READ The Full Speech Of President Buhari At AU Summit in South Aftica

Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari, has listed two major evils bedeviling the continent of Africa.

Speaking during the opening session of the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and government of the African Union (AU) held in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 14, Buhari encouraged fellow African leaders to work together to find a lasting solution to the challenges.

READ the full speech below as obtained from Vanguard:
This is a statement by Muhammadu Buhari President, Federal Republic of Nigeria at the opening session of the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African union Johannesburg, South Africa 14th June 2015

Excellency President Robert Mugabe, Chairman of the Union, Excellency President Jacob Zuma, our Host, Excellencies fellow Presidents and Heads of Government

Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Excellencies, Heads of Delegation, Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Please permit me to join previous speakers in conveying my delegation’s appreciation to our host, H.E. President Jacob Zuma, to his Government, and the brotherly people of South Africa for their warm hospitality, and for the excellent arrangements made for our comfort and for the success of our meetings. As this is my first address at this august assembly, may I also congratulate H.E. Dr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for his unanimous election as the Chairman of our Union.

2.  I feel highly honoured and extremely pleased to be able to address you today, barely two weeks after my inauguration as the President of Nigeria, following the 2015 Presidential election in my country. That process, which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen our democracy. Their quest was amply supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of our friends and partners in the international community. I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election.

3. My election has been described as historic. I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition Party has defeated the ruling Party in a keenly contested election. The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.

4.  I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties.  I also wish to express my deep appreciation to all who honoured us with their presence at my inauguration, and even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend. I thank you all.