Buhari, PDP congratulate new UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

President Muhammadu Buhari has warmly congratulated Mr Boris Johnson who has been named the new British Prime Minister.

A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), said the President also felicitated with Mrs Theresa May for providing visionary leadership for the country.

The statement said, in a goodwill message, the President said, “In Nigeria, we respect the choice of British people and we are ready to work with the new Prime Minister to improve our close relations.

“Britain has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable allies, especially in supporting the efforts of this administration to improve security and stamp out corruption and graft.

“As Mr Johnson steps into Mrs May’s shoes, we look forward to the continuation of the good relationships that bind us together for many years.’’

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President Buhari added that “we value this relationship so deeply that, regardless of who is in charge, this relationship should survive the political changes in the UK.’’

The President praised the British democratic model, describing it as one of the most successful systems in the world, which has survived time.

In a related development, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and teeming members of the PDP congratulated Johnson, as he assumed office.

A statement issued by Kola Ologbondiyan, the party’s  National Publicity Secretary, said the main opposition party looked forward to the days ahead with confidence that Britain will have a more proactive approach in her relationship with Nigeria in critical sectors of our national life.

It said: “We look forward to an enhanced synergy that would boost democracy and good governance within the Commonwealth States as well as reinvigorate trade and economic activities, free press, increase access to education and transfer of technology; greater cooperation in security and military needs, among many other areas of mutual interests between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”

The PDP also congratulated the Government of the United Kingdom on the successful election of a new Prime Minister.