TheCable

Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, says the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has produced the best set of governors in the history of Nigeria.

Okorocha, who is chairman of the progressive governors’ forum, said this at the opening of a retreat on policy synergy between states and the federal government.

He also appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, saying it is too early to judge the performance of elected officials.

“Our party has the best governors ever produced in the history of this country – from Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, Lagos, Imo, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi and others,” he said.

“When you visit our states, you will know that Nigerians have not made mistake electing us to lead the affairs of their state.

“We want to appeal to Nigerians not to judge us from past sins or within the two years we have been in the mantle of leadership of this great country.

“You should judge us when the mandate entrusted to us expires.”

The governor reminded Nigerians that those at the helm of affairs came on board when the country was on the brink of collapse due to security and economic challenges.

He said the APC government would meet the expectations of all Nigerians.

“We have resolved to fix the economy and it has already being fixed… we are united and Nigeria will always remain an indivisible nation,” he said.

“We don’t know who is Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, our determination is only to stamp out hunger and bring democratic dividend to our citizens.

“Hate statements should not be taken seriously or regarded from anyone.”

Okorocha commended Kebbi farmers for saving the country a lot of foreign exchange through their agricultural activities especially rice production.

Earlier, Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi state, said the governors would continue to work diligently in line with the APC manifesto.

He said they would intensify efforts to eradicate poverty.

“The enthusiasm and patriotism of President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, demonstrate that Nigeria is getting its footsteps right,” he said.

“All that helps Nigeria to develop is now brought to debate and discussion table, and we should always cherish what we discuss significantly in order to enhance our development.”

The retreat was to evaluate current challenges faced by state governments in accessing opportunities and resources provided by various policies of the federal government.