Nigeria’s governing party, the All Progressives Congress APC says the American President, Mr. Donald Trump has to learn lessons of integrity from the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement by the APC Secretary, Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee ( CECPC), Senator James John Akpanudoedehe, the party said President Trump’s behaviour towards his loss in the presidential election is almost marring the sanctity of the electoral system of the US.
The APC recalled that President Buhari had lost presidential elections several times but followed the right channel to challenge such elections.
READ ALSO: Democrats call for Trump impeachment after Capitol siege
“The events of the past 72hrs in the United States of America is, to say the least condemnable. Over time, the elections of the US have been used as a touchstone for elections in other democracies.
“It is settled that strong institutions are fundamental to the sustenance of democracies. However, this US election saga strongly underscores the fact that the integrity of the country’s leader essentially complements the workings of these institutions.
“President Muhammadu Buhari contested and lost elections a couple of times and followed the process through to the Supreme Court on all accounts. This is an outstanding credential of a true democrat” APC said.
The party also noted that the President Buhari upon winning elections has been working to strengthen political and other institutions in Nigeria.
“The APC has contested elections; won some, lost some without splitting hairs. In fact, at some point, the APC lost over 5 states to the PDP, yet we allowed democracy to prevail. We have remained resolute in our belief that in every electoral contest, a popular will must prevail.
“Electoral reform is a core plank of the programs of the APC-led administration and a legacy that Mr. President has promised to bequeath to Nigerians.
“Other institutional reforms include the excision of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and inauguration subsequently by Mr. President, as advised by the EGMONT GROUP, to eliminate the siphoning of Local Government funds and to entrench financial autonomy for local government Councils in Nigeria.
“The signing into law by Mr. President on May 2020, of “the Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 for the implementation of Financial autonomy of State Legislatures and State judiciaries and other related matters” is a bold statement on institutional reforms. These are aimed at strengthening these institutions. When they are financially independent, then they can be firm and fair in their decisions.
“Petroleum industry reforms particularly the deregulation of the oil and gas downstream sector is also worthy of mention,” APC said.
Nnenna.O
