We’ll work with Buhari, says US

US Vice President Joe Biden

The United States Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday assured the President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), that the US government was willing and ready to work with him.

According to a statement issued by the White House on Thursday, the US Vice President said this when he phoned Buhari to congratulate him on his victory in the March 28 election on Wednesday.

It added that Biden affirmed that the “United States of America stands ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria on issues of common concern, including economic and security matters.”

The Vice President also commended Buhari for his leadership in helping to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully and urged him to continue to foster a smooth, inclusive, and peaceful transition with President Goodluck Jonathan.

The statement added, “The Vice President expressed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter Boko Haram, recover hostages held by the group, and protect civilian populations. The Vice President also expressed the willingness of the United States to partner Nigeria to strengthen its economy.”

Earlier in the week, the President-elect had said that Nigeria would work closely with the US government especially in the area of military cooperation and security.