Former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, has said Nigeria’s peaceful elections and transition of power have earned her respect throughout the whole world.
Speaking shortly after a meeting with the president-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the ex-British prime minister said Nigeria’s image has gone up since the last election, with the clear signs of a peaceful transition by May 29.
This is just as the All Progressives Congress (APC) committee on inauguration has announced that it is planning a low-key inauguration ceremony in deference to the poor state of the Nigerian economy.
Blair however assured Buhari of the goodwill and support of the international community to Nigeria based on the peaceful transition of power.
“In the last few weeks, Nigeria has earned respect throughout the whole world. There is enormous support for Nigeria now in the international community. The support takes into consideration the challenges that lie ahead and there is great confidence in the country,” he said.
While reminding the president-elect of the challenges that lie ahead, Blair expressed the hope that if the government could maintain the same momentum of goodwill that guided the election, then the country was sure of surmounting any difficulty in the coming years.
“This is an election which took place in a way which the country shows the majority of democracies the spirit and character of its people and in the president-elect and vice-president-elect, it is a leadership that I know is determined to do its best for the country.
In his short remark, Buhari commended the United States and “other Western nations for making it possible for Nigeria to conduct a free, fair and credible election”.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the APC Presidential Inauguration Committee, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said that the committee is planning a compact inauguration and hand-over ceremony on May 29.
Source: Thisday
