President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the new British Prime Minister, Mrs Liz Truss, as she took over the rein of the leadership of Britain.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari noted that Mrs. Truss’ antecedents in politics, government and diplomacy would help in further strengthening the Nigeria-British diplomatic relations.
“On behalf of the citizens and Government of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the new Prime Minister on her assumption of this trusted position of leadership.
“The President rejoices with the former Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, whose antecedents in government, politics and diplomacy will further shape and strengthen relations with Nigeria and other nations.
“He affirms that the shared ties between Nigeria and Britain remains strong, positive and mutually beneficial, while working with Prime Minister Liz Truss to deepen that relationship in the interest of both countries.
“President Buhari appreciates the warmth and friendliness of the immediate past Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wishing him the best in his future endeavours”, the statement said.
Mrs. Truss became U.K. prime minister yesterday and immediately confronted the enormous task ahead of her amid increasing pressure to curb soaring prices, ease labour unrest and fix a health care system burdened by long waiting lists and staff shortages.
At the top of her inbox is the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which threatens to push energy bills to unaffordable levels, shuttering businesses and leaving the nation’s poorest people shivering in icy homes this winter.
Truss, who refused to spell out her energy strategy during the two-month campaign to succeed Boris Johnson, now plans to cap energy bills at a cost to taxpayers of as much as 100 billion pounds ($116 billion), British news media reported. She is expected to unveil her plan tomorrow.
“You must know about the cost of living crisis in England, which is really quite bad at the moment,” said Rebecca Macdougal, 55, who works in law enforcement, outside the Houses of Parliament.
“She’s making promises for that, as she says she’s going to deliver, deliver, deliver. But we will see in, hopefully, the next few weeks there’ll be some announcements which will help the normal working person.”
Truss, 47, took office at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, when Queen Elizabeth II formally asked her to form a new government in a carefully choreographed ceremony dictated by centuries of tradition. Johnson, who announced his intention to step down two months ago, formally resigned during his own audience with the queen a short time earlier.