Blair urged to focus on Africa
2005-05-07 14:40
Abuja - President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria congratulated Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair on his re-election on Saturday and urged him to pursue the work of his high-level think tank, the Commission for Africa.
"Mr Prime Minister, let me use this joyous opportunity to urge you not to relent in your support for Nigeria and Africa," Obasanjo said in a letter to Downing Street which was released to the press here.
"You have already set the path for discourse, policy and action through the Commission for Africa. You must use this new mandate to further push for the implementation of its recommendations," he continued.
Blair's 17-strong commission of African leaders, experts and development advocates has drawn up a plan to save the continent from poverty, war and disease which advocates debt relief and a massive aid programme.
Obasanjo, who is the current chairperson of the African Union, has hailed the commission's work and is separately lobbying Western capitals for the cancellation of Nigeria's own $35bn debt burden.
The Nigerian leader is constitutionally prevented from seeking a third term in office, but Obasanjo nevertheless saluted Blair's feat.
"I am proud to note and identify with this historic achievement of your being the very first in the 105-year-history of the Labour Party to win three consecutive elections," he said.