Buhari backtracks, says will uphold rule of law
By Chizitelu Munachimso
Days after causing outrage over with his comments that he would flout the law in the interest of national security, President Muhammadu Buhari has backtracked to say he would uphold the sanctity of the rule of law.
President Buhari spoke on Friday while receiving German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and other visit German government officials. He told the German leader that his administration will respect all agreements it enters into.
In his remarks during the bilateral meeting, the President said unity and harmony in every society can only be preserved by observing the rule of law, and ensuring that agreements reached in good faith are followed through for the mutual benefit of countries.
He told Chancellor Merkel and members of her delegation that the rule of law embodies all the rightful mechanisms for conflict resolution, both within the country, and in dealing with all foreign partners, assuring that his administration remains focused on delivering a peaceful, economically viable and politically stable polity to all Nigerians.
The President said Nigeria remains grateful to the German government for the fair treatment of migrants.
He said Nigeria looks forward to improving its trade figures with Germany, which had taken strong interest in investing in the country and supporting the government in providing effective services in security, education and creation of jobs adding that his administration instituted reforms in the economy to make it more internationally attractive and business friendly for investors, noting that infrastructure development had been a priority, especially in power supply, road and rail constructions.
President Buhari who said Nigeria was politically stable and that its economy was already responding to the diversification reforms and the stimulus of the government as growth is now largely driven by the non-oil sector, urged German investors to take advantage of the friendly climate.
“I enjoin you to invest in Nigeria because this is the best time to do so,” he added.
President Buhari noted that the successful political transitions since 1999 were clear indications of the country’s stability and preparedness to welcome more investments that will bolster the economy.
Responding, Merkel said Germany is prepared to further strengthen bilateral and business relations with Nigeria, which, according to her, controls 60 per cent of ECOWAS economy.
The German leader said the population growth and opportunities in the economy can always be explored to improve employment situation in the country.
She said the three Memoranda of Understanding signed during the visit represent a starting point for a healthier and deeper partnership with Nigeria in areas of security, trade, immigration and education.
The Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Volkswagen of South Africa for the manufacturing of Volkswagen vehicles in Nigeria, while Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Petkus Technologies GMBH for the supply of seed and grain processing machines.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German African Business Association on fostering trade and investment.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE MEETING:
