Buhari Extols African Peer Review, Says It Is Good For Democracy

President Muhammadu Buhari pledged in Abuja yesterday, that Nigeria would continue to support the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
This, he said, would promote democracy and good governance.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Nigeria’s Second Review Country Self-Assessment report and flag-off of the validation of the Report at the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The president described the review as ‘‘timely and handy’’ and said that the present administration, with its “Change’’ mantra, had overhauled, revitalised and institutionalised its machinery for a successful conduct of the review.
He recalled that Nigeria was first peer reviewed in 2008 and since then had recorded tremendous successes in the implementation of the National Programme of Action as recommended.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the implementation of the new National Programme of Action that would come up after the review.
‘‘Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 50 years, with a strong mandate on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and APRM.
“This is in an attempt to build on and seek the acceleration of the implementation of past and present continental initiatives for the growth and sustainable development of the African continent.
‘‘This exercise will be a strong reference point in the nation’s history, a source of courage and positive drive for the initiative that is aimed at consolidating the strides of this present administration.
‘‘This administration has been very supportive and will continue to support the APRM process, knowing its importance which enhances transparency and good governance, strengthens our democracy, identifies and addresses critical challenges as well as promotes all-inclusiveness,’’ he said.