US, China, Congratulate Buhari, Say Elections Successful, Ready To Work With Nigeria
The United States government has congratulated Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on the “successful presidential election” and for his reelection for another four-year term.
The U. S. in a statement through the office of the Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, in Washington, DC, on Friday, the U. S. commended Nigerians “who participated peacefully in the election” and condemned “those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.”
In the statement entitled: “Nigeria Election Results,” the U.S said it noted the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.
The foreign power also congratulated all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process, while calling on all Nigerians to ensure successful governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections holding March 9.
“Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations,” Pompeo said.
Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended heartfelt congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari on his decisive win in the February 23 presidential election in Nigeria.
In his congratulatory message, President Xi said: ‘‘On the occasion, of your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to, on behalf of the government and people of China and in my own name, extend to Your Excellency warmest congratulations and best wishes. I wish you continued success in fulfilling the lofty mission.’’
President Xi said, through joints efforts with President Buhari, Nigeria and China in recent years have significantly enhanced political mutual trust and secured fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, which have delivered tangible benefits to both countries. ‘‘I highly value China’s relations with Nigeria and stand ready to join hands with you to follow through on the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and take the China-Nigeria strategic partnership to a new height, to the greater benefits of the two countries and two peoples,’’ President Xi said.