President Barrack Obama of the United States of America has expressed confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari’s ability to overcome the various challenges facing Nigeria.
He made the remark in Washington DC on Monday while receiving President Buhari, who was on 4-day official visit to the United States.
Obama noted that Buhari came on board with a clear agenda to tackle the problems of corruption, insecurity occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram sect and other violent criminal activities.
Expressing appreciation to Buhari for his leadership style so far, Obama said that his administration would continue to assist and help Nigeria in overcoming the challenges.
He said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome President Buhari and his delegation here in the White House for his first visit since the historic election that took place.
“Nigeria is obviously one of the most important countries in the world, one of the most important countries in the African continent.
“Recently we saw an election in which a peaceful transition to a new government took place. Nevertheless, the people of Nigeria understand that only through a peaceful political process can change takes place”.
Continuing, Obama said: “President Buhari came into office with reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda, that is to make sure that he brings safely security and peace to his country.
“He is very concerned about the spread and the violence that is taking place there and the atrocities and has a very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists.
“I want to emphasize how much I appreciate President Buhari’s work so far. I have seen him put together a team so that we can do everything that we can to help him succeed and help the people of Nigeria succeed”, he added.
He also assured that the American Government would continue to partner with Nigeria towards ensuring political stability in Africa and around the World.
Describing Nigeria as one of the most important countries in the world, he congratulated the country for conducting peaceful elections.
He also commended Nigeria for taking leadership position in the fight against the spread of diseases like Ebola and Polio and pledged that his administration would continue to accord Nigeria the necessary recognition to bring peace to Africa and the world.
In his remarks, President Buhari commended the American Government under the leadership of President Obama for mounting pressure on former Jonathan’s administration to conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria.
Nigeria, he said, will remain forever grateful to America for the singular act.
He said: “The visit of the Secretary of State before the elections to see the former president, the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission and the opposition was a positive trend that saw us through the elections.
“And the maintenance of pressure by United States mainly and Europe to make sure that the elections were free, fair and credible made us to be where we are now.
“It would have been almost impossible if the United States did not maintain the pressure on the former Nigerian Government.’’ he said
He thanked President Obama for inviting him to visit US and his administration’s support to Nigeria.
Governors of Nasarawa, Borno, Imo, Oyo and Edo States as well as some Nigerian government officials accompanied President Buhari during the visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment