Buhari, Cameron Meet In London, Held Talks

Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has held talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron at his official residence at 10, Downing Street, London.

It was gathered that Buhari and Cameron discussed the threat posed by militant group Boko Haram ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect on May 29, among other issues.

A statement released by the spokesperson of Downing Street on the official website of the UK government, noted that “the Prime Minister welcomed President-elect Buhari of Nigeria to Downing Street this morning. Both leaders congratulated each other on their recent election victories and discussed the challenges facing Nigeria.

“The Prime Minister stressed the UK’s wish to work for a stable, prosperous and secure Nigeria. The leaders discussed security in the region and the fight against terrorism, particularly the threat posed by Boko Haram. They discussed the need for a regional approach and agreed to continue working together to build the capacity of the Nigerian army, with the UK continuing to provide military training and intelligence support.

“On tackling corruption, they agreed this was a priority to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity and success,” adding that “the Prime Minister agreed to look at what technical assistance and support the UK could provide to the Nigerian government as it looks to undertake its reforms.

“They also discussed the need to tackle organised crime and the links between the UK and Nigeria.

“Finally, they talked about the challenges posed by migration from Africa to Europe and the President-elect said he would do all he could to secure Nigeria’s borders,” the statement said.

General Buhari, on Friday, May 22, left the country for Britain on a private visit. It is his first such trip outside the country since winning the March 28 Presidential election.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the head of the Media Team of the President-elect, Garba Shehu, said General Buhari would use the opportunity of the visit to take a much deserved rest ahead of his inauguration on Friday.

“He is expected back in the country a few days before the inauguration, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once he is sworn into office,” the statement read.