President of China, Xi Jinping has congratulated Nigeria and President Buhari on the occasion of its 62nd independence anniversary from colonial rule.
The Chinese President, who congratulated Nigeria in a letter, said the Sino-Nigerian relations enjoy “sound momentum, with political mutual trust being enhanced, cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results and coordination on international and regional affairs being closer.”
President Buhari also said relations between the two countries had “achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits,” adding that Nigeria sought to elevate the strategic partnership to a new level.
The President addressed the nation earlier on Saturday with television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets hooked up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Senate President and chairman of the National Assembly, Ahmad Lawan, presidential candidates of some political parties, state governors and other leaders have felicitated Nigerians on the 62nd anniversary celebration.
The Senate President sued for peace as he scored the security agencies high, noting that they had done well in recent times by improving security across the country. He enjoined political actors to engage in issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speech and violence.
In addition, he urged lawmakers to balance their words and deeds “in accordance with what is clearly developing as a legacy of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration” to ensure peaceful electioneering and free and fair elections.
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, stated that the celebration of Independence Day should rouse the conscience of Nigerians toward the consolidation of unity among its populace.
He exhorted all religious believers in the nation to continue plead with God to maintain Nigeria as a peaceful, prosperous nation for the benefit of its citizens.