The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, said although women had participated in Nigeria’s leadership from a distance, it was high time they came close and shared in the country’s governance.
He also said the emergence of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Aisha Binani, as Nigeria’s first female governor in next month’s election would send a signal to the world about Nigeria’s leadership maturity.
“The women have been fighting from a distance, let them now come close, and also share in leadership,” Buhari said when he visited the Lamido of Adamawa at his Palace in Yola.
This is according to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘Women deserve a chance to rule, vote Senator Aisha Binani as next governor of Adamawa State – President Buhari.’
Voicing his support for Binani, Buhari said, “I came here to make sure that from the end of Nigeria to other places, I want to identify with the candidate, Binani, and other candidates.
“We are here to ensure that Binani becomes the first female elected governor, God willing. Her election will speak to Nigeria and the world through Adamawa State.
“I thank you very much for all the support. I want everyone to support her to win. And for those in opposition to us, I wish them the best of luck.”
The President added, “We will give her our moral support. The women have been fighting from a distance, let them now come close, and also share in leadership.”
In his remark, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, thanked the President for various interventions in the state.
Fintiri who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, told the delegation, “I wish you well and all the best in the campaigns.”
Describing Adamawa State as Buhari’s “second home,” he said, “We want to thank you for various and several projects in Adamawa. All our proposals for the state have been approved.”
“We will not get tired of receiving you in the state. We will continue to pray for you. We love you and admire you. You have done well and surpassed what is expected of a leader,” the governor added.
The Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Mustapha, also appreciated Buhari for the developments in the state, which included appointments into top positions in government like the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Bello, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Chairman, Buba Marwa.
“The people of Adamawa are indebted to you,” the monarch told the President.
The Lamido of Adamawa thanked the President for his approvals for new universities in the state and a Federal Medical Centre.
