President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria to work with Guinea Bissau and other countries towards sustaining and strengthening democracy and good governance in the sub-region and the larger African continent.
President Buhari gave the assurance during a one-day state visit to Guinea Bissau, where he gave words of encouragement to the people of the country for standing with the democratically-chosen administration of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló against threats by undemocratic forces.
The President appreciated the conferment of the country’s highest national honour, the Amilcar Cabral Award, on him as well as the naming of a major street in Bissau, the capital city, after him.
President Buhari said: “In the course of this one-day official visit to Bissau today, we had an opportunity to review the state of our bilateral relations, and to share concerns on the challenges facing us in the region. I very much appreciate the naming of two roads in my honour, as well as being conferred with the highest honour of Guinea Bissau.
“I am personally grateful to you, your government and the people of this fine country. I believe all of these were possible because of the persevering stand of Nigeria in ensuring that Guinea Bissau remains on the side of democratic governance.
“Nigeria’s strong stand through the ECOWAS, in insisting and pushing for the full implementation of the Conakry Peace Agreement by imposing sanctions on 19 individuals who impeded the implementation of the Conakry Agreement helped to restore the peace that now prevails in Guinea Bissau.
“Guinea Bissau and Nigeria have come a long way. Our cordial relations date back to Guinea Bissau’s liberation struggle from Portugal when Nigeria supported the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde.
“Nigeria has on its own, as well as through ECOWAS, intervened at critical periods in the life of this country, making immense direct contributions as well as, by supporting international efforts on the peace process in Guinea Bissau. This fact has further reinforced our relations, enhanced understanding and trust between our two countries.”
The President congratulated the people of Guinea Bissau for rallying around Abhay, a name he fondly calls President Embalo.
He encouraged the people of Bissau-Guineans to support the entrenchment of democratic values in their country, saying: “You should always ensure that the electoral process is conducted in free and fair conditions.”
Continued cooperation
President Buhari concluded his address by assuring President Embalo of the continued disposition of Nigeria towards reinforcing cooperation with Guinea Bissau, both at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The President of Guinea Bissau had praised Nigeria for always standing with them in their 20 years of instability.
“You have assisted us with our elections. You have assisted in stabilising Guinea Bissau. I assure you that your support for democracy in this country and the entire subregion is much appreciated by the people, who as you have seen, trooped to greet you,” President Embalo said.
The Guinea-Bissau leader also assured President Buhari that he would follow in his footsteps in ensuring free and fair elections in his country and leaving at the end of his tenure.
He thanked the Nigerian leader for assisting his country with 70 doctors, who perform the dual duties of training the Guineans and carrying out surgeries in the country without ordinary citizens having to travel to Portugal for medical attention.
On the “Amilcar Cabral Award” conferred on the President and the major street named Muhammadu Buhari Boulevard, President Embalo said the two events reflected the most solemn moment of the country and a recognition of the stabilising role President Buhari has been playing in the life of his country, as well as his defence of democracy and its values throughout the subregion.
New Presidential Villa
President Embalo promised to re-invite President Buhari to commission the new Presidential Villa, now under construction even after leaving office, saying that the edifice will be named Muhammadu Buhari Villa.
Nigerian officials that received the Guinean merit award are: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Chief of Staff to the President, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Rufai Abubakar.
Others are the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Alhaji Sarki Abba, and the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure.
President Buhari later landed in Katsina en route Daura, his hometown.
Abdullah Bello/Simeon Ugbodovon
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