Re-election: President Buhari meets with National Peace Committee; Receives congratulatory messages from China, US, UK, others
President Muhammadu Buhari has received congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and other world leaders following his re-election.
He also Friday, received in audience the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said that Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended heartfelt
Director Political Section Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Du Sheng, The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina and Deputy Director, Media State House, Mr Abiodun Oladunjiye during the presentation of Congratulatory letter of the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Re-Election of President Buhari Friday at the State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
congratulations to President Buhari on his decisive win in the February 23 presidential election in Nigeria.
The statement said that in his congratulatory message, President Xi said: ‘‘on the occasion, of your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to, on behalf of the government and people of China and in my own name, extend to Your Excellency warmest congratulations and best wishes. I wish you continued success in fulfilling the lofty mission.’’
President Xi said, through joint efforts with President Buhari, Nigeria and China in recent years have significantly enhanced political mutual trust and secured fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, which have delivered tangible benefits to both countries.
‘‘I highly value China’s relations with Nigeria and stand ready to join hands with you to follow through on the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and take the China-Nigeria strategic partnership to a new height, to the greater benefits of the two countries and two peoples,’’ President Xi said.
In another statement, Adesina said that the U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has congratulated the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Buhari on his re-election.
Secretary Pompeo commended all Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and condemned those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.
‘‘We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.
‘‘We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process. We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week. Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations,’’ Secretary Pompeo said.
Also, President Buhari Friday received separate telephone calls from UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, congratulating him on his re-election and wishing the Nigerian people progress and prosperity.
President Buhari thanked the two leaders for their unflinching support to Nigeria and her people, pledging commitment to continue working with them to advance various areas of cooperation.
Members of the National Peace Committee that met with President Buhari in the State House included Gen. Abubakar, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo.
All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole also attended the meeting.
