The Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN) has congratulated President Mohammadu Buhari on his reelection and described his victory as success to all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious beliefs.
The RIFAN President, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the president’s reelection “is well deserved victory and an act of God’’.
“The over 12 million rice farmers across the country joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on his reelection.
“This is in fulfilment of the next level promised Nigerians by President Buhari.
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“This is a keenly contested election and his triumph signified the acceptability of his style of leadership by the majority of Nigerian citizens and the quest for continuity,’’ he said.
According to Goroyo, the re-election of the president is to ensure Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.
He said that the step would help in moving the nation from over dependence on crude oil to a non-oil economy.
“We all fulfilled our promises and exhibited unalloyed commitment in making sure that bulk of our votes went for the president to achieve the desired transformation for the country.
Goroyo said the president’s reelection was an indication that his commitment to agriculture through various schemes would soon end challenges of hunger, poverty, food security and unemployment.
He said that before this administration, the country was a net importer of rice to the detriment of the economy and the farmers.
“The country’s dependence on food imports in the past was hurting local production, reducing farmers’ welfare and contributing to increasing unemployment.
“The difference is very clear now as the rice import has reduced to 5 per cent and it is only done through the informal process.’’
Goronyo also commended the electorate and the electoral umpire for the peaceful conduct of the election. (NAN)
