Pascal Arogorn Ibe
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, said the peace of Niger Republic must matter to Nigeria , being “ our very close neighbour. ”
He therefore commended the country’ s outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufou and his government for keeping to their country ’ s Constitution with respect to run -off polls scheduled for February 21, 2021.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity , Femi Adesina , the President spoke while receiving in audience former Nigerian Vice President , Namadi Sambo , who is ECOWAS Head of Mission on the elections in Niger Republic .
The statement was titled “ Nigerien run – off polls: President Buhari praises outgoing government for following the constitution . ”
The statement quoted Buhari as congratulating Sambo on the first round of the elections , which produced no clear winner, thus compelling a run -off set for February 21, 2021 as prescribed by the Constitution of the country .
Noting that Niger was our very close neighbour, the President said the peace of the country must matter to Nigeria .
“ Neighbourliness, whether national or individual , is very important , as the peace of your neighbour, or lack of it, may also affect your own well -being , ” Buhari stated .
He wished Republic of Niger , Sambo and his team best of luck, as the run -off polls hold over the weekend.
The ECOWAS Head of Mission said campaigns have been peaceful thus far , as the contending political parties seal deals and alliances for outright victory.
In the first round of election , Mohamed Bazoum , former minister of interior and foreign affairs led with 39. 33 per cent of the vote compared to former president Mahamane Ousmane who polled 17 per cent , both scores falling short of the required 50 per cent for outright presidential victory.
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