By ‘Dotun Akintomide
President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo met with the leadership of the ruling APC and opposition PDP at the State House on Friday.
It was the first bipartisan meeting ever presided over by Buhari.
President Buhari thanked the leaders for attending the meeting. He also thanked those who prayed for his recovery while in the U.K. for medical treatment.
In his words: ” I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.
“This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.
“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.” Buhari cautioned.
Earlier, the National Chairman, Caretaker Committee, PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said that his party believed that opposition was no madness and would therefore, never wish ill of anybody, let alone the president.
According to him, PDP is poised to play the role of responsible opposition party energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility.
“This, we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better.” Makarfi said.
