Buhari meets Nasarawa political leaders

*Vows to end herders, farmers crisis

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has met with the political and traditional leaders from Nasarawa state and assured that his commitment to end the incessant crisis between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the country has not waned.

The President however, said that he expects states to key into investments in education, primary healthcare, agriculture and security as a means of bringing security crisis under control.

The President reiterated this commitment on Tuesday, when he received a delegation from Nasarawa state led by Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari went down memory lane, recalling how dear Nasarawa state is to him, noting that the state produced the only governor under the extinct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011.

“The incessant conflict between herders and farmers is an age -long problem, but this administration is determined to find lasting solutions to it. I employ all leaders of opinion to help maintain peace while we are putting in place policies and permanent solutions.

“Just last week, I inaugurated the National Economic Council; during that meeting I emphasized the need to invest in education, primary healthcare, agriculture and security as foundations for sustainable progress.

“I want to use this forum to again solicit the support of all states to align with those four pillars. We must all have a collective vision for sustainable development,” the President stated at the meeting which had in attendance, former Governor of Nasarawa state, Tanko Al-makura, the incumbent, Abdullahi Sule among others.

Reflecting on his political journey, Buhari said that “Nasarawa state and its citizens have always been dear to me. Our political journey started a long time ago, in good times and in difficult times and I could always count on your support.

“You are the first and only state to elect a governor under the CPC and you resisted all the rigging of the powers that be at the time. I can never forget your commitment and your love for me from the moment I entered partisan politics. Today, our political movement is now in government at the centre. We have won majority states, we have majority in the National Assembly, we must therefore, show gratitude to almighty God for all the blessings.

“As a government, the responsibility on us is enormous. In the last four years, we have focused on enhancing security, inclusive economic empowerment and fighting corruption. In all these areas, we have made progress despite the significant challenges we faced.

“I am pleased to hear that there is a federal government project in Nasarawa state that is impacting on your citizens. I will like to congratulate the governor, deputy governor and all the newly elected officials from Nasarawa state on your victory in the polls, including of course, Senator Al-makura.

“I must commend the steadfastness, commitment and the enormous hard work of the former Governor of Nasarawa state, Senator Tanko Al-makura, who identified with our project from the word go. I wish him well in his new assignment.

“In the next four years, I want to assure you that we will remain committed to the change agenda. Our goal of building an inclusive, secure and prosperous Nigeria is achievable. However, the federal government cannot do it alone. We need the full cooperation and support of states, local governments as well as traditional and religious leaders.

“I must commend you the Nasarawa elders and leaders for maintaining peace within the state. In the last four years, you collectively put aside your political, religious and ethnic differences for the interest of stability and prosperity. We must continue to preach peace and understanding in our various communities.”

Meanwhile, Senator Al-Makura said their visit is informed by the need to thank the President for finding their sons worthy of positions at the national level.

He said that “we came to thank the President for having faith in our sons and daughters; especially with the appointment of the inspector-general of police and the appointment of the director-general of the National Youth Corps Service (NYSC).

“We have faith is the President just as he has faith in us. This is reassuring the President of our commitment and loyalty toward him and his administration, and also supporting him in his security and peace initiative to ensure that Nasarawa state will continue to maintain its own security and peace status so that Nigeria can be a good place for all of us.”