AS Cote d’Ivoire’s elected President, Mr Alassan Quattara was, yesterday, sworn-in, the government and people of France, in appreciation of Nigeria’s leadership role in the Africa region and restoration of democratic governance in Cote d’Ivoire has pledged to support Nigeria in her bid for a permanent seat of the United Nation, UN, Security Council.
President Nicholas Sarkozy, who endorsed Nigeria’s bid for the prestigious seat, at the Houphet Boigny Datcha, France, during a private meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, said the gesture is in appreciation of Nigeria’s qualitative leadership role in securing the continent in particular and the world at large.
Sarkozy also commended Jonathan for the role he played as Nigerian President and as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African Countries, ECOWAS, to restore democratically elected government of Allassane Outtarra.
The France leader joined other world leaders in congratulating Jonathan for his victory at the polls which has won commendation from world leaders for it credibility.
Among those at the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro and some embassy officials.
A source close to the meeting told Sunday Vanguard that the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in matters of mutual interests especially supporting democratic rule and good governance that will usher in fast paced development.
According to the source, Jonathan had briefed him on his efforts to ensure stability in the region especially in ensuring that the sub region were not left behind in the changing global trends.
Although the source was not specific on the areas Jonathan called for help, it said the acknowledgment by Sarkozy of the leading role Nigeria has continued to play puts it at the forefront of those deserving a voice on platforms where world affairs were decided.
The Nigerian President had arrived Yamassoukro airport at about 9.30am and proceeded to review parade where he received thunderous ovations from natives who struggled to catch a glimpse of him as the man who made it possible for peace to return to their country.
A minimum of 10 leaders of other countries, most of them francophone were at the occasion. After the meeting Jonathan drove to the Houphet Boigny Information Center for Peace where the inauguration took place in a colourful ceremony.
Both Sarkozy and Jonathan intermittently received applauses from the capacity international crowd each time their names were mentioned.
President Jonathan has since yesterday returned to Nigeria, as he is expected to host the UN Secretary-General, Mr Banki Moon to a dinner today evening.
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