President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the incoming British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, saying his achievement will be inspiring to young people across the Commonwealth nations.
Sunak emerged PM after polling more backing from MPs in the Tory leadership contest, forcing his rival to withdraw from the race.
In a statement on Tuesday, President Buhari reminded the 42-year-old of the partnership and unbreakable friendship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
He said, “On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the largest of 21 countries of Africa that are members of the Commonwealth, I welcome incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to office.
“As the first Prime Minister of British-Asian descent and the youngest in about 200 years, these milestones will be especially inspiring for young people across our 2.4 billion-population, 56-nation Commonwealth.
“On this important day, we should also remember the enduring partnership and unbreakable friendship between our countries, United Kingdom and Nigeria.
“We stand together in this troubled world against terrorism. We are determined to address the world food crisis that is driving up the cost of living for people &families across the globe. We are steadfast in our commitment to make our countries and our allies more energy secure.
“We are pledged to address climate change that forces millions to leave their homes through desertification & attempt to cross the seas into Europe. We seek to increase trade & investment within and between Commonwealth countries to boost the health and wealth of all our peoples.
“We seek to deepen our partnership with Britain to achieve these objectives, and more.
The government and people of Nigeria look forward to working with Prime Minister Sunak and the leaders of other Commonwealth nations to deliver them.”
Buhari’s message comes after weeks of congratulating Truss
Buhari’s message comes weeks after issuing something similar to Liz Truss who resigned from the position Sunak is assuming.
The statement partly read, “On behalf of the citizens and Government of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the new Prime Minister of Britain, Liz Truss, on her assumption of this trusted position of leadership.
“The President rejoices with the former Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, whose antecedents in government, politics and diplomacy will further shape and strengthen relations with Nigeria and other nations.
“He affirms that the shared ties between Nigeria and Britain remain strong, positive and mutually beneficial, while working with Prime Minister Liz Truss to deepen that relationship in the interest of both countries.”
