From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that in the spirit of African solidarity and brotherliness, Nigeria will support the Republic of Burundi in diverse ways as necessary.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he gave the assurance Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the Special Envoy of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who came with a message.
Minister of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning of Burundi, Hon Audace Niyonzima, said his President sent goodwill for the New Year to Nigerians and President Buhari and also wishes the country well in general elections scheduled for February and March, this year.
“We pray that the polls would be peaceful and successful so that Nigeria would maintain her reputation as a bastion of peace and stability,” the Special Envoy said.
On request for assistance in the area of energy provision, particularly fuel, by the Burundi leader, President Buhari said he knows what it feels like for a country to suffer from energy shortage, and promised that he would get the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to look into the request.
He said he was looking forward to the polls, and retirement, since he had satisfied the constitutionally required two terms to be in office.