Buhari Commends U.S Historic Role in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed appreciation for the

important role the United States Government played in the success of the

2015 general elections in Nigeria.
Receiving the outgoing Ambassador of the U.S, Mr James Entwistle, at the

State House, President Buhari said the U.S insistence on free, fair and

violent-free elections largely contributed to the deepening of democracy

in the country.
“The U.S support before, during and after the 2015 elections was vital to

Nigeria's stability and I will never forget the role they played in the

stability of Nigeria.
“We were lucky to have had an INEC Chairman who was competent and

courageous.
“Mr Ambassador, you occupied a position at a very strategic time in

Nigeria's history and I hope our historians will record this because it

meant so much for our stability.
“I hope you write a book on your experience in Nigeria. The commitment of

U.S in supporting Nigeria has been unprecedented, '' the President told

the outgoing U.S envoy.
President Buhari also thanked the Americans for their military,

intelligence and humanitarian support to Nigeria on the ongoing Boko Haram

insurgency.
He said Nigeria also valued U.S contributions to promoting regional peace

and stability through the instrumentality of the G7.

President Buhari also received in audience the outgoing High Commissioner

of Canada to Nigeria, Ambassador Perry Calderwood.
The President commended the Government of Canada's humanitarian assistance

to Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North East, and their

commitment to polio eradication in the country.
He highlighted the Federal Government's effort to facilitate voluntary

return of displaced persons in addition to ensuring that conditions in

North-eastern Nigeria improve significantly before the next farming

season.
In their separate remarks, Ambassadors Entwistle and Calderwood had

expressed concern on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the North

East with looming reports of food crisis and malnutrition.

Entwistle said the bilateral relationship between both countries had

remained very vibrant and cordial.
“I had a marvellous three-and-half years in Nigeria and I am grateful to

have been involved in the memorable elections in 2015,'' he said.

On his part, Calderwood conveyed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's desire to

strengthen ties with Nigeria in Canada's quest for partnership on

international engagements, including its bid for a non-permanent seat in

the UN Security Council, 2021-2022.
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