The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Forum of National Chairmen of Political Parties toward the survival and growth of democracy in the country.

He made the assertion when he received a delegation from the forum led by Chief Maxi Okwu at the Government House, Kano. The governor stated that the forum's appraisal of developmental projects executed by states across the country would strengthen the practice of democracy.

The state chief executive explained that their physical assessment of projects would help the citizenry to appreciate good governance as the forum would not fail to tell the world where it saw a good thing or a bad one done by any administration.

Shekarau maintained that the coming together of political parties under one platform to share ideas was a clear pointer to the fact that political opposition should not translate into antagonism.

He also dwelt extensively on integrity in politics, citing the examples of the late Aminu Kano, Zik and Chief Awolowo, stressing the need for the people to put aside their political differences and work for the collective good of the country.

Earlier, the team leader Chief Maxi Okwu said the forum comprised leaders of 30 political parties in the country that believed that every thing possible must be done to sustain the nation's democracy. He pointed out that beyond opposition, all politicians should be partners in progress.

Shedding light on the purpose of their visit, the Secretary of the forum, Chief Wilson Odumu – Ojobi, said the visit was to assess the workings of democracy in the state and praised the Shekarau-led administration for its giant strides, particularly in water, roads and environmental sanitation sectors as well as projects for the handicapped.

He noted that other state governments are emulating the Kano water project "even though some states are spending almost thrice the amount spent by Kano state government to actualize their projects".

Chief Ojobi remarked that the forum was impressed that Governor Shekarau had straightened the political atmosphere in Kano state, and expressed optimism that other states in the federation would emulate the vision of the governor.