we’ll back Buhari’s security, economic plans----US

 

                            The United States will back Nigeria to bring back the 219 Chibok schoolgirls.

                   Besides, it will support the battle against Boko Haram, Vice President Joe Biden has told President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

                        Biden telephoned Gen. Buhari to congratulate him on his victory at the March 28 poll.

Here are excerpts from the conversation made available by the All Progressives Congress (APC): “Vice President Biden spoke with Nigerian President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him on his victory in the Nigerian elections and affirm that the United States stands ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria on issues of common concern, including economic and security matters.

“The Vice President commended President-elect Buhari for his leadership in helping to ensure the elections were conducted peacefully and urged him to continue to foster a smooth, inclusive and peaceful transition with President (Goodluck) Jonathan.  The Vice President expressed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter Boko Haram, recover hostages held by the group and protect civilian populations.  The Vice President also expressed the willingness of the United States to partner more closely with Nigeria to strengthen its economy.”

In Abuja yesterday, President Jonathan urged world leaders and international institutions to support the incoming Buhari administration.

The President also urged Nigerians to do their best to help Gen. Buhari succeed in leading the country to greater heights.

At separate audiences with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia, Jonathan appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which, he said, General Buhari will need to lift the country up to greater peace, security and progress.

Responding to the commendation of his exemplary concession of victory in the presidential election by the new ambassadors, President Jonathan said he acted out of his abiding conviction that the unity, well-being and progress of Nigeria must supersede all personal ambitions.

“Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first.

“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition.

“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy,’’ Dr. Jonathan said.

He told French ambassador Denis Guaer: “President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary. He has been very supportive of the country in the fight against terrorism. I expect that the same warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming government. I expect that France will continue to work with the new administration, especially on issues of terrorism.

“The United Nations has been supportive as well. Our troops, supported by regional forces, have done very well in fighting the terrorists in recent times. What we need now is support to help our people get back their lives,’’ he said.

The ambassador said: “Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example. And it is all by your effort, Mr. President. The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it.”

Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to President Jonathan, also assured him that they will do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries.