Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has joined world leaders to congratulate the leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, on his election victory as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Starmer was Friday appointed the new UK Prime Minister after his Labour Party recorded a historic victory in Thursday’s UK general election.
The Conservatives led by Rishi Sunak, lost to the Labour Party in the election.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, said as a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, he specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the UK demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.
The President stated that the party’s ability “to reform, mobilise, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Starmer.”
The statement read: “President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria’s long-standing partner.
“The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.”
Starmer officially appointed UK Prime Minister
Meanwhile, Britain’s Head of State, King Charles III, officially appointed Labour leader, Keir Starmer, as Prime Minister on Friday, during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
A photograph released by the palace showed the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, whose party won a landslide election victory.
The king earlier accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.
“The King received in audience The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration,” a palace statement read.
“Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”
Keir Starmer became Britain’s new prime minister as his centre-left opposition Labour party swept to a landslide general election victory. It ends 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule.
