On March 21st, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke about his role in the February 25th and March 18th elections. He revealed how he had advised voters to take money from candidates who offered to buy their votes, but to vote according to their conscience. He praised the electorate for proving that they are capable of deciding who leads them without any external influence, given a chance at a free and fair election without any interference.
Buhari expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable passion towards democracy exhibited by Nigerians during the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state Houses of Assembly elections. He believed that Nigeria’s democracy had truly matured, and that voters had the power to make their own decisions without anyone telling them what to do.
During a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House in Abuja, Buhari said he was completely satisfied with his role in the election process. He also commended the outgoing ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she had been there.
When asked by Ambassador Leonard about his future plans, Buhari said he planned to be a “big landlord” back at home, working on his farms and tending to his more than 300 animals, adding that he was eager to return. Ambassador Leonard expressed her gratitude and that of the US government for Buhari’s continuing role in ensuring regional security and strengthening democracy as a system of government. She cited his strong response against the recent surge of coups-d’état in West Africa as worthy of commendation.
The American Ambassador was happy with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations, citing the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries, active collaboration in security, and the supply of military hardware, including warplanes and soon-to-come fighter helicopters. She also mentioned cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and COVID response, giving assurances that the US will continue to assist in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Overall, President Buhari’s remarks revealed his satisfaction with the election process and the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy, as well as his plans for the future and the ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and the US.
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