By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

AHEAD of the Saturday’s Presidential election in the country, the Chinese government has said that it believes in the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 12, 2016.
Muhammadu Buhari is on a visit to China from April 11 to 15. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / KENZABURO FUKUHARA

The Chinese government has also expressed its readiness to continue to support Nigeria to manage its own internal affairs without any interference.

This position was made known on Thursday by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang while fielding questions during press conference on Nigeria’s coming general election starting with the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Asked about the Chinese government’s comment on the elections in Nigeria against the backdrop of the postponement of the poll last week and the reactions such generated from the international community, Shuang said, “We have noted the relevant situation.

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“The Chinese side hopes and believes that Nigeria’s presidential and parliamentary elections will be held successfully and smoothly. I would like to point out that Nigeria is an important country in Africa. Peace, stability and development of Nigeria serve the interests of the Nigerian people, the region and Africa at large.

“China always stands for the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs. We believe the Nigerian government and people are capable of managing the relevant election affairs.”