President Muhammadu Buhari expresses sadness on the assassination of Shinzo Abe.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed Nigeria’s condolences to the government and people of Japan in the aftermath of Shinzo Abe’s assassination.

The President praised the late Abe for his contributions to global economic development and the strengthening of Nigerian-Japanese relations in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and to the Government and people of Japan in the wake of the gruesome assassination of former Prime Minister.

“The President joins all Japanese in mourning the loss of the country’s longest serving Prime Minister and outstanding leader, assuring the family of Abe of the prayers and thoughts of all Nigerians during this difficult time.

“President Buhari recalls that Abe will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to strengthening trade and investment between Africa and Japan through various initiatives and partnerships, using the instrumentality of Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

“The President also affirms that under Abe, Nigeria and Japan enjoyed a strategic partnership, supporting each other’s shared aspirations on economic cooperation, healthcare, human resource development, disaster risk reduction, peace and security.

“The Nigerian leader prays that the memory of the Japanese statesman and respected international leader will be a blessing to his nation and people, whom he served so devotedly,” the statement reads.