President Muhammadu Buhari, Thursday, boasted that the combined efforts of defectors and their backers in the opposition will not distract his administration from the good work it was doing for the benefit and development of Nigeria.
The President also said that his administration was focused in delivering the 2015 campaign promises in the area of improved economy, security and fight against corruption.
Speaking at the lunch with some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and some members of the National Assembly and Commissioners in Daura, Katsina State, President Buhari said the APC had the full understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and was encouraged by the support of Nigerians in addressing them.
In a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said: ‘‘We are always encouraged when all our constituents are happy with the work we are doing and our genuine efforts to make sure that what we campaigned for in 2015 is still very much in our minds and we have not lost focus.
‘‘In terms of security, economy and the fight against corruption we have maintained focus. Even the opposition with all their resources cannot fault our identification of Nigeria’s priorities and the efforts being made to better them.
‘‘We will continue to do what we ought to do in the leadership position God has placed us and we thank the constituents for the support.”
On the defections within the major political parties, the President reiterated his earlier message to them: ‘‘For those who have decided to change camp for whatever reason, we wish them good luck.’’
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, commended the President for his great efforts in keeping the nation together through visionary leadership.
He noted that President Buhari had remained focused and unshaken by situations and circumstances, adding ‘‘it shows that your administration is approved by God.’’
Okorocha said further: ‘‘We are here to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing as Nigerians are very pleased with you.
‘‘We also want to inform you that we had wonderful and peaceful Sallah celebration across the country because of security of lives and property you have guaranteed in our nation.’’
Governor Okorocha, who is also the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, was accompanied by Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and Sani Bello of Niger State.