President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, urged political leaders to always be mindful of the larger picture by working towards preserving the unity, peace and integrity of the nation.
He said, “We shall remain resolute to continue to deliver on the promises we made to Nigerians, and to ensure that we attain greater milestones in terms of economic growth, infrastructural development, provision of security, and the war against corruption, among other responsibilities of government.
Adding that the self-centeredness that led to the loss of about a million lives between 1967-1970 must not be allowed to repeat itself, noting that the CPC was founded on the bedrock of patriotism and loyalty to the unity of Nigeria.
He said, “Our main objective is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are human beings. We have our weaknesses, but I can assure you that the patriotism in us is hard-earned. We have gone through all the troubles from the 15th of January 1966 to date. Do you know what I mean by this, we have killed a million of ourselves to keep this country together.
“I don’t think there can be any practical experience more than that. We are Nigerians, God willing, we remain Nigerians and Nigeria will remain one.”
The president, made the call when he received former State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at the State House, Abuja.
Buhari thanked former chairpersons of the political party, which was merged to form the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), for always highlighting the achievements of the government.
“I am delighted to welcome the forum of State Chairmen of the former Congress for Progressives Change to State House today, I accord great significance to this visit as it demonstrates a determination and commitment to identify with our administration.
“This visit recalls the solidarity with the successes that we have recorded in critical areas of our society, the visit also allows us to discuss other issues of interest to the forum.
“I commend members of this forum and all members of the legacy party-CPC, for their continued dedication to the ideals of democratic governance that we all believed in.”
