The U. S, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kenya have congratulated Nigeria on its successful presidential election and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election, as they look forward to a better bilateral relations with Nigeria in the future, The ICIR reports.
Michael Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, in a statement, noted the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election.
He called on all Nigerians to ensure successful gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections on March 9.
Pompeo said: “The United States congratulates the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.
“We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn 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 localised 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”.
In a telephone conversation on Thursday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia also congratulated President Buhari on his re-election for a second term.
In a statement by the presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, 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 the country.
Likewise, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also sent a cable of congratulations to President Buhari on his re-election, wishing him success and the Nigerian people further development and progress.
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, also sent a congratulatory message to the President on behalf of his country.
“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,” Shebarshin said.
He said that the election is yet another milestone towards further strengthening democracy in the country.
He 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.”
Shebarshin prayed that Buhari’s second term in office would foster further enhancements of bilateral cooperation and closer contacts between the two countries.
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in its congratulatory message also congratulated Buhari and promised to always stand by Nigeria 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,” it added.
Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday congratulated President Buhari upon his victory in the Saturday’s election.
In a tweet posted on his official account, Kenyatta praised Buhari for earning the trust of his people.
The presidential election, held on February 23 saw Buhari poll 15,191,847 votes and his closest challenger, People’s Democratic Party’s candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar polled 11,255,978 votes.
However, Atiku on Wednesday rejected the election results that handed President Muhammadu Buhari a second term.
“It is clear that there were manifest and premeditated malpractices in many states which negate the results announced,” Atiku said in a statement.
Atiku said he would challenge the outcome in court.
“I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court.”
Culled from The ICIR
