Boko Haram: Buhari to meet French president, others in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari

The successful conclusion of ongoing military operations against the Boko Haram sect will top the agenda as President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to host some world leaders who will be attending the second Regional Security Summit in Abuja on Saturday.

President Francois Hollande of France who hosted the first Regional Security Summit in Paris on May 17, 2014 is one of the world leaders expected at the summit.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the summit was organised in furtherance of ongoing efforts by the present administration to enhance the security of lives, properties and investments in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Adesina said Buhari and the French President who is scheduled to arrive Abuja on Friday on an official visit to Nigeria would be joined at the summit by the Presidents of Cameroon, Niger Republic, Chad and Benin Republic.

He said the United States, Britain, Equatorial Guinea, the European Union, ECOWAS, the Economic Community of Central African States and  the Gulf of Guinea Commission would also be represented at the summit.

The statement added, “The speedy resolution of the humanitarian crises caused by the barbaric atrocities of the terrorist group will also feature prominently on the summit’s agenda.

“Before proceeding to the summit, President Buhari will receive President Hollande  and the French delegation at the Presidential Villa on Saturday morning.

“It is expected that new agreements on further defence and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and France will be concluded and signed after talks between the two Presidents and their officials.”