In spite of the position of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP that economic statistics differ from economic realities, the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has described news of Nigeria’s exit from recession as “another campaign promise fulfilled”.
A statement issued Wednesday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said the party “rejoices over latest disclosures by the National Bureau of Statistics NBS and the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN respectively that the country has exited recession after five consecutive quarters of contraction and the country’s foreign reserve has hit $32 billion, the highest mark since January 2015”.
The statement added that, “Nigerians will recall that during the 2015 elections, the APC promised to curb corruption, restore the economy and ensure security of the nation. We commend the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the economic recovery efforts which has evidently started to yield fruits. The APC also commends the National Assembly as it continues to work with the executive on improving the economy and other areas of national life.
“Commendably, the country’s exit from recession was in tandem with the current administration’s forecast that the country will experience economic growth in 2017. This is another demonstration that the President Buhari APC-led administration is one that keeps its promises. “The APC thanks Nigerians for their patience, understanding and support for the President Buhari administration while the economy was in recession.
Although there remains much more work to be done, we assure Nigerians that the administration remains focused on its effort to sustain the economy on the path of growth. “As the President Buhari administration works assiduously to build a new solid foundation, credible image and pull the country out of the present hardships, we appeal for continued patience and the cooperation from Nigerians. While these are difficult times for many Nigerians, we must sustain the hope that brighter days are ahead of us”.
National Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi had on Tuesday said though the “PDP is not praying for the country to be in recession, statistics may indicate one thing, but reality is different”.