“I emphasise free and fair elections at all times,” presidential
spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement quoted the President as saying
while receiving the Governor-General of Canada, Julie Payette, at the
Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buhari said Nigeria’s democracy was steadily improving with deeper
understanding of the culture and tenets among the people, and strengthening of
the institutions that guarantee free and fair elections.
He said he saw the evolving strength of democracy in the country by
contesting for presidential elections three times before winning at the fourth
trial in 2015.
The President told his guest that Nigeria had been learning from the
mistakes of those who practised democracy for a longer period and by looking
inward at its own peculiarities.
He added that the bilateral relations with Canada will continue to be
improved considering the huge interest of the country in Nigeria and growing
economic ties, with many Nigerians schooling and working in the country.
Buhari noted that Canada played a brotherly role in helping displaced
persons in the North East, following Boko Haram insurgency.
In her remarks, the Governor-General said Nigeria and Canada enjoyed a
warm and strong partnership that has translated into ease of migration, large
trade relations and cultural exchanges.
Payette, who is an astronaut, said it was important for nations to pool
resources together to start exploring the benefits of space in providing
solutions to some problems on earth.
PUNCH
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