Despite the seeming unending controversies dogging its administration, the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government is making sure and steady progress and the impact will continue to steer the nation towards growth and stability, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said.
Speaking on Monday in Kuru, Plateau State, at the opening of a four-day retreat organised for members of the Sokoto State Executive Council, permanent secretaries and directors-general in the state civil service, Oyegun said President Buhari had not deviated from the goals he set for himself during the campaign.
He said, “We were firm with our pledge to fight corruption, tackle insecurity and steer the economy towards growth. On these points, we have not deviated. What the critics have failed to acknowledge is that our country is making positive progress.
“Forget the arguments about (Customs DG’s refusal to wear) uniforms and (Senator Dino Melaye’s) certificates currently raging in Abuja. The truth of the matter is that we inherited a bad economy but steadily we’ve progressed. We are at a point where we are taking the turn to consolidate on economic growth in our nation.”
Oyegun said that the Buhari administration had achieved a lot in the agricultural sector, making the country self-sufficient in rice and other key crops.
He said that the impact would be felt most when the country began to export these products to other countries.
While commending Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his firm and dedicated leadership in Sokoto State, Oyegun said by prioritising education, especially girl-child education, work on Sokoto’s future had started in earnest.
In his remarks, Tambuwal said Sokoto State was totally in support of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment towards economic diversification using agriculture as the vehicle for sustainable development.
“We will continue to pursue policy framework and compliment all efforts that will guarantee growth and economic viability. We will create the required enabling environment and support investors willing to invest in our State,” he added.
He said that the retreat was organised to explore potentials towards enhancing capacity of public officers and promoting harmonious working relationship among civil servants and political appointees for the betterment of Sokoto State.
“It will dwell on fundamental issues that have to do with leadership, democracy, good governance, justice and security. The presentations will prioritize key areas like agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, women and youth empowerment and development of the solid mineral subsector,” Tambuwal added.
On his part, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State commended the Sokoto State Government for considering his state as venue to host the retreat.
“This shows that peace has returned to our state and we are working assiduously to sustain it,” he added.
Speaking in the same vein, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, said historical ties between Sokoto and Plateau states had made it imperative for the leaders to work towards communal harmony and integration of the populace.
According to him, Sokoto had set the pace in peaceful coexistence among different groups of Nigerians residing in the state.
“You don’t discriminate against indigenes and residents in your schools. This is highly commendable,” he added.
The theme of the retreat is “Consolidation of achievements and new strategies for efficient service delivery in Sokoto State.”
