Guarantee a fair electoral process, urges Buhari to Bissau-Guineans

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired), on Wednesday urged the citizens of Guinea-Bissau to ensure free and fair electoral processes in their country.

It was while he reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to work with the West African country to support and strengthen democracy and good governance in the sub-region and across the continent. .

"You must always ensure that the electoral process takes place in free and fair conditions," the president said during a one-day state visit to the troubled West African state, where he received the country's highest national honor; the Amilcar Cabral prize and the name of a main street in his honor in Bissau, the capital.

This is according to a statement signed Wednesday evening by the President's Senior Special Assistant for Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled President Buhari pledges to defend the democracy in Africa.< /em>

While offering words of encouragement to Bissau-Guineans to stand with the democratically chosen administration of President Umaro Embaló against threats from undemocratic forces, he encouraged them to support the entrenchment of democratic values in their country.

He said, "You must always ensure that the electoral process takes place in free and fair conditions."

The president also welcomed the awarding of the country's highest national honor, the Amilcar Cabral award, and the naming of a main street in Bissau, the capital, in his honor.

“During this one-day official visit to Bissau today, we had the opportunity to review the state of our bilateral relations and share our concerns on the challenges we face in the region.

"I really appreciate the fact that two roads have been named in my honor, as well as Guinea-Bissau's highest honor.

“I am personally grateful to you, your government and the people of this beautiful country. side of democratic governance.

He said Nigeria's tough stance through the Economic Community of West African States, insisting on the full implementation of the Conakry Peace Accord by imposing sanctions to 19 individuals who obstructed the implementation of the Conakry Accord, helped restore the peace that currently 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 intervened on its own, as well as through ECOWAS, at critical moments in the life of that country, making immense direct contributions and supporting international efforts on the peace process in Guinea-Bissau. This fact has further strengthened our relations, improved understanding and trust between our two countries,” Buhari said.

He then congratulated the people of Guinea-Bissau for rallying around Abhay, a name he affectionately calls President Embalo.

The President assured Embalo of Nigeria's continued readiness to enhance cooperation with Guinea-Bissau at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

For his part, the President of Guinea-Bissau praised Nigeria for always standing by his side during his 20 years of instability.

"You helped us in our elections. You helped stabilize Guinea Bissau. I assure you that your support for democracy in this country and throughout the sub-region is greatly appreciated by the population who, like saw him, gathered to greet you,” he said.

Embalo assured Buhari that he would follow in his footsteps by ensuring free and fair elections in his country and leaving on time at the end of his term.

He also thanked the President for assisting the country with 70 doctors who performed the dual function of training Guineans and performing surgeries in the country without their citizens having to travel to Portugal.< /p>

On the “Amilcar Cabral Award” given to the President and the main street named Boulevard Muhammadu Buhari, President Embalo said the two events reflected the most solemn moment in the country and a recognition of the stabilizing role the President was playing Buhari. in the life of his country, as well as his defense of democracy and its values ​​throughout the sub-region.

He promised to re-invite the President to commission the new Presidential Villa, which is currently under construction even after leaving office, and the building was to be called Muhammadu Buhari Villa.

The Nigerian officials who received the country's merit award were: Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Advisor Major General Babagana Monguno; the President's Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the Director General of the Inte...