We must strengthen institutions for democracy to survive – Atiku

Atiku said, “The integrity of public institutions,
especially such as the National Assembly, is a mirror to how the interests of
the masses are preserved and protected in a democracy.

“This agitation did not start just recently. It started
during the military era, and it is essential that public institutions,
especially the National Assembly, do not become a tool in the hands of
oppressive governments.

“By our visitation today, we have come to show solidarity
with Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi and to also pass a message to those who
see public office as an instrument to oppress the people, that Senator Ningi is
not alone in this struggle.

“In fact, the entire people of Nigeria and friends of
Nigeria in the international community are behind our drive to cleanse Nigeria
of oppressive nuances of people in positions of authority”.

In response, Senator Ningi who was until his suspension was
the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, expressed gratitude to Atiku and his
delegation for the visit and for choosing to take a stand on the side of the
masses.

Ningi said, “The struggle that we are in today is to make
sure that whichever political party is in power and whoever is in the position
of public office, the interests of the masses must remain sacrosanct and
insulated from the whims of any one individual, no matter how highly placed.”