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…Russia hails free, fair polls in Nigeria
By Nasir Kura
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election for a new presidential term.
In a telephone conversation with the president on Thursday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the president success and good health in his second term in office.
The Saudi King also extended good wishes of steady progress and prosperity to the government and people of Nigeria.
The president expressed appreciation to the King, affirming his readiness to enhance aspects of cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
Also, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the president, wishing him success.
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, also sent a congratulatory message, saying, ”I am honoured to extend my congratulations to you personally, Mr President, and the people of Nigeria on the successful conduct of free, transparent and credible Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 23, 2019, that will shape the destiny of this nation for the upcoming four years and beyond.”
While describing the elections as yet another substantial step towards strengthening of Nigerian democracy, the Russian Ambassador said: ” It is my conviction that your decisive victory will pave the way for yet stronger and more prosperous Nigeria that you will be able to deliver on the people’s mandate.”
He also expressed hope that the president’s second term in office would be associated with further enhancements of bilateral cooperation and closer contacts between the two countries.
On his part, UK Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, said: ”I offer my congratulations to President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President. The UK is a long-standing friend and partner of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, and a stable and prosperous Nigeria benefits Africa and the world.”
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in its congratulatory message said:
”France congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election on February 23. It will continue to stand by Nigeria and to provide its full support for the implementation of the country’s priorities, especially economic diversification, job creation, counter terrorism and the fight against corruption.”
The president has also received congratulatory messages from Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya.
