Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has said the Federal Government’s
decision to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12 was President Muhammadu
Buhari administration’s commitment to progressive ideals.
He gave the hint, Tuesday, when he received at the Presidential
Villa, Mr Aristobulo Isturiz, the Vice President of Venezuela, who is
leading the country’s delegation to Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.
Vice President Isturiz is among world leaders at the head of their
countries’ delegation attending Nigeria’s 2019 Democracy Day activities
in Abuja.
Explaining that the Buhari administration believes in resolving some
of the issues around the annulled June 12 1993 presidential election,
the Vice President added that “One of the principal issues, politically,
was the recognition of that election in 1993 which was won by, now
late, Chief MKO Abiola, an important progressive opposition leader.
“That is why we are celebrating June 12 as our new Democracy Day. So,
we are really very happy that you are able to share with us a very
special event – the celebration of our new democracy day.”
On deepening ties between Nigeria and Venezuela, Prof. Osinbajo said
“we believe that the collaboration between our countries in the economy,
culture and science, amongst others, will be useful to our people. We
need to do a lot as there are many areas for potential cooperation
including in agriculture, oil and gas and mining.”
On his part, Vice President Aristobulo Isturiz spoke on the need for
improved cooperation between both countries including under the auspices
of the non-aligned movement, describing Nigeria as an important
mobiliser on the African continent.
In the same vein, Prof. Osinbajo, in another similar meeting with the
Vice Premier of North Korea, Mr Ri Ryong Nam, said the potentials for
an enhanced cooperation between both countries were enormous.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, “I agree that we can work out a more
dynamic model of cooperation, especially in agriculture and technology.”
“Food processing is one major area that we can look into. I hope we
will be able to advance discussions on cooperation in the identified
areas, and there are many other areas where we can deepen this
cooperation.”
Vice Premier Ri Ryong Nam congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of the country’s Democracy Day celebration.
He said DPRK acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government under
President Buhari to improve the economy and ensure socio-economic
stability.
According to Mr Ryong Nam, “I am moved by the efforts made by your
government to ensure social stability and unity. Your country has also
achieved eye-catching successes, through reforms, in the economy, making
Nigeria a leading economy in the region.”