‘Why we want peace in Libya, assisted Zimbabwe’

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday stated that a peaceful Libya would help the overall development of Africa.Receiving a letter of credence from the Ambassador of Libya, Ayad Musbah Faraj Attayary at the State House, Abuja, the president said the early restoration of the leadership crisis in the North African country would minimise the prevailing insecurity in parts of the continent.

“Our efforts should be directed towards the restoration of peace. It is expedient that peace and stability return to Libya as soon as possible. Peace in Libya will translate to economic prosperity and development as well as a more a secured Africa,” he said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

He also told the envoy that as a strong member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a peaceful Libya would stabilise the oil industry.

Buhari expressed hope that with more commitment from all parties in the conflict and other well-meaning individuals in the country “will soon be back to resume its roles in Africa.”

The envoy, who conveyed the greetings of his prime minister, pleaded with Nigeria to leverage its position in returning his country to normalcy.He praised Buhari for consolidating Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa through interventions.

Also receiving the letter of credence from the Ambassador of Venezuela to Nigeria, Davies Nieves Velasquez, he congratulated President Nicolas Maduro for his commitment to democracy and leadership.

The visitor thanked his host for his support and solidarity tom the South American nation, expressing the need to take bilateral cooperation between the two countries to the next level.

Besides, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Nigeria, Myint Swe, said his country highly respects the position of the African giant and shares similarities with it in terms of diversity.

Meanwhile, Buhari said the Cyclone Idai that ravaged Zimbabwe earlier this year was so huge for Nigeria not to offer help.He spoke yesterday during a farewell for the country’s envoy, Lovemore Mazemo.

“It was a major disaster, and it caused damage in billions of dollars. Nigeria, despite our own challenges, had to provide aid to ameliorate the situation,” the president said, adding that he was glad that the outgoing ambassador and his country appreciated the assistance.”