election as President elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
25 April 2007
President Thabo Mbeki has, on behalf of the government and people of the
Republic of South Africa congratulated Nigeria's President elect, Alhaji Umaru
Musa Yar'Adua, on his election as President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
In his congratulatory letter to the Hon Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua,
President Mbeki expressed South Africa's intention to continue to forging
closer working relations between the two countries and to build a better Africa
and the world.
President Mbeki additionally expressed his concurrence with the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Observer Mission when it implored on
the Nigerian electorate, political parties and candidates to use "exclusively
peaceful and constitutional means to seek redress to any electoral grievances
that may arise."
The ECOWAS statement with which President Mbeki is in agreement also said:
"the Nigerian authorities (should) empower the electoral tribunals to fast
track the resolution of all complaints with a view to ensuring the speedy
resolution of all disputes arising from the elections."
Finally, President Mbeki assured Nigeria of South Africa's readiness to
extend a hand of solidarity with the people of Nigeria and wished the Hon
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua well in his endeavours.
Enquiries:
Ronny Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
25 April 2007
