Brexit: Buhari Regrets Cameron’s Exit, Commends Statesmanship

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he expressed regret at the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Following a vote by the British people to leave the European Union, Cameron who campaigned for his country to remain in the EU said he would step down in October.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu,‎ Buhari said Nigeria had enjoyed remarkable goodwill, support and understanding under the capable leadership of the outgoing Prime Minister over the years.

The president said Cameron’s resignation in response to the outcome of a referendum that supported Britain to leave the European Union “was a demonstration of courage by a democratic leader who respects the will of the people, even if he didn’t agree with their decision.”
Buhari noted that by ‘‘putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voters’ sovereignty.’’

Buhari expressed the hope that Nigeria looked forward to greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.