Buhari lauds Cameron’s resignation

President Muhammadu Buhari says he regrets the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron, which will come into effect in October.

However, Nigeria looks forward to a greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.

Cameron resigned, bringing to an end his six-year leadership after the British public voted to turn their backs on the European Union.

A statement by presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, said Cameron’s resignation was a demonstration of courage by a leader showing respect to the will of the people “ even if he didn’t agree with their decision.”

President Buhari noted that by ‘‘putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voters’ sovereignty.’’

He became Prime Minister as the leader of a coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. He was re-elected Prime Minister in the 2015 election when his party won a parliamentary majority for the first time since 1992.

Analysts say the withdrawal of Britain from the EU may also jeopardise Nigeria’s economic relationship with the Union in terms of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Britain’s exit it is expected would also affect Nigeria in terms donations made for development.

 

Elizabeth Archibong