President Muhammadu Buhari, says democracy, rule of law and respect for each other are fast taking roots in Africa.
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said Buhari made the observation during a telephone conversation with the Gambian President-elect, Adama Barrow.
In a statement issued in Abuja, on Monday, Shehu said the telephone conversation took place shortly before President Buhari left Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the 3rd International Forum on Peace and Security.
The statement quoted the president as saying that “Gambia has also become a role model for Africa and the world at large.’’
According to Shehu , Buhari urged Barrow to ensure that the transition process is also as smooth as the electoral process and carry everyone along in his task of taking the Gambia to a new level.
“The President also expressed his admiration at the existing rapport between the President-elect and other contestants especially the current President, who lost the election.
“President Buhari has again congratulated the President-elect of Gambia, Mr Adama Barrrow on his electoral victory,’’ the statement added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President had earlier congratulated Barrow on Dec. 3, after his triumph was announced.
The President also saluted the spirit of statesmanship displayed by the out-going President of the country, Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, by conceding defeat.
NAN also recalls that opposition candidate Adama Barrow, won the Gambian presidential polls with 263,515 votes, to beat the out-going President Yahya Jammeh, who got 212,009 votes, while Mama Kandeh, the third candidate came third with 102,969 votes.
Jammeh ruled the country for 22 years. (NAN)