President Muhammadu Buhari says, with the conduct and non-interference in the 2023 General Election on the 25th of February and 18th of March, Nigerians have proved to be capable of deciding who leads them without anyone telling them what to do.
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement, said President Buhari said this on Tuesday at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President said he was completely satisfied with Leonard’s role in the election process, staying above it without meddlesomeness or any form of interference.
The Nigerian leader also expressed satisfaction with the remarkable passion for democracy exhibited by Nigerians through the choices they made in the Presidential, National Assembly and the subsequent Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy has truly matured.
“People are realising their power.
“Given the chance of a free and fair vote, nobody can tell them what to do.
“I am unhappy that some candidates lost in the election; but I am inspired by the fact that voters were able to make their own decision, to decide who won and who lost.
“With the currency change, there was no money to spread around; even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”
The President commended the outgoing Ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years of her tenure in Nigeria.
He chronicled a number of challenges faced by Nigeria as the country continues to strive to unite the diverse communities and achieve national development.
He expressed appreciation for the way the United States was able to hold together as a nation.
He also expressed the hope that Nigeria would continue to make progress in building a nation out of the country’s different and competitive communities.
He commanded the Ambassador for the cordial working relationship between the two countries and wished that she had more time to serve in Nigeria.
Responding to a question posed by Leonard, President Buhari said he planned to be a “big landlord” back Daura, his country home while working his farms and tending his more than 300 cattle.
“I am eager to go,” President Buhari said.
In her remarks, the American Ambassador said she was happy with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in the three years and six months.
She cited the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries; active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware including war planes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters.
The Ambassador also specifically cited cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and the COVID-19 response.
She gave assurance that the US would continue to assist in the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector.
The Ambassador expressed her gratitude and that of the US government to the President for his role in ensuring regional security and strengthening democracy as a system of government.
She cited Buhari’s strong response against the recent surge of coups-d’état in West Africa as worthy of commendation.
Leonard expressed the hope that, even as he is preparing to leave, there were still a few more things that the President could do, including the urgent need to remove fuel subsidy.
