US President Biden tells Nigerian President Buhari, ‘You are indeed a model for democracy’
By KEMI KASUMU
The DEFENDER reports that Biden is currently faced with packs of crisis hung on the neck of his country due to its role in the war in Ukraine as it regards western total sanctions it leads against Russia, which said it was fighting to protect the national security and collective interest of his Federation.
United States of America’s President Joe Biden has praised his Nigeria’s counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his efforts in deepening democracy not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa.
The US President said this during the week, precisely on Wednesday, in Washington during his meeting with leaders of six African countries slated to have elections in 2023 on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit taking place in the US Capital.
President Biden said he had followed the trajectory of the Nigerian leader since 2015 when he was elected President from being an opposition leader at a time he (Biden) was a Vice President. He added that it was very heartening that Nigeria is quite a model for democracy, especially the fact that President Buhari is not seeking a third term.
President Biden therefore encouraged President Buhari and the Nigerian electoral umpire to continue to be totally non-partisan.
The US President said the meeting with the select African leaders including those of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone was to discuss elections and democracy in Africa, share experiences with the United States on the forthcoming elections as well as encourage the countries to continue with the democratic process.
According to a statement by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, dated December 15, 2022 and sent to The DEFENDER, President Biden pointed out that he really understands challenges facing the countries and expressed the willingness of the United States to support them in every area assistance may be required.
The DEFENDER reports that Biden is currently faced with packs of crisis hung on the neck of his country due to its role in the war in Ukraine as it regards western total sanctions it leads against Russia, which said it was fighting to protect the national security and collective interest of his Federation.
President Buhari expressed his appreciation to the US President for his positive remarks and congratulated him on attaining the peak of his political career which is the presidency of the country. He also thanked him for organising the Summit with African leaders and wished him well in all his endeavours.
Other photographs from the meeting below:
