President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja called on African leaders to
form a strong united front to defeat terrorism and violent extremism,
which is inhibiting development in Africa.
Receiving Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto at the State House,
President Buhari expressed concern that the continent is still grappling
with acts and effects of terrorism after a successful de-colonisation
campaign.
Acknowledging the valued cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya in the
fight against terrorism, the President commended the East African country
for the recent successes recorded in tackling terrorism in the region.
“A situation in which insecurity continues to obstruct the process of
national development should not be allowed to continue”, the President
told Mr Ruto, a special envoy to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On the forthcoming election of a new leadership for the African Union
Commission (AUC), President Buhari said African States needs a very strong
leadership at the AUC that will encourage member states to refocus their
resources and energy toward human and national development.
On Kenya’s request for Nigeria’s support for the candidature of Amb. Amina
Mohammed, Kenya’s Foreign Minister, who is vying for the AUC Chairperson,
President Buhari said Nigeria will hold robust consultations with other
African leaders on the need for strong and capable leadership that will
respond to the current challenges facing the continent.
In his remarks, Deputy President Ruto commended President Buhari for his
leadership, particularly on regional security and the fight against
corruption.
Ruto said President Buhari’s effort to eradicate terrorism and violent
extremism had emboldened the continent’s resolve to achieve lasting peace
and security.