As the United Arab Emirates wraps up its presidential polls, the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has sent a congratulatory message to the new President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Zayed was elected President by a Federal Supreme Council to succeed his half-brother, the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Saturday in Abuja.
“I know that stepping into the shoes of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed is no easy task.
“Because of his vast experience and visionary skills, but I’m confident that his successor is equally well equipped for the task ahead.
“Your predecessor made a mark in the impressive transformation of the UAE, making it a vast business and tourist attraction, building infrastructure, and creating one of the best living standards in the world.
”I’m confident that you are going to build on this great legacy created by your half-brother.”
According to the president, Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation with the UAE which has tremendously helped Nigeria in tracking down illegal assets and tracing terrorist funds.
“Dubai is a reliable partner for the progress of Nigeria and I am confident that under the new leader, such cooperation will grow bigger and stronger.
“I wish President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed God’s guidance and wisdom in the discharge of this enormous responsibility,” the president prayed.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has been tasked with assemblage of support to all APC aspirants in all political positions of their choice.
Also, the first lady, Aisha Buhari, urged stakeholders and women of APC to gather support for all female aspirants of the party.
Buhari made the request on Saturday during the summit of APC female aspirants ahead of 2023 general elections in Abuja. She said that the aim of the summit was to form a united front to ensure the emergence of all female aspirants in the forthcoming elections.
“I will be with you, stand by you and defend you as the first lady of Nigeria” she assured.
She said that women must work hard in unity to create a necessary space within the political arena.
Buhari stressed on the need for women to support themselves to actualize their dreams to ensure gender mainstream and greater women participation in political affairs.
“The efforts made by our party towards promoting women participation are commendable.
“I appreciate the recent party`s gesture in offering free nomination forms for female aspirants,” she said.
She, however, appealed to the party leadership to institutionalize the thirty-five (35) percent affirmative actions in the party`s constitution to guarantee women`s aspirations in achieving more elective and appointive positions for women.
