The Reporters News

 

Nigeria, Niger Republic Remain One with Same Language, Culture - Buhari

 President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his admiration for Niger Republic, saying the two countries have same culture and language, and should see each other as one. 

President Buhari recently told his then Nigerien counterpart, Muhammadu Issouffou, that the two countries were one, adding that the "artificial borders" created by colonial powers should be ignored. 

The President had prior to that time faced criticism from Nigerians over his pro-Niger policies, programmes and projects including the expensive rail line from Kano to Maradin which Nigeria is expected to fund. 

 President Buhari on  Monday played host to the newly inaugurated President of the country, Mohamed Bazoum, who was in Nigeria on his first international visit. 

“We will stabilize our region for the benefit of the two countries," the Nigerian President said.  

President Buhari said Nigerians and Nigeriens are people with similar culture, language and ways of life, “and we also share about 1,500 kilometres of land border, so we cannot ignore each other.” 

The President congratulated Bazoum on winning the recent presidential election, and his successful inauguration into office. 

“You have been in the system for a long time. The only thing is that you had never been President. Now you are one,” the host President said, assuring that Nigeria would assist its close neighbour in diverse ways as required. 

On terrorism, as perpetrated by Boko Haram, President Buhari observed that Republic of Niger also suffers high casualties, vowing; “We will do all it takes to secure our two countries.” 

President Buhari was thankful to the immediate past President, Issoufou, for what he called “his understanding and sacrifices” to help stabilize the region, urging the successor to maintain the institutions his predecessor had established. 

President Bazoum said he was delighted to make Nigeria his first port of call, noting that the two countries have common interests, “and, therefore, a good relationship is very important. 

”On security, he observed that the fact that some Nigerians flee to Niger during terrorist attacks “shows that we need to cooperate, and we will face our challenges together.”