Buhari congratulates Brazil’s president-elect

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has warmly congratulated Mr Jair Bolsonaro on his victory in Brazil’s presidential election run-off on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja on Tuesday, the President also felicitated with the people of Brazil for successfully going through the two rounds of the election and making their choice, thereby enhancing the democratic credentials of their country.

Noting that Nigeria shares historical and cultural ties with Brazil, President Buhari said his administration looks forward to deepening such relations as well as expanding current political, trade and military ties with the South American powerhouse.

As President-elect Bolsonaro takes office in January 2019, the Nigerian leader wishes him a successful tenure in confronting his country’s current socio-economic challenges.

The also joined the Nigerian Bar Association and National Judicial Council in celebrating “one of the country’s brightest and resourceful lawyers,” Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), on his 87th birthday.

President Buhari sent warm felicitations to family, friends, close associates and professional colleagues of the legal luminary whose indelible imprint on the legal profession and academia remains legendary.

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President Buhari expressed his belief that Chief Babalola is an inspiration to both the young and old on the power of dreaming big and the audacity of following through, having started out as a Grade 11 teacher who by hard work, discipline and self-motivation propelled himself to great heights of success, including establishment of a private university.

A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), said as the legal luminary marks his 87th birthday, the President affirmed that his wealth of knowledge and wisdom have been rightfully deployed in service of God, his country and humanity, while commending his large-heartedness and love for the poor and vulnerable.

President Buhari prayed for more of God’s abundant grace upon Chief Babalola for longer life, good health and strength to further serve the country and humanity.