NEWS:2019 Elections’ll Be Credible, President Buhari Assures Britain

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured the international community that he is committed to ensuring that 2019 general elections comes out credible, free and fair.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen shortly after a closed door meeting between British Prime Minister, Theresa May and President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, revealed that the President welcomed the United Kingdom’s support aimed at strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.

The statement reads, “I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly.

“Nigeria has accepted multi-party democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder.”

President Buhari appreciated the support the British Prime Minister regarding his   administration’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

“We had great opportunities and resources between 1999 and 2014, due to high oil prices. But when we came in 2015, oil prices plunged to as low as $37 per barrel.

“What we have been doing since 2015 is to focus on infrastructure development, despite low earnings. Work is ongoing on roads, rail, power, and many others”.

Sharing his opinion On Brexit, Buhari pointed out that it provided an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

“We are nervously watching the development about Brexit because we know that the relationship had been on for a long time.  I assure you that I am prepared to strengthen the relationship between our two countries”.

Buhari also thanked Britain for the support on security and the fight against insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria.

“I am very grateful to the British government under your leadership for the help in security, particularly your training team that is in our institution in Kaduna,’’ he said.