Blair: World To Support Nigeria

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday assured President-elect Muhammadu Buhari of the international community’s support.

Blair told reporters after a meeting with Buhari at the Defence House that with the successful conclusion of the elections, Nigeria has earned respect in the comity of nations.

He said the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians, pointing out that there is tremendous support for this country.

The Nation report continues:

Blair said: “In the last few weeks, Nigeria has earned respect throughout the whole world. There is enormous support for Nigeria now in the international community. The support takes into consideration the challenges that lie ahead and there is great confidence in the country.

“This is an election which took place in a way which the country showed the majority of democracies the spirit and character of its people and in the President-elect and Vice President-elect. It is a leadership that I know is determined to do its best for the country.

“Obviously, the future and destiny of Nigeria lies in the hands of its people. I just want to say to the President-elect that there is tremendous support for you and the country at this moment and all of us, in whatever way we can stand ready to support you and help you.

“It is a moment of great challenges which bothers on the life of the people as well as their security and so on. If the same spirit and character that define the election can be taken through these coming years to address the challenges, I think we can all have great confidence in the times ahead.

“Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to see you again here in Nigeria and wish you and your team the best in the times head.”

While expressing appreciation to the British government for their support to Nigeria before, during and after the election, Buhari said: “We had a meeting and discussed how Britain and the United States were helping us in making sure that we conducted ourselves according to our constitution.

“The fact that it has been so successful is a major relief for us and to all people of conscience throughout the world.  I thank the former British Prime Minister for his concern for Nigeria and Nigerians, in what he is prepared to do by continuing to help us as a country and as a people.”