Buhari Calls for True Federalism in Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting true federalism in Nigeria. Speaking during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Buhari emphasized the necessity of genuine federalism at a crucial juncture in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
APC Committee on Federalism
The All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party led by Buhari, formed a committee last year to advance discussions on federalism. Chaired by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, this committee submitted its recommendations, which included the devolution of powers to states, better resource management, internal security, and the potential amalgamation of states. Despite the submission, Buhari had not previously addressed the topic publicly.
Addressing National Challenges
In his remarks, Buhari highlighted the pressing need to bridge existing societal divides for the sake of national unity. He spoke out against the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by certain groups for political gain, urging collective action towards fostering a unified Nigeria. “We remain committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians,” he stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration between all tiers of government.
Recognizing Collaborative Efforts
The President expressed gratitude for being honored with an Appreciation Award during the event, noting that it reflects the joint commitment between state and federal governments to address Nigeria’s development challenges. He acknowledged the significant contributions of APC governors to the country’s political, economic, and cultural progress and called for continued cooperation to enhance national competitiveness.
Focus on Anti-Corruption and Social Programs
Buhari urged state governments to support his administration’s various initiatives, including anti-corruption measures and social protection programs like school feeding initiatives. He emphasized that building a socially cohesive society requires collective efforts to ensure that national resources benefit all citizens, stating, “We will invest public funds to prevent social exclusion in any region.”
Security as a Collective Responsibility
Recognizing the persistent issue of insecurity as a major concern, Buhari called for a unified approach from both governments and citizens to enhance security in the nation. He reinforced that while the government carries the primary responsibility for protecting lives and property, personal accountability and community involvement are essential in this endeavor.
Future Economic Growth and Stability
Looking ahead, Buhari assured attendees that Nigeria was on a promising growth trajectory. He pledged to bolster macroeconomic policies aimed at achieving sustainable economic stability, while also ensuring that growth leads to job creation and equitable distribution of resources. He highlighted the critical role of ongoing cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Buhari concluded his speech by reflecting on the transition of power from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, stressing that the opposition’s unity was instrumental in salvaging the country from mismanagement. He expressed humility in receiving the award, reiterating his lifelong commitment to serving the Nigerian people.
