Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on Africans to continue to make extra effort in ensuring that elections on the continent go through democratic process, remain transparent and fair.
Osinbajo spoke on Monday when he played host to the President-elect of Sao Tome and Principe, Carlos Vila Nova, at the Presidential Villa.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘Elections in Africa must follow democratic process–Osinbajo’.
According to the Vice President, “There is no question at all that for those of us in Africa, we must make the extra effort to ensure that the democratic process is very transparent. It is such a pleasure to see that that was what took place in your country which led to your election.”
Speaking about areas of cooperation between both countries, he said, “We already talked about some of the areas of cooperation…your tenure might be an opportunity to bring some of those things to fruition.”
He reassured Vila Nova of Nigeria’s support to ensure that “your tenure is as comfortable and effective as possible as partners and friends.”
In his remarks, President-elect Vila Nova expressed appreciation to the President Muhammadu Buhari, for supporting Sao Tome and also thanked the Vice President for his attention, stating that Nigeria is a “friendly country” and the relationship between both countries dates back many years.
In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, and a member of the Sao Tome and Principe’s cabinet, Americo de Oliveira Ramos.
