Nigeria has donated 15 Hilux vehicles and 100 motorcycles to the Independent National Electoral Commission of Benin Republic to enable it conduct credible presidential election.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulus Lolo, who presented the items in Cotonou, said free, peaceful and credible election in the neighbouring country was of interest to Nigeria.
The presidential elections will hold on March 6 and 36 candidates will contest, according to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Lolo encouraged the people of Benin and the electoral commission to conduct the elections in a transparent and credible manner.
“Nigeria and Benin are neighbours; what happens in Benin is of immediate impact and interest to Nigeria and what happens in Nigeria has impact and is of interest to Benin.
“Besides, we are one and the same separated by colonial rule and because of this separation with a borderline; we tend to think we are different people.
“Therefore, our being here today to support the electoral process in Benin is a clear demonstration of our solidarity, brotherhood and friendship,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria wants to share its experience with Benin to encourage the people that there is no alternative to democratic governance.
“You are witnesses to the landmark change that took place in Nigeria in 2015, following the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in a peaceful, transparent and legitimate election without rancour.
“That election in Nigeria was a landmark because for the first time, a ruling party that had been in power for 16 years, was voted out of office.
“Through the free will of the Nigerian people, the election ushered in an opposition party for the first time,” he said.
Lolo, however, said the peaceful change could not have been possible were it not for the courageous and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said: “Today, the support we are rendering to Benin is to enable the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA) stand firm and ensure that the votes of the people count.”
The President of CENA, Tiando Emmanuel, hailed Nigeria’s support to Benin, saying the donation will assist the electoral body to enhance its performance.
“The quality of relationship between Nigeria is demonstrated by the frequent meetings existing between the two countries.
“During the last meeting with INEC, I told the INEC chairman that Nigeria is the elder brother of Benin and the elder brother cannot abandon the younger brother.
“This gesture will allow CENA to reach the farthest parts of Benin during the election and will reinforce our democracy in Benin and democratic values in Africa,” Emmanuel said.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Dr. Lawrence Obisakin hailed Buhari’s leadership quality, saying he had supported democracy in Africa since he assumed office. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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