ABUJA — Visiting former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, yesterday assured President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the support of the major democracies of the world, especially Britain to enable him succeed.
Blair gave the assurance during his congratulatory visit to Buhari in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting, the former PM hailed the credibility and the tranquillity that defined the last general elections, saying Nigeria and her people had earned the respect of the international community.
He expressed confidence in the incoming government of Buhari, saying it was determined to achieve its set objectives.
He said: “In the last few weeks, Nigeria has earned respect through out 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 hand 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 what ever way we can stand ready to support you and help you. It is a moment of great challenges which bother on the life of the people as well as their security and so on.
“If the same spirit and character that defined 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”.
Also speaking, the president-elect, told journalists of what transpired behind the closed doors.
He 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.”
