Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair assures Buhari of International Support

 

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said yesterday that the international community is standing sol­idly behind the President-elect, General Muham­madu Buhari, and the Vice presiden-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The assurance came as for­mer governor of Bayela State and chairman of All Progres­sives Congress (APC) Inau­guration Committee, Chief Timipre Sylva, declared that Nigeria could not afford a flamboyant transition pro­gramme.

Speaking after a meeting with Buhari, Blair said Nigeria has earned the respect of the whole world by the peaceful manner she conducted her gen­eral elections. The former prime minister said: “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 lie 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 whatever way we can, stand ready to support you and help you.”

Responding, Buhari noted that at a meeting, “the issue of how Britain and the United States helped us in making sure that we conduct ourselves ac­cording to our constitution” were discussed and we thank them for their efforts at ensur­ing that the will of the people triumphed.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Timipre Sylva has revealed that the country is not presently buoyant to have a flamboyant handover cere­mony due to economic crunch facing the country.