President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday told the president-elect of Guinea Bissau Mr Umaro Muhktar Sissoco Embalo that he is committed to the stability, peace, progress and prosperity in the entire West African sub-region.
The president said this when he received Embalo at the State House in Abuja, who came to Nigeria on a “thank you visit” and to express his “good wishes” following his emergence as winner in the elections in his country.
“Without stability, there can be no development. We will do whatever it will take to stabilize the sub-region,” he said.
The president commended the outgoing president, José Mário Vaz, himself a candidate in the elections for supporting the emergence of Embalo in the second round of balloting in the interest of peace and stability.
He said history would remember President Mario Vaz for putting national interest above his own, emphasizing that he cared for peace within the region.
President Buhari expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples and reiterated his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in West Africa.
President-elect Embalo, a businessman-turned politician, was Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau under incumbent President Jose Mario Vaz between 2016 and 2018. He was a member of the ruling African Party of Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) when he founded the Movement for Democratic Alternative (MADEM-G15) on which platform he won the elections.
He praised President Buhari for his support leading to his emergence as winner in the elections and expressed his appreciation for the warm and friendly disposition of Nigeria towards him and the people of his country.
He informed the Nigerian leader of his selection as the Guest of Honour at the Presidential inauguration coming up next month and for which he received assurances from President Buhari that he would make the best efforts to be present.
