By Chesa Chesa
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, has harped on the imperative of good governance as a way of reducing the incidences of military coups in West Africa.
He spoke at his residence in Abuja on Sunday when he received a delegation from the ruling political party in Ghana, New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by its Chairman, Stephen Ntim.
Ganduje stated that with the long historical affinity between Nigeria and Ghana, it would be apt for the ruling parties of both counties to share ideas on delivering good governance to the people.
He pointed out that with good governance systems in place, the masses themselves will be the ones to resist any military incursions that want to derail democratic rule.
“This kind of visit is important and good to help us exchange ideas on how to deliver good governance to the people; and his can even reduce tide of military incursions that we are witnessing recently.
“While we are discouraging military coups, we must improve our governance systems. When this is done, the masses will be the first to even resist any such military interventions”, the APC chairman said.
He described the visit of the NPP chairman as an ice-breaker that will strengthen the relationship between the ruling political parties of Nigeria and Ghana, especially given the Manny shared values and political history o both nations.
Ganduje recalled how both countries secured independence from Britain without shedding blood, and that having English as the official language of both countries have further strengthened their bond among Francophone neighbours.
Mr. Ntim congratulated Ganduje on his emergence as APC Chairman, and Nigeria on her 63rd Independence Anniversary, saying that the visit is a “God-sent” opportunity.
“We are happy and proud to be sharing this day with you. It signals greater days ahead and we hope you will want to reciprocate this visit”, he said.
Ntim told Ganduje that it would be significant for the APC and NPP to be sharing ideas so that “we can remain in power for many more years”, adding that “we have a lot to learn from you”.
Ntim was accompanied on the visit by Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Rashid Bawa, and some national officers of the NPP.
