Yemi Osinbajo (middle)Political stability in the West African sub-region is an important element in the fight against Boko Haram and insurgency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Saturday.
Mr. Osinbajo was speaking in Niamey, Niger Republic, at the inauguration of President Mahamadou Issoufou who was being sworn in for a second term in office. He had gone to represent President Muhammadu Buhari who was in Washington D.C. for the Nuclear Security Summit.
The Vice President said the re-election of the Nigerien leader is significant for the sub-regional coalition against insurgents and terrorists, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande.
According to him, “as you know, Niger is an important partner, and also an important ally in the war against terrorism and we are good neighbours.”
Mr. Osinsabo noted that Issoufou’s investiture “has great significance because first Nigeria understands President Issoufou well. He is an old hand and Nigeria has worked well with him as a partner. So, his re-election brings continuity and is good for the fight against Boko Haram and the insurgency in general.”
He said Nigeria holds the Nigerien President in high esteem, adding that “he is an old friend of President Buhari who is abroad attending the nuclear security summit in Washington, USA, which is why he could not attend this event.”
The Nigerien President’s inauguration was also an opportunity to honour a strong ally and “to reinforce all our important diplomatic and military ties”, he added.
In his inauguration address after he was sworn-in, President Issoufou noted insecurity is global.
He restated Niger’s renewed commitment to join forces with Nigeria and other neighbours to fight insurgency at the sub-regional level.
About fifty two countries witnessed the ceremony including nine West African presidents.
There were also several Nigerian dignitaries at the occasion including the APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and several governors especially from the Northern States.