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 entire African continent.

Buhari gave the assurance during his visit
to the embattled West African country on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the President hailed the conferment of the country’s highest national honour, the ‘Amilcar Cabral’ award on him and the naming of a major street in Bissau after him.

He 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 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.

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“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,” Buhari stated.

President Buhari further congratulated the people of Guinea Bissau for rallying around President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, urging them to support the entrenchment of democratic values in the country.

“You should always ensure that the electoral process is conducted in free and fair conditions,” he said.

On his part, the President of Guinea Bissau 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 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,” Embalo said.

He assured President Buhari that he will follow in his footsteps in ensuring free and fair elections in his country and leaving on time when his tenure ends.

He also thanked the President for assisting the country with 70 doctors who perform the dual duties of training the Guineans and performing surgeries in the country without their citizens having to travel to Portugal.

On the ‘Amilcar Cabral Award’ conferred on the President and the major street named as Muhammadu Buhari Boulevard, President Embalo said the two events reflected the most solemn moment of the country and a recognition of the stabilising the role President Buhari is playing in the life of his country as well as the his defence of democracy and its values throughout the sub-region.

The Star