President Muhammadu Buhari, Major General (retd.), addressed the issue of unconstitutional regime changes across Africa during a farewell audience at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, April 6, 2023. He emphasized that, despite the numerous coups and coup attempts that have plagued the continent in the past three years, democracy remains the best option for any nation‑state. “Democracy is still the best option,” Buhari said as he received the outgoing ambassadors of Angola and the United Arab Emirates, Dr Eustaquio Quibato and Dr Fahad Al Taffaq, respectively. The remarks were highlighted in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari bids farewell to Angolan and UAE Ambassadors.”
Buhari’s comments came just three months after he expressed concern over the spate of coups in Africa while hosting a delegation of the Universal Peace Federation at the Presidential Villa. Research cited by our correspondent indicates that at least 48 coups and coup attempts have occurred across African administrations since 2010, with 24 of them taking place during Buhari’s own tenure. Affected states include Burundi, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Libya, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mali, Tunisia, Guinea, Guinea‑Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Despite this instability, Buhari recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting Angola’s liberation and affirmed that Nigeria continues to use its size and resources to assist sister African nations.
During the audience, Ambassador Quibato thanked President Buhari for his “wise leadership” and for championing anti‑corruption efforts across Africa. He praised Buhari’s success in degrading the Boko Haram insurgency and commended the repositioning of the Nigerian economy toward reduced import dependence. In a separate meeting, Buhari welcomed Ambassador Al Taffaq, expressing satisfaction that Nigeria had made a positive impression on the United Arab Emirates. The President noted the strong commonalities between the two countries and pledged to deepen bilateral ties.
Ambassador Al Taffaq reciprocated, pledging continued cooperation on “the details of our relationship.” He highlighted the friendships he forged with officials in government, the private sector, and civil society during his five‑year tenure, and spoke of his extensive travels across Nigeria, which gave him a deep appreciation of the nation’s diversity and culture. “I am leaving with beautiful memories. I will continue to be close to Nigeria in different capacities,” he promised, underscoring the enduring partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria.
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