BUHARI PLEDGES NIGERIA’s SUPPORT TO HELP CHAD RETURN TO CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that Nigeria will assist the Republic of Chad to stabilize and return to constitutional order.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, says President Buhari made the promise today, Friday May 14 at the State House Abuja, while hosting Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, President of the Transitional Military Council of Chad.

Brave Views recalls that Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, President of the country died in a battle last month, while leading troops to confront insurgents, who had come in through Libya.

But the country had to set up the Transitional Council, headed by the son of the deceased, with a return to democratic order being expected in 18 months.

According to the statement, President Buhari, while speaking to his visitor, said: “We are bound together by culture and geography and we will help in all ways we can.

“Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism and we will continue the collaboration”.

President Buhari said Chad should not hesitate to ask for help in areas it deemed necessary as the late Marshal Itno “was a personal friend and a friend of Nigeria, adding that Chad has been very steadfast in defending Nigeria.”

Buhari, who said Nigeria would help strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), added that “We will also help you to ensure a smooth transition in 18 months, as you have promised your people.”

Lt. Gen. Itno thanked Nigeria for the solidarity shown after the passage of the former President and noted that the main objective of the Transitional Military Council is the security and cohesion of Chad.

He restated his commitment to democracy, free and fair polls in 18 months and told President Buhari: “You were very close to Marshal Itno. I’m here to reaffirm that relationship, and for you to support our transition.

“We rely on our brother country Nigeria, as we have shared history, culture and geography. We are ready to be guided by you in our journey to constitutional rule”.