“What happened in (the last elections) in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers States disturbs me a lot. I think we should go beyond these actions. Why do we kill each other, putting tyres on people and setting them ablaze?
“I have told the law enforcement agencies; if we can’t conduct an election in one state then we should forget about 2019.”
President Muhammadu Buhari made these remarks last night (Monday) at a state dinner in Benin, capital of Edo State, during his two-day official visit to the state, to commission some projects executed by the outgoing governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
The President, who directed the security agencies to ensure violence-free elections in Ondo and Rivers states, reminded them that such elections will serve as litmus tests for the general elections in 2019.
This was even as he acknowledged the role played by Governor Oshiomhole in ensuring the success of the APC in the last gubernatorial elections in the state, even as he challenged the Governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, to continue in Oshiomhole’s footsteps of providing purposeful leadership in terms of quality infrastructure, education and social services.
“The publicity your predecessor has given his performance is going to stretch you to the limit.
“Considering what he has down, you have to continue in his footsteps. We wish you the best of luck and will do our best to support you.”
On the current economic challenges, the President assured Nigerians that his administration is working hard on diversification of the economy to limit the country’s over-dependence on oil.
“This country has incredible mineral resources. All we need is to believe in ourselves so that we can have and leave a better Nigeria for our children and grandchildren.” [myad]
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