TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari wants James Entwistle, the outgoing ambassador of the US, to write a book on his years of working in Nigeria.

Receiving Entwistle as well as Perry Calderwood, the outgoing high commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, at the state house on Monday, Buhari expressed appreciation to the US for its important roles in the success of Nigeria’s 2015 general elections.

He said US’s insistence on free, fair and violent-free elections largely contributed to the deepening of democracy in the country.

“The U.S support before, during and after the 2015 elections was vital to Nigeria’s stability and I will never forget the role they played in the stability of Nigeria.

“We were lucky to have had an INEC chairman who was competent and courageous.

“Mr ambassador, you occupied a position at a very strategic time in Nigeria’s history and I hope our historians will record this because it meant so much for our stability. I hope you write a book on your experience in Nigeria.”

The president also thanked the Americans for their military, intelligence and humanitarian support in the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

According to him, Nigeria also values the US contributions to promoting regional peace and stability through the instrumentality of the G7.

Buhari commended the government of Canada for its humanitarian assistance to Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the north east, and for the commitment to polio eradication in the country.

He highlighted the federal government’s effort to facilitate voluntary return of displaced persons in addition to ensuring that conditions in north-eastern Nigeria improve significantly before the next farming season.

In separate remarks, Entwistle and Calderwood expressed concerns on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the north east-with, particularly with reports of food crisis and malnutrition.

Entwistle said the bilateral relationship between both countries remained very vibrant and cordial during his time.

“I had a marvellous three-and-half years in Nigeria and I am grateful to have been involved in the memorable elections in 2015,” he said.

On his part, Calderwood conveyed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s desire to strengthen ties with Nigeria in Canada’s quest for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council,  2021-2022.