Benin President Urge Nigerians To Elect Transparent, Peaceful Leader

ABUJA, Nov 11, (THEWILL) - President Boni Yayi of Republic of Benin has called on Nigerians to ensure they elect a transparent and peaceful leader as President come 2011. Briefing correspondents after bilateral talks with President Jonathan in State House, Abuja, today, President Yayi noted that Benin looks up to Nigeria for guidance as a big brother, adding that Nigeria has come of age to elect credible leaders through transparent polls. President Yayi’s charge came on the heels of a similar call yesterday by President John Atta Mills of Ghana that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their own leaders. President Yayi also solicited President Jonathan’s support and input, in his capacity as chairman of ECOWAS, towards transparent and credible polls in Benin, saying “Benin’s problems are Nigeria’s problems too and vice versa”. He said Benin is desirous of sustaining and building upon age-long relations with Nigeria. “President Jonathan and I discussed areas of greater cooperation with Nigeria as our big brother, issues of security of our borders, better infrastructure for our peoples, the prosperity of our citizens, and how we can choose transparent and peaceful leaders in the ECOWAS sub-region.” “I am going back to Benin satisfied and happy that President Jonathan is ready to help us,” Yayi stated.