President to meet 36 state governors

President Muhammadu Buhari will meet all 36 state governors in the country later on Friday, August 25, 2017.

This was disclosed by the president's Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, on his Twitter handle

He tweeted, "After meeting with leadership of the APC and PDP, President Buhari will later meet with governors of the 36 states of the federation."

On Friday morning, the president met leaders of the ruling party, the All Progressives' Congress (APC) and main opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

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At the meeting, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the president appealed for unity, pointing out that the country will benefit from vibrant responsible opposition.

He said, "Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

"I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria."

The APC delegation at the meeting was led by national party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, while the PDP's delegation was led by caretaker chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

Also speaking after the meeting, Makarfi welcomed the president back to his official duties and pledged to him the full backing of the opposition PDP.

He said, "We believe the President of our country - regardless of what party flag he or she flies - is our President.

"We will never wish ill of anyone, not to talk of the person saddled with the responsibility of leading Nigeria.

"PDP ready to offer legitimate, decent opposition. We will do this to keep govt in check, but ultimately for the benefit of Nigeria.

"We assure you of as much cooperation as an opposition party can give - after all the role of the opposition is to take over power."

Odigie-Oyegun also praised the president's efforts to unify the country, saying that he has "sent out a message that he's President of all Nigerians, regardless of party/religion/ethnicity."