By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the people of Guinea Bissau for the 47th independence anniversary.
Buhari, who was among the African leaders to attend the event, said Nigeria was proud of the former Portugal colony.
He said the Nigerian government would continue to assist Guinea-Bissau in any way possible, saying ‘‘a peaceful and prosperous Guinea-Bissau is a win for West Africa and for Africa.’’
Buhari, along with the Heads of State of Senegal, Mauritania and Burkina Faso, marked the event at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium, Bissau.
Buhari said he was proud of the support Nigeria provided to past electoral processes in the West African country’s commendable efforts to entrench democracy.
‘‘This support can only be increased under my tenure,’’ he said.
Buhari said it is on record that Nigeria’s contribution of troops under the auspices of ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB), helpd to stabilise the country.
He congratulated President Umaro Sissocco Embalo of Guinea Bissau on the 47th Independence anniversary.
‘‘I feel delighted because this is my first official visit to Guinea Bissau since my assumption of office in 2015 and because I am here to join you , brotherly people of Guinea Bissau, as you celebrate this great day with renewed hope and aspiration.
‘‘I am truly grateful for the warm reception accorded me and my delegation, since our arrival in this city.
‘‘As you mark your freedom as a nation ‘free forever’, let me seize this opportunity to salute all Bissau Guineans both at home as well as in the Diaspora, for the strides you have made as a country. Permit me to say Parabens! Congratulations!’’ he said.
