Nigeria desires stronger, more robust AU –Osinbajo

Nigeria will continue to work together with other African countries to ensure that the African Union (AU) becomes a stronger and more robust organization for the benefit of the continent and its people, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN)has said.

Osinbajo, who is Nigeria’s acting President, spoke earlier on Monday while receiving a Special Envoy from President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, at the Presidential Villa

According to the Vice President, “it is important for Africa to always put the best foot forward and we will continue to work together with the President of Djibouti to make AU stronger and more robust.”

The Special Envoy, Ali Farah Assoweh brought a message addressed to the Nigerian President, regarding Djibouti’s interest in one of the positions up for contest in the AU elections scheduled for later this month, seeking Nigeria’s support.

The Djibouti’s Presidential Special Envoy who is also the country’s Justice Minister stated that his country was requesting that Nigeria should consider supporting its candidate for Deputy Chairman of the African Union Commission, and expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for the hospitality he and his delegation has enjoyed since his arrival in the country.

Responding, Osinbajo welcomed the Special Envoy, noting that Nigeria and Djibouti do enjoy “very good diplomatic relationship over the years,” and also expressed appreciation to the President of Djibouti for the country’s support of Nigeria in various international platforms.

He assured that the Federal Government would consider the candidate, observing that the position is one that has to be occupied by the right person. The Vice President then sent warm greetings to the President of Djibouti.

Meanwhile, last night that is on Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo spoke on phone, reviewing local and other developments including the situation in Gambia, where Nigerian troops are playing a leading role in resolving the fallouts of that country’s presidential election.

Both the President, who is  on vacation  and the Vice President in Abuja also discussed other pertinent national issues.