The PDP in Lagos has urged Nigerians and ethnic nationalities to support President Muhammadu Buhari in executing his regime’s “dialogue-based solutions to legitimate grievances.”

The Lagos PDP spokesman Taofik Gani made the call while reacting to Mr Buhari’s 61st Independence Day broadcast on Friday.

“What we can do is to encourage ourselves to support the president, based on these independence day declarations. We should obey the clarion call that Nigeria belongs to us all,” said the PDP spokesman. “If it breaks, we have no other place to go. We must give the president the benefit of doubt.”

In his broadcast to the nation, the president stressed the need for a peaceful and united Nigeria, adding that his regime is ready to arrest and prosecute all persons initiating violence through words and actions.

The PDP spokesman added that peaceful and united Nigeria remained key to national growth and development and urged Mr Buhari to intensify to stop the nationwide wanton violence and bring those involved to book.

Mr Buhari, who also promised to work on a dialogue-based solution to address legitimate grievances, added that his regime would continue to protect the nation’s democracy.

“However, the president must activate the actual dialogue activities to tackle insecurity. This is what we need at this time to give hope to Nigerians. We encourage all ethnic nationals to support the president, especially on using dialogue-based solutions to addressing legitimate grievances in the country,” said Mr Gani. “The president declared it on this Independence Day broadcast. He needs a timeline to put the actions in place.”

However, he urged the president to give true hope to Nigerians by walking the talk to end security challenges that will restore the confidence of Nigerians.

Mr Buhari, in his speech, highlighted various achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, economic diversification, economy, local oil refinery, enhancement of pharmaceutical company, and fight against terrorism, among others.

(NAN)