The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) the governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde has urged the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic measures to protect Nigerians living abroad, describing reports of the poor treatment of citizens, particularly in South Africa, as disturbing.
The presidential hopeful made the call during a visit to Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House, Bauchi, where he also appealed to Nigerians to unite in rebuilding the country amid its current political, economic and governance challenges.
He said Nigeria was passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history, stressing that the desire for genuine change among citizens had never been greater.
Expressing concern over the situation of Nigerians overseas, he urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements with countries where Nigerians face discrimination or abuse in order to safeguard their rights and welfare.
The APM candidate also criticised what he described as unequal treatment of lawmakers in the National Assembly, alleging that some legislators were not given the opportunity to freely express their views during parliamentary proceedings.
He maintained that the APM was not seeking political power to sustain the current system but to “reset” and “reboot” the country through inclusive governance and grassroots-driven reforms.
The presidential candidate further urged Nigerians to embrace issue-based politics, participate actively in the democratic process and work collectively towards building a better nation.
“It is not about us; it is about Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said, calling on citizens to join hands in restoring the country’s fortunes through legitimate democratic means.