Israel Pledges Support For Buhari's Anti-Terror War

The State of Israel has expressed its willingness to assist the
in-coming administration of Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to
fight insurgency.

The Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, according to a statement by the
Media Director of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Garba Shehu, made
the pledge in a congratulatory letter signed by him and delivered to
the President-elect on Monday in Abuja.

The Israeli leader in the letter, delivered by the Israeli Ambassador
to Nigeria, Uri Palti, noted that the two countries faced "similar
dangers and challenges in our daily struggle against those who want to
terrorise our citizens."

He said, "The latest news regarding the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance
underscores the need for like-minded countries to unite in the fight
against such radical terrorist organisations.

"I assure you that in this important campaign, Israel stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria.

"I wish you every success in the challenging task ahead and trust that
under your presidency, the relations of friendship and cooperation
between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen."

Buhari, according to the statement, expressed his warm appreciation
for the Israeli gesture and pledged to work with all countries to
their mutual benefits.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples
Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, has described the presidential
election which was lost by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 28 as
a pride to Nigeria.

He also said that Nigerians were expecting great things from Buhari.

Anenih, a former Minister of Works, also urged those who were
aggrieved by the outcome of the presidential election "to emulate
President Jonathan who conceded victory so that Nigeria may enjoy
peace, and march to greatness and prosperity."

Anenih in a statement in Abuja on Monday, commended President
Jonathan's statesmanship in conceding defeat, saying he has, by so
doing, made an indelible mark on the sand of time.

He also congratulated Buhari on his victory at the poll and hoped that
his administration would take Nigeria to greater heights.

Anenih said, "The 2015 Presidential Election, in which the incumbent
President lost to the opposition, has become a source of pride to
Nigeria. It has portrayed to the world that democracy in Nigeria
compares to the best anywhere."

The PDP BoT Chairman, in a two-page statement titled, "Marching on
with Hope" and issued on Monday in Abuja, said, "A keenly contested
Presidential Election, which many predicted would spell doom for
Nigeria, has ended, gloriously, with everyone a winner."
--PUNCH