Buhari speaks on results of 2019 elections

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday promised to ensure that the results of next year’s general elections reflect the will of the people.

Buhari said this while acknowledging the yearnings of Nigerians, and expressed strong belief in the collective dream for a greater Nigeria.

The President said this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja while receiving Letter of Credence from Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr Jyrki Juhani Pulkkinen.

Buhari stated that Nigerians reserved the right to elect leaders at various levels in 2019, adding that “all efforts will be made to safeguard the integrity of the process.”

“I respect the people’s feelings. I assure all that we will have a free and fair election next year.’’

The President congratulated Finland on its 101 independence anniversary on December 6, 2018 and commended the country’s growing relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), trade and education.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Finland said the areas of mutual benefit in relations with Nigeria can be extended to electricity, smart technology and crises management initiatives, pointing out that he will work hard to improve the trade figures and exchanges.

“We will like to contribute to Africa rising, and we know that Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, so we are very interested in the growth of Nigeria,’’ he said.

At the level of the United Nations, Dr Pulkkinen said his country will continue to support the restructuring of the multilateral institution to give greater roles to African countries like Nigeria.

Buhari, who also received letter of Credence from the Ambassador of France, Mr Jerome Pasquier, stated that French President, Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and the stopover in Lagos, was really impressive in bolstering both countries’ relations.

The President said he was impressed with relations between France and its former colonies in Africa, noting that France continues to play positive roles in promoting security and economic growth in the countries.

“France is investing so much in Nigeria and we are grateful,’’ he added.

President Buhari, however, called for more support in the fight against terrorism as the networks keep expanding with fighters moving across borders to support insurgents.