By Ishaya Ibrahim
Both President Muhammadu Buhari and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday congratulated Mr Boris Johnson, the new British Prime Minister on his assumption of office.
President Buhari also felicitated with Mrs Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, for providing visionary leadership for the country.
In a goodwill message signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said, “In Nigeria, we respect the choice of British people and we are ready to work with the new Prime Minister to improve our close relations.
“Britain has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable allies, especially in supporting the efforts of this administration to improve security and stamp out corruption and graft.
“As Mr Boris Johnson steps into Mrs May’s shoes, we look forward to continuation of the good relationships that bind us together for many years.’’
He further added, “We value this relationship so deeply that, regardless of who is in charge, this relationship should survive the political changes in the UK.’’
The President praised the British democratic model, describing it as one of the most successful systems in the world.
The national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and members of the party also congratulated Johnson.
“As we look forward to the days ahead, the PDP is confident of a more
proactive Britain, in her relationship with Nigeria in critical sectors
of our national life,” he wrote.
“We look forward to an enhanced synergy that would boost democracy and
good governance within Commonwealth States as well as reinvigorate trade and economic activities, free press, increase access to education and
transfer of technology; greater cooperation in security and military
needs, among many other areas of mutual interests between Nigeria and
the United Kingdom.”
The former foreign secretary was elected leader of Britain’s ruling Conservative Party to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May, having won about two-thirds of the votes by Conservative party members in a run-off with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Johnson was born in New York on June 19, 1964. His father, Stanley Johnson, is a writer and former politician. Johnson graduated from Eton College and later from one of Oxford’s most prestigious colleges, Balliol College.
