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‘He has a sterling record’ — Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bassirou Faye on his
victory as Senegal’s president-elect.
Tinubu’s felicitations are contained in a statement issued
on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson.
Although the official results are yet to be announced,
tallies released so far predict a win for Faye.
Ahead of the declaration, opposition leaders, including
Amadou Ba, former prime minister and the presidential candidate of the ruling
coalition, and Senegalese citizens have congratulated 44-year-old Faye.
Tinubu said Faye has great promise and a sterling record and
wished him success in his new role.
The president also congratulated Macky Sall, outgoing Senegalese
leader, for overseeing an election widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent.
Senegal’s election was initially slated for February 25
before it was postponed by Sall — a development which led to unrest in the
country.
The opposition viewed Sall’s action as an attempt to extend
his stay in office beyond the constitutional limit, despite his promise not to
run for a third term.
Tinubu said the success of the presidential election in
Senegal and Liberia a few months ago has affirmed his long-held conviction that
the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa.
As chairman of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS), the president said the successful conduct of the Senegal election is
a boost to the sub-regional organisation in its efforts to promote peace and
constitutional order, as well as strengthen ties among member states.
Tinubu congratulated the people of Senegal and assured them
of Nigeria’s best wishes and support.
