…says he is satisfied with the electoral process
Ajirioghene Imah
President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he was able to curb vote by ensuring Nigerians voted according to their conscience in the February 25 and March 18 general elections.
President Buhari said this while speaking at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House in Abuja,
According to him, he is completely satisfied with his role in the election process, stating that Nigerians showed remarkable passion towards democracy through the choices they made in the Presidential, National Assembly as well as the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
“People are realizing 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 but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”
He further commended the outgoing ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she has been here.
In her remarks, the American Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, said she was happy with the progress made in the Nigeria-US relations in the three–and–half years, specifically 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 the soon-to-come fighter helicopters; and also cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and COVID response, giving assurances that US will continue to assist in the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector.
She also expressed her gratitude and that of the US government for the continuing role of the President in ensuring regional security and strengthening democracy as a system of government, citing his strong response against the recent surge of coups-d’état in West Africa as worthy of commendation.