Obama calls Nigerian president-elect Buhari
Obama spoke to the men separately to "commend them for their leadership during Nigeria's election."
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama spoke to Nigerian President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and outgoing leader Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, praising both for their role in the country s first democratic transfer of power.
Obama spoke to the men separately to "commend them for their leadership during Nigeria s election," the White House said.
Obama s administration has lavished praise on Buhari and Jonathan following an election in Africa s most populous country and its largest economy.
Buhari s victory and Jonathan s quick concession has helped write a new chapter in the country s often turbulent history.
Nigeria has suffered six military coups since independence from Britain in 1960 and has seen 16 years of unbroken civilian rule by Jonathan s party.
"This historic step for Nigeria and Africa," said Obama s National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
"President Jonathan has acted as a true statesman, putting Nigeria first at a truly historic moment."
Nigeria boasts vast natural resources and Africa s largest consumer base, but has been plagued by poverty, poor governance and a bloody insurgency by Boko Haram.
The election has raised hopes that the country may be ready to poised to turn the corner.
