President Muhammadu Buhari has told the new leader of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa that he is looking forward to working with him to enhance the cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.
Buhari said this today in a letter of congratulation to Ramaphosa, who was endorsed today by the South African parliament as the successor of former President Jacob Zuma.
Ramaphosa had been the deputy president to Zuma since 2009, but was elected the ANC President last December, a position that created a power problem between him and his boss.
On Tuesday, the ANC leadership asked Zuma to step down from office, by recalling him.
Zuma initially rebuffed his party, but when it dawned on him that he faced the humiliation of being removed by the parliament, he resigned on Wednesday night, paving way for Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist and business tycoon, to take over.
President Buhari was impressed by the peaceful transfer of power.
“President Buhari also felicitates with the African National Congress (ANC)), and the Government and people of South Africa, on the peaceful transfer of power that resulted in the election of President Ramaphosa,” said Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant media to the Nigerian leader.
“The Nigerian leader salutes the leadership and statesmanship of former President Jacob Zuma, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours”, Garba said.
Nigeria and South Africa have maintained ties, dating from the anti-apartheid struggle years, when Nigeria provided a lot of assistance.
Many South African companies such as MTN, Multichoice and Shoprite are today flourishing in Nigeria.