Ahead of the 2019 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari has
again given assurance that his government will do all that is necessary
to ensure that the outcome of the vote reflects the will of the Nigerian
people.
He made the statement yesterday when he welcomed the
Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr Jyrki Juhani Pulkkinen, who had
come to present his Letter of Credence to Buhari at the presidential
villa, Abuja.
This is even as the presidential candidate of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said Nigerians would not be
deceived again in the 2019 general elections as was the case in 2015
when they voted for the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress
(APC).
In a statement made available to journalists by his
special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari
said he understands the yearnings of Nigerians and strongly believes in
the collective dream for a greater country.
He assured the people that all will be done to ensure that the results of the 2019 elections reflect the will of the electorate.
President
Buhari said it was the right of Nigerians to elect leaders at various
levels in 2019, and all efforts will be made to safeguard the integrity
of the process.
“I respect the people’s feelings. I assure all that we will have free and fair elections next year”, he stated.
The
president further congratulated Finland on its 101st independence
anniversary, which was yesterday (December 6, 2018) and commended the
growing relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of Information
Communication Technology (ICT), trade and education.
In his
remarks, the ambassador of Finland said the areas of mutual benefit in
relations with Nigeria can be extended to electricity, smart technology
and crises management initiatives, pointing out that he would work hard
to improve the trade figures and other exchanges between the two
countries.
“We will like to contribute to Africa rising, and
we know that Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, so we are
very interested in the growth of Nigeria,’’ he said.
At the level
of the United Nations, Dr Pulkkinen said his country would continue to
support the restructuring of the multilateral institution to give
greater roles to African countries like Nigeria.
President
Buhari, who also received a Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of
France, Mr Jerome Pasquier, said French President Emmanuel Macron’s
visit to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and the stopover in Lagos, was really
impressive in bolstering both countries’ relations.
The
president said he was impressed with relations between France and its
former colonies in Africa, noting that France continues to play positive
roles in promoting security and economic growth in the countries.
“France is investing so much in Nigeria and we are grateful”, he added.
President
Buhari, however, called for more support in the fight against terrorism
as the networks keep expanding with fighters moving across borders to
support insurgents.
In his response, the French ambassador
said President Macron would continue to support Nigeria, especially in
the ongoing war against terrorism, with specific interest in the
gathering and sharing of intelligence.
He commended the president for Nigeria’s role in resolving the crisis in Togo and Guinea Bissau.
President
Buhari equally received the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of
Czech Republic, Mr Marek Skolil, assuring him of improved economic
relations in the area solid minerals exploration.
On his part, Mr
Skolil said his country will continue to support Nigeria’s military in
the fight against terrorism in the North East.
“Nigeria is a very important country for us. We look forward to stronger ties, particularly with the armed forces,’’ he added.
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