Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed appreciation and gratitude to the soldiers and their Commander, General Al-hassan Grema, for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy on Saturday while the President added that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in West Africa and around the world.
Tinubu arrived Bissau, capital of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for the 63rd Ordinary Session of Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The President whose plane touched down at the International Airport in Bissau at exactly 5.30pm local time, upon his arrival, President Tinubu went straight to the Nigerian Troops under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force in Guinea-Bissau.
According to the President, “I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to support peace and democracy not only in West Africa but around the world.
“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force.
“We are proud of you. Proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country,” Tinubu said.
Brigadier General Grema expressed the appreciation of the troops to President Tinubu for being the first Commander-in-Chief in Nigeria’s history to visit his soldiers outside the shore of the country.
While in Guinea-Bissau, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and have other engagements on the sidelines of the summit.
On the entourage of the President on the trip are National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, and ECOWAS Permanent Representative, Ambassador Musa Nuhu.
Others on the entourage include former Governors, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina State.
