President Muhammadu Buhari has said that coup d’états are no longer in vogue and urged African military officers who have political ambition to resign their commission.
The president who was reacting to the recent failed coup in Gabon stated this while receiving letters of credence from the Guinean ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Siaka Cissoko and the Kenyan high commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Wilfred Gisuka Machage at Aso Rock Villa yesterday.
Buhari in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Garba Shehu, called on the military to respect civil authority and enjoined the people of Gabon to remain on the side of peace, security, stability and democracy in their country
“The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coup and government in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone.
“Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected.
“That is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region,” said the president.
He also called on African leaders to support processes that will ensure stronger political institutions across the continent, saying only strong institutions would guarantee stability, peace and economic progress
He told Cissoko that political reforms in African countries could only be sustainable when they reflect the will of the people, and work towards improving their lives.
“I congratulate your President for the progress he is making politically and economically in Guinea. Nigeria will be most willing to render support for your forthcoming elections, where it is needed,’’ he said.
Responding, the ambassador said President Alfa Conde was in full solidarity with President Buhari, who has been championing reforms in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
Buhari also said he was happy with the political maturity that trailed the conclusion of elections in Kenya.
“I have written him formally to congratulate him for winning the elections. I am happy he has settled down to work,’’ he told Machage assured that he would pursue all the details of discussions and agreements between the East African country and Nigeria.
The president also received letter of credence from the Polish ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Joanna Magdalena Tarnawska and urged her to work towards improving close ties between both countries.
