. Expectedly, expectations are extremely high. Reading through some of the expressed expectations and watching the excitement on our people’s faces, you would think that all our challenges are supposed to be met today or tomorrow at the latest. Of course, things are not that simple. Enormous challenges lie ahead. The new government will need time and diligence to take stock of the existing reality that it meets, to find the right people, plan properly and source the resources needed to begin to meet those challenges. And it will need the support of all. We will need to be patient and cooperate with the government.
He also described the transition from one party to another in Nigeria as a bid deal. ”After going through tough election campaigns, amidst the numerous challenges facing our country, we were able to pull off largely peaceful and credible elections. And, today we went through a peaceful transition from one government of one political party to another of another political party. For us in Nigeria, and indeed most of Africa, this is a big deal. Our democracy is the winner. Nigeria is the winner.
Atiku used the occasion to once again congratulate Buhari and Osinbajo on their victory and hailed former President Goodluck Jonathan for deepening democracy.
“I heartily congratulate our new President, Muhammadu Buhari, and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on their election and their assumption of office today. I also congratulate and thank all those who made his election possible, and those who have worked so hard to ensure the success of today’s events.
“I congratulate President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his service to our country and for helping to deepen our democracy by going through with the transition that took place earlier today. I dare say that the path of honour that he chose will not be forgotten and that, on that score, history will be kind to him. Mr President, I wish you good rest and goodluck in your future endeavours”, Atiku said.
