Following the death of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing, in Abuja.
The President said the government and people of Nigeria have fun memories of the Queen, having visited the country twice in her lifetime.
He recalled that the Queen visited Nigeria in the first three years after her ascension to the throne, and the second time during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Nigeria’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2003.
Persecondnews had reported that Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, died at the age of 96, at Buckingham palace on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
“On behalf of the President and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President has personally asked me to come and convey his condolences; which he has already done officially, to sign the condolence register on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, at this very difficult grieving moment.
“The mutual bond friendship, of camaraderie, of togetherness between Nigeria and Britain, since it became a protectorate of the British in 1901, have continued to make both countries succeed.
“This morning, I had the privilege of watching the rich display of the British tradition of the ascension and the proclamation of the new king, King Charles III, which is a depiction of the rich tradition and a blend of the rich tradition with the modern evolution of governance.
“I believe that that in itself has clearly indicated to us that the modern, and the ancient, in terms of our rich traditions can blend together and create a very strong, viable community and humanity.
“So on this occasion, I came on behalf of the President to extend the deepest condolences of the people of Nigeria. The loss is not only to the people of the UK, to the Commonwealth, but for us in Nigeria, particularly because for a period of three years, she was our head of state after independence.
“I can assure you that the Nigerian government is in the state of mourning, and the people of Nigeria are mourning like other members of the Commonwealth.
“So on this occasion, please do extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the immediate family of the new king now King Charles III, and the people of Great Britain,” Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said.
In her response, Laing, expressed the hope that the relationship between the two heads of state will deepen further towards strengthening the ties between both countries.
She said: “Looking forward, as you say we now have King Charles III, and I’m very happy to say I’m very hopeful that the relationship between Nigeria will continue to grow and strengthen.”
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