Rawlings congratulates Nigerian President-elect

Accra (Greater Accra0, 2 March, ?99?

President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday congratulated Nigerian President-elect, General Olusegun Obasanjo, saying, his "impressive" election is a clear demonstration of the people's confidence in his leadership, especially towards peace, stability and prosperity.

In a message released by the Foreign Ministry, President Rawlings said the people of Ghana have followed with understanding and admiration the short and difficult transition to constitutional rule "in your country and congratulate all Nigerians for making a success of the process. "We will continue to be associated with developments in your great country in keeping with our common history and close cultural ties." President Rawlings expressed the hope that Ghana and Nigeria will co-operate even more closely together as well as with other member states of ECOWAS for their mutual prosperity in a stable and peaceful West Africa.

The message wished General Obasanjo good health and overwhelming success in the discharge of his "heavy responsibilities amid prosperity, peace and stability" in that country. Former military leader Obasanjo was declared elected on Monday after weekend elections in which he polled 18.7 million or 62.8 per cent of the nearly 30 million votes cast.