Former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged state governors to adopt a citizen-centric approach to governance.
This is contained in a statement issued by Buhari’s former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday.
Shehu quoted the former president as giving the advice while receiving members of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at his Kaduna residence.
According to him, leadership presents both challenge and opportunity, stressing that balancing the two will significantly advance the country’s progress.
Buhari also advised leaders to accord importance to the welfare of the people rather than themselves.
He cited his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before he became president.
Buhari expressed confidence in the progress being made by the governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his call for continued dedication to the nation’s progress.
He thanked the governors for the visit, saying that while he had worked with several of them, some others were new to him.
Buhari also appreciated the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for renovating his home in Kaduna, saying while the building looked very much the same externally, so much improvement was made inside.
In his remarks, Chairman of PGF, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, said that their visit was to greet the former president on the occasion of the recent Eid-el-Fitr.
Uzodinma said that the visit was also to convey the governors’ gratitude and enduring respect to Buhari for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening of APC.
“Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction.
“We are especially gratified to hear your public affirmation, only a few weeks ago, that 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,” he said.
Uzodinma further stated that Buhari’s legacy in Nigeria’s history was secure, adding that he remained the only opposition candidate in the country’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,” he said.
Uzodinma stated that the Buhari-led administration gave expression to APC’s core principles through his focus on security, economic recovery and anti-corruption.
“Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programmes, like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Programme, and ushered in road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit.
“Programmes such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted on 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,” he said.
Uzodinma said that today, APC was being renewed and repositioned under Buhari’s worthy successor, Tinubu.
He described Tinubu’s leadership as bold, reform-driven and unshakably committed to progress.
The governor said that the former president’s public endorsement of Tinubu in his recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.
“Your Excellency, today we honor 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 take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation, and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Uzodinma said.(NAN)
