Aso Rock justifies Niger Republic naming road after Buhari

Aso Rock justifies Niger Republic honouring him during another junket

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Muhammadu Buhari, who hardly settles down in his job as Nigeria’s President, has received a reward for his junkets with a road named after him in Niger Republic, and the Villa has put a gloss on his failings at home.

His Media and Publicity Assistant Garba Shehu said the honour shows the respect Nigeria’s neighbours have for his principal.

Less than two weeks after Buhari returned from his latest medical tourism in London where he spent 14 days, he flew to Niamey on Thursday for the African Union (AU) summit on Industrialisation and Economic Diversification.

Shehu, who is on the entourage, spoke in Niamey after Buhari inaugurated a major road named after him.

He said Niger Republic President Mohammed Bazoun, accompanied by the Mayor of Niamey and other officials, took Buhari on a tour of the 3.8-kilometre boulevard.

He quoted Buhari as expressing satisfaction with the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and its neighbours which he said has helped tackle border insecurity, illegal arms import, and smuggling.

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Results of dialogue with neighbours

Buhari on assumption of office in 2015, opened dialogue with neighbouring Niger, Benin, Chad, and Cameroon that has produced positive diplomatic ties of mutual interests, Shehu explained, per Vanguard.

“President Buhari has strong respect for our neighbours, and he understands the essence of good neighbourliness.

“Before this administration, some of these countries complained that they were not even being talked to by [the] Nigerian leadership. We have opened up dialogue with them and it is paying off.

“We are partnering with them on essential matters, especially on security, tackling smuggling, and importation of illegal weapons, so the partnership is complete.”

Shehu enthused Buhari would leave behind on 29 May 2023 a relationship built on a solid rock with Nigeria’s neighbours expected to be built upon by his successor.