Buhari hails Nigerians over free and fair election

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanempress

22nd March, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari says the non-interference in the recently-concluded elections and their free and fair nature are proof that Nigerians are capable of deciding who leads them without anyone telling them.

Buhari, who expressed satisfaction with the remarkable passion towards democracy exhibited by Nigerians through the choices they made in the elections, said Nigeria’s democracy had truly attained maturity.

He observed Abuja at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard.

The President commended the outgoing Ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she had been in Nigeria.

The President expressed the hope that Nigeria would continue to make progress in building a nation out of the different and competitive communities, adding that he enjoyed working with the Ambassador, and wished that she had more time to serve in Nigeria.

In an answer to a question by Ambassador Leonard, President Buhari said he planned to be a “big landlord” back at home, working on his farms and tending his more than 300 animals, reiterating that he is eager to go.

The outgoing Ambassador had said she was happy with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in the last three and half years.

She specifically cited the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries, active collaboration in security, the supply of military hardware, including warplanes, and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters, as well as cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and Covid response.

She gave assurances that the US will continue to assist in the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector.