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Age Not A Factor – Buhari Tells Nana  

By Daily Guide
Politics Age Not A Factor – Buhari Tells Nana
APR 28, 2015 LISTEN

Nana Akufo-Addo and President-elect Muhammadu Buhari chatting during the visit

Nigeria's president-elect Muhammadu Buhari, 72, has told flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo that with his election as head of state of Africa's largest economy, age is no longer a factor in presidential elections.

The one-time military head of state made the remark when he hosted Nana Akufo-Addo at his Abuja office last Thursday.

Both persons laughed over the reference to age which their political adversaries used to no avail in their campaigns when they chatted over a number of issues during the felicitation visit.

Nana Addo told his host that 'I have come to congratulate you on your recent victory', adding that it was a source of inspiration not only for Ghana but the rest of West Africa.

'Your victory is not only inspiring to Ghana but the West African sub-region,' he told his host.

The radiance and calmness on the face of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as the two exchanged pleasantries on serious matters about the West African sub-region, showed his readiness to tackle the challenges currently facing Africa's most populous country.

Nana Akufo-Addo's obsession with a strong Africa was evident when he charged his host to strengthen the relations between Ghana and Nigeria, including the enhancement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

'I encourage you to make ECOWAS a reality,' he said.

An excited General Buhari, whose office is now very busy, with hundreds of persons and vehicles crammed into available spaces, expressed gratitude for the visit and good counsel rendered him by his guest.

Buhari referred to the enormous task ahead of him in a country where unemployment stands at 60%.

'The expectation of the people is very high. They should reason with us as we do our best to ensure the development of the country,' he said.

He promised to meet Nigeria's obligations in the bilateral and multilateral agreements entered into earlier.

The retired General, who is heading Africa's largest economy for the second time, added a humorous spice to the conversation with his guest when he recalled the elections and the wait for the results. General Buhari also recalled the role of the Director General of his campaign machinery, former Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, as he played glowing tributes to him for his wonderful performance, asking NPP flagbearer to thank him on his behalf.

General Buhari urged Nana Addo to learn from Amaechi's experience in campaign management.

He wore an infectious smile in the course of the engagement which took place in his conference hall in the crowded premises peopled by party supporters who thronged the place over an assortment of reasons.

His busy schedule notwithstanding, the president-elect posed for memorable pictures with his guests.

Nana Addo was accompanied on the visit by Alhaji Rashid Bawa, former Ghana Envoy to Saudi Arabia and MP for the Akan constituency, Captain Koda, his head of security, alongside his Executive Secretary Saratu Attah.

By A.R. Gomda From Abuja, Nigeria

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