Buhari: My Policies, Projects, Appointments Guided By Equity, Inclusiveness

Buhari: My Policies, Projects, Appointments Guided By Equity, Inclusiveness

•Says criminal elements terrorising Nigeria will be prosecuted

By Adedayo Akinwale

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that all the policy initiatives, projects and even appointments by his administration were guided by equity and inclusiveness.

He added that there was no part of the country that had not been impacted positively in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and economic support initiative based on peculiarities of the regions.

Buhari stated this in Abuja while declaring open the maiden edition of the Progressives Youth Conference with the theme, “The Future Is A Decision”, organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha reiterated that every criminal element that had taken up arms against the peace of the country and its citizens would be brought to book accordingly.

He stated: “So far, all the policies initiatives, projects and even appointments by this administration have been guided by equity and inclusiveness. There is actually no part of the country that has not been impacted positively in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and economic support initiative based on peculiarities of the regions. What an area lacks in one aspect is compensated for in another.

“As you are all aware, we are currently dealing with some internal security challenges and I will like to reassure you that as the Commander in chief of the armed forces, no effort will be spared in tackling them.

“As I have repeatedly said in recent weeks, every criminal element that has taken up arms against the peace of the country and its citizens will be brought to book accordingly. I am happy to see that we are beginning to see the results and we keep improving until the country is rid of such divisive elements. “

The President noted that he was pleased to know that the theme of the conference provides an opportunity for creating a movement, while the future is a decision that should be made today.

Buhari noted that the conference was therefore very timely coming up not too long after the membership registration exercise of the party and just before the commencement of congresses starting from the Wards.

He said he was confident that deliberations at the conference would impact on the party’s activities and even trickles down to his administration.

Buhari added that he was mindful of the fact that his administration came into leadership on the back of the victory achieved at the polls by the party on two consecutive occasions.

He stressed that it was therefore pertinent that party members remain bound by the tenets of the APC manifesto and constitution.

The President pointed out that while those documents might not be perfect, they were put together so that elected and appointed members of the party conduct themselves in most responsible manner possible, while implementing and executing policies that are not only beneficial, but fair to all Nigerians

Buhari urged the youths not to despair, nor relent in their joint task of nation building, saying they have no other country but Nigeria.

He said, “It is the responsibility of every one of us to work towards the development and advancement of this country. Let us seize the opportunity to put unpleasant experiences and controversies of the past behind us as we forge a better future for the APC and for our dear country, Nigeria.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party and the Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, said the event was coming at a time when the party was undergoing complete rebirth, recovery, rehabilitation, rejuvenation and repositioning.

He said it was a fact that the future of the party and the country lies in the youth, saying they cannot afford to discard the youth in the affairs of the party.

Buni noted that the ruling party had in the last 12 months been administered by the Caretaker Committee due to problems and internal squabbles that had bedeviled the party.

He stated, “I am pleased to say that collectively, we have rescued a troubled party that was heading towards imminent collapse and disintegration, to a very strong, solid, reliable and ever growing political party.”

The chairman said the youth of the party had throughout the turbulent times remained progressively united to the cause of the party.

Buni stressed that this also explains why the Caretaker committee under his leadership took a deliberate position of engaging the youth in every process.

He said as part of the strategic approach to youth engagement, a committee on youth, women and people with special needs was constituted during the membership registration and revalidation exercise.

The chairman noted that their support to the committee has translated into the rebirth of a new APC that gives every member a true sense of belonging and pride.

Buni stressed that the ruling party had no doubt repositioned itself as Nigeria’s leading party and Africa’s largest political party.

He stressed, “I also want to assure you that the committee is making great efforts to approach the proposed congresses and convention with a united front to produce a strong leadership that would enjoy the support, trust and confidence of all members. A leadership that would protect party interest above personal and primordial interests, promote unity and take the party to a more prosperous.”

Buni pointed out that as the theme of the conference suggests, the decision for the future of the party and country cannot be at any other time better than now when the corporate unity and security in the country were being challenged.

“As the most energetic segment of the population, retrogressive elements with evil interests in causing confusion, creating and fanning hate and disunity will always rely on you to achieve such negative and unpatriotic tendencies and to destroy your future. You must resist them. You should never allow yourselves to be used as tools in the hands of these treacherous elements,” Buni added

On his part, former Governor of Imo state, Senator Richard Okorocha said Nigerian youths should stop procrastinating, they should be focused and must rise and take their place.

He added that power was not given but taken, adding that the life and future of the country is in their hands.

Okorocha said, “There should be an industrial revolution. I traveled to China and I saw smoke everywhere. They’re producing one thing or the other, but the only smoke you see here in Nigeria is that of Ishiewu.”

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