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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated São Tomé and Príncipe President, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, on his re-election, while seeking stronger bilateral cooperation in maritime security, the Joint Development Zone, trade and investment.
Tinubu , represented by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle
made the call on Thursday in São Tomé City during Vila Nova’s inauguration for a second five-year term.
Vila Nova secured 55.88 per cent of the votes in the first round of São Tomé and Príncipe’s presidential election held on July 19.
In a congratulatory letter presented to Vila Nova, Tinubu said the President’s victory reflected the confidence of the São Tomé people in his leadership.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I warmly congratulate you on your re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe,” Tinubu stated.
The President commended the São Tomé government, National Electoral Commission, political parties and citizens for what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
He said the conduct of the election would further strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
Tinubu said Nigeria valued its longstanding friendship with São Tomé and Príncipe.
“I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” he stated.
Matawalle arrived at Nuno Xavier Dias International Airport, São Tomé, on Wednesday evening to represent Tinubu at the inauguration.
The ceremony was held at the country’s Parliament Building and attended by African and European leaders and other dignitaries.
Those present included the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso; Gabonese President, Brice Oligui Nguema; and Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvinda Levy.
Also present were Angola’s Foreign Minister, Téte António, representing the Angolan President; Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch; and Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
Former Presidents of São Tomé and Príncipe and the country’s Prime Minister, Américo Ramos, also attended the inauguration.
Matawalle conveyed Tinubu’s goodwill to Vila Nova and reaffirmed Nigeria’s interest in strengthening ties between both countries.
