Abuja - Nigeria — Nigeria's President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has commended the ECOWAS Mediation Team led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar for the "exceptional diligence" with which they executed their mandate in restoring democracy to the Republic of Niger.
"The fruitful outcome of your Team's work is the current democratic government under the leadership of President Mahammadou Issoufou," the President said in a letter to the former Nigerian leader.
The achievement, President Jonathan said, has enhanced "Nigeria's stature as a conciliator, bridge-builder and peacemaker in our sub-region." As part of activities marking Niger's 52nd Independence celebration on 3rd August 2012, General Abubakar and members of his team were honoured by the Government of Niger for successfully mediating the country's 2009 political crisis. At the ceremony in Niamey, Gen.
Abubakar noted that ECOWAS "steadfastly stood by Niger to ensure that democracy and the rule of law were restored." Gen. Abubakar, has in turn, applaud other members of the team for their hard work, "dedication, meticulous and intellectual contributions" to the inter-Niger dialogue.