TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says residents of Zamfara and Cross River states will respect their governors more for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In May, Ben Ayade, Cross River governor, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

A month after, Bello Matawalle also defected from the PDP to APC.

Receiving Ayade and Matawalle, on Monday, at the state house in Abuja, Buhari commended the governors for their belief that joining the ruling party is the best way they can serve their people.

“This is one of the happiest times for us in this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it,” Buhari said.

“I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.

“We emphasised that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.

“To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”

Ayade and Matawalle visited the president alongside Mai Mala Buni, chairman of the APC caretaker committee; Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi governor and chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor.