Jonathan's Minister scores President high on Democracy Day

The immediate past Minister of National Planning, Prof.

Suleiman gave the commendation in llorin while reacting to President Buhari's speech in commemoration of Democracy Day and one year of his administration.

He noted that there is now peace in parts of the country that hitherto had recorded mass casualties and displacement due to attacks by the insurgents.

He noted that no meaningful development could be attained in an atmosphere of rancour, hatred and acrimony.

Suleiman, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Abuja, advised Buhari to bring his ministers closer to him, to be able to get direct information on issues affecting the country including the feelings and aspirations of Nigerians.

Suleiman suggested the inclusion of more economists into the administration, to fast track the country's economic recovery.

Meanwhile, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has appealed to Nigerians to offer prayers for the President to succeed in building peace, progress and political stability in the country.

Tambuwal, who made the appeal in Sokoto while distributing inputs to farmers groups in the state, said that the prayers would guide the leadership to perform creditably.

He said that the inputs were procured at the cost of N159 million under the Fadama III programme to boost irrigation in the state.

The governor said that the items include rice tilling machines, water pumps, seeds, chemical, animal feeds among others, which would be sold to farmers at 75 per cent discount.

He explained that the gesture was to encourage the youths and women engage in all-year farming.

Tambuwal called on the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities provided for them to produce enough food for local consumption and export.