Nigerian president-elect Umaru Yar’Adua will visit seven African countries starting on Monday in his first international trip since his disputed election last month, his spokesperson said.
The 56-year-old state governor, who is due to assume leadership of Africa’s top oil producer on May 29, will visit Benin and Togo on Monday, followed by Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Algeria and Libya.
”The trip is to strengthen bilateral relations. Like Nigeria, Algeria and Libya are also members of Opec {Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] so he will discuss issues including oil,” spokesperson Ndu Ughamadu said.
Yar’Adua, whose election on April 21 was judged to be ”not credible” by international observers, will be accompanied by senior officials of Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry and some private sector businessmen, he added.
International reaction to his election, which was marred by widespread abuses and violence, has been muted. South African President Thabo Mbeki was the first African leader to congratulate him on his victory. — Reuters