David Cameron has resigned as prime minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union.
The prime minister said Britain required “fresh leadership” to negotiate the country’s exit from the EU.
“I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” he said in a statement outside Downing Street.
He promised to “steady the ship” over the coming months before stepping down in October.
Mr Cameron said the result was the “will of the British people” which was an “instruction which must be delivered”.
Mr Cameron was close to tears as he announced his decision.
The referendum, called by Mr Cameron, delivered a shock victory for the Leave campaign.
The Brexit vote immediately sent the pound tumbling and sparked calls for his resignation.
Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace Mr Cameron.
Reacting to his resignation,President Muhammadu Buhari, said, he regrets the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron, which will come into effect in October.
President Buhari said Nigeria has enjoyed remarkable goodwill, support and understanding under the capable leadership of the outgoing Prime Minister over the years.
The President said Cameron’s resignation in response to the outcome of a referendum that supported Britain to leave the European Union “was a demonstration of courage by a democratic leader who respects the will of the people, even if he didn’t agree with their decision.”
President Buhari noted that by ‘‘putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voter sovereignty.’’
The President expressed hope that Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.
