President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday underscored the need to have an African continent where the ideals and doctrines of democracy are deeply rooted.
Expressing his contempt for coups, which have become prevalent in the continent in recent years, Buhari wondered why some African countries were still descending into the abyss of unconstitutional change of government, saying “I thought we had finally put that behind us.”
Recounting his experience in military and civilian rule, Buhari said that “multi-party democracy is the best system.”
The President spoke on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa,, Abuja, while playing host to a delegation of the Universal Peace Federation.
On the Peace Summit being planned for Abuja, to bring all African countries together before the end of his administration, President Buhari pledged Nigeria’s support, “relative to resources, to help in stabilizing neighboring countries.”
He decried the problems in the Sahel belt of the continent, lamenting that it is of great concern, as it affects both agriculture and businesses negatively.
The President described the interest of Universal Peace Federation Africa in the continent as “quite genuine,” saying he was very pleased at the development.
Dr Katherine Rigney, Chairperson of the Federation in Africa, and Dr Thomas Walsh, Chairman Universal Peace Federation International, said they believed the forthcoming summit in Nigeria “will top them all,” having held similar meetings in the past in Niger Republic, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, among others.
During the Abuja Summit, President Buhari will be given the Leadership and Good Governance Award, “as appreciation of the fantastic results you’ve brought to Nigeria, and a celebration of your anti-corruption credentials.”