Nigeria will support democracy in West African countries -Buhari

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, promised to support West African countries where elections will hold soon.

He said the supports would be aimed at ensuring that the elections are conducted smoothly.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President made the promise while receiving President Roch Kabore of Burkina Faso at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement was titled “Nigeria will support consolidation of democracy in ECOWAS countries, President Buhari assures.”

Adesina quoted the President as saying that Nigeria will, within the limits of resources, do her best to support the consolidation of democracy in West African countries.

Buhari said, “We are keeping tabs on situations in countries that have elections ahead.

“We know the countries that are calm and the ones where there have been unfortunate casualties.

“We will always support those who have elections ahead, so that things can go smoothly.”

According to the statement, Burkina Faso holds legislative elections in November.

Kabore, who chairs the Economic, Trade and Liberalisation Scheme of ECOWAS, said he was in Nigeria to discuss crucial sub-regional issues with President Buhari.

These include the convening of a joint commission meeting between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, reported trade difficulties among Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Benin, and Niger Republic, and the way forward.

Kabore was said to have commended Buhari for what he called “strong leadership and support” displayed by the Nigerian leader in his capacity as Chairman of COVID-19 response in West Africa.

“I must also applaud your strong leadership against terrorism in the sub-region,” the Burkinabe leader reportedly said.

On the situation in Mali, he was said to have expressed hope that the summit held in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, would yield positive results, stressing that “We need cohesion all over West Africa.”