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Tag: letter of credence

2019 elections result’ll reflect people’s will, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said he understands the yearnings of Nigerians and strongly believed in the collective dream for a greater country, assuring that all will be done to ensure that results of 2019 elections reflect the will of the people.

He made the remark while receiving Letter of Credence from Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr Jyrki Juhani Pulkkinen, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said Nigerians reserved the right to elect leaders at various levels in 2019, and all efforts will be made to safeguard the integrity of the process.

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“I respect the people’s feelings. I assure all that we will have a free and fair election next year.’’ he said

The President congratulated Finland on its 101 independence anniversary, December 6, 2018 and commended the growing relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), trade and education.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Finland said the areas of mutual benefit in relations with Nigeria can be extended to electricity, smart technology and crises management initiatives, pointing out that he will work hard to improve the trade figures and exchanges.

“We will like to contribute to Africa rising, and we know that Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, so we are very interested in the growth of Nigeria,’’ he said.

At the level of the United Nations, Dr Pulkkinen said his country will continue to support the restructuring of the multilateral institution to give greater roles to African countries like Nigeria.

President Buhari, who also received letter of Credence from Ambassador of France, Mr Jerome Pasquier, said French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and the stopover in Lagos, was really impressive in bolstering both countries’ relations.

The President said he was impressed with relations between France and its former colonies in Africa, noting that France continues to play positive roles in promoting security and economic growth in the countries.

“France is investing so much in Nigeria and we are grateful,’’ he added.

President Buhari, however, called for more support in the fight against terrorism as the networks keep expanding with fighters moving across borders to support insurgents.

Responding, France Ambassador said President Macron will continue to support Nigeria, especially in the ongoing war against terrorism, with specific interest in gathering and sharing of intelligence.

He commended the President for Nigeria’s role in resolving the crisis in Togo and Guinea Bissau.

President Buhari equally received Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Mr. Marek Skolil, assuring him of improved economic relations in areas like solid minerals exploration.

Mr. Skolil said his country will continue to support Nigeria’s military in the fight against terrorism in the North East.

“Nigeria is a very important country for us. We look forward to stronger ties, particularly with the armed forces,’’ he said

December 6, 2018
Climate Change: Buhari seeks support from international community

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja reiterated the need for sustained financial, technical and capacity building support from the international community to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

Receiving a Letter of Credence from Mr Robert Jan Petri, the Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, President Buhari said Nigeria would continue to vigorously pursue the replenishment of the Lake Chad Basin, which has dried up to 10 percent of its original size.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity Femi Adesina, the President said ”With the population growth in Nigeria and the drying up of the Lake Chad, we have to move faster and adapt to the impacts of climate change through technological solutions, ”

The President told the Dutch Ambassador that following Nigeria’s active participation in UN-organized Climate Change conferences in 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Nigerian government successfully hosted a high-level international conference on Lake Chad in February 2018.

He noted that the high-level conference provided an opportunity to push further options to restore the Lake Chad, including the inter-basin water transfer project from Ubangi River in Central Africa to the Lake.

On agriculture, the President welcomed the interest by some Nigerian doctoral students studying in the Netherlands on developing the sector through research and innovation, particularly the livestock sector.

In separate remarks, while receiving the Letter of Credence from the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana, Mr Pule Mphothwe, President Buhari commended the Southern African country for its consistent support to Nigeria in the international fora.

Recounting Nigeria’s leadership role in the liberation of African countries from colonial domination, the President said: ”It is a national duty to support our African brothers in their time of need.”

The President who also received Letter of Credence from Mr Houssam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to Nigeria, commended Lebanon for successful parliamentary elections, commitment to stability and security in the Middle East, as well as assistance to Syrian refugees.

In their separate remarks, the Ambassadors while highlighting the existing and cordial relations between Nigeria and their countries, called for increased trade and economic cooperation.

The Dutch Ambassador said, ”we are in the process of intensifying our cooperation, particularly on agriculture where we can offer our expertise, being the second largest exporter of food after the United States.”

Notably, the Botswana High Commissioner told President Buhari that several companies from his country had indicated interest to invest in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, sports and creative arts sectors.

”Sequel to the visit to my country (Botswana) by your predecessor in 2011, there is a great desire for my President to visit Nigeria,” Amb. Mphothwe said.

May 8, 2018
Buhari seeks stronger commitment for South Sudan’s peace

…Says Nigeria ‘ll continue to support the peace process

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday called for stronger commitment to the implementation of the peace process in South Sudan.

He also assured that the Federal Government of Nigeria will remain steadfast in following up to ensure that the country regains stability.

Buhari spoke in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan, Mr. Paul Malong Akaro, at the State House.

The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that delay in implementing the peace accord had affected the development of the country in spite of the lofty potentials for growth.

He said: ‘‘I was a little disappointed with the subsequent developments in your country. I was hoping that we can move forward and develop the great potentials of your country after the peace accord.

‘‘The African Union will continue to hold your leaders to account in implementing the peace process. And the leaders should be able to accommodate one another for the good of your people,’’ the President said.

He told the ambassador that the peace process would be most effective when accepted and implemented by leaders from within the country, without external interventions.

In his remarks, Mr. Akaro said the government of national unity in South Sudan was still committed to the peace process in the country.

‘‘We know that the only way we can achieve stability and development is to implement the peace process. We are grateful for your support,’’ he said.

The President, who also received the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mr. Malainine Sadik-Bachir, said Nigeria will continue to support the country as it strives to realize its goals of development.

‘‘You can be assured that Nigeria will remain steadfast in her support for Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. We will continue to do our best for you,’’ he said.

November 28, 2016
Photos: Buhari receives letter of credence from Bulgaria, others

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving the Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors-Designate on Thursday in Abuja

March 17, 2016
Photo: President Buhari receives letter of credence in Abuja

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (L), RECEIVING LETTER OF CREDENCE FROM THE AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM TO NIGERIA, MR STEPHANE De LOECKERAS, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (L) RECEIVING LETTER OF CREDENCE FROM THE AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA TO NIGERIA, MR STANISIA KAMANZI, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY

L-R AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA TO NIGERIA, MR STANISIA KAMANZI; PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AMB. OZO NWOBU, DURING PRESENTATION OF LETTER OF CREDEENCE TO PRESIDENT BUHARI BY RWANDAN ENVOY AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY

August 6, 2015