Buhari Commends U.S Historic Role in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed appreciation for the
important role the United States Government played in the success of the
2015 general elections in Nigeria.
Receiving the outgoing Ambassador of the U.S, Mr James Entwistle, at the
State House, President Buhari said the U.S insistence on free, fair and
violent-free elections largely contributed to the deepening of democracy
in the country.
“The U.S support before, during and after the 2015 elections was vital to
Nigeria’s stability and I will never forget the role they played in the
stability of Nigeria.
“We were lucky to have had an INEC Chairman who was competent and
courageous.
“Mr Ambassador, you occupied a position at a very strategic time in
Nigeria’s history and I hope our historians will record this because it
meant so much for our stability.
“I hope you write a book on your experience in Nigeria. The commitment of
U.S in supporting Nigeria has been unprecedented, ’’ the President told
the outgoing U.S envoy.
President Buhari also thanked the Americans for their military,
intelligence and humanitarian support to Nigeria on the ongoing Boko Haram
insurgency.
He said Nigeria also valued U.S contributions to promoting regional peace
and stability through the instrumentality of the G7.
President Buhari also received in audience the outgoing High Commissioner
of Canada to Nigeria, Ambassador Perry Calderwood.
The President commended the Government of Canada’s humanitarian assistance
to Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North East, and their
commitment to polio eradication in the country.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s effort to facilitate voluntary
return of displaced persons in addition to ensuring that conditions in
North-eastern Nigeria improve significantly before the next farming
season.
In their separate remarks, Ambassadors Entwistle and Calderwood had
expressed concern on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the North
East with looming reports of food crisis and malnutrition.
Entwistle said the bilateral relationship between both countries had
remained very vibrant and cordial.
“I had a marvellous three-and-half years in Nigeria and I am grateful to
have been involved in the memorable elections in 2015,’’ he said.
On his part, Calderwood conveyed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s desire to
strengthen ties with Nigeria in Canada’s quest for partnership on
international engagements, including its bid for a non-permanent seat in
the UN Security Council, 2021-2022.