President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is ready to assist the Republic of Chad to stabilize, and return to constitutional order.
Buhari said this on Friday when he hosted Lt.-General Mahamat Deby Itno at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
General Mahamat took over an Head.of Chad’s Transtional Military Council, following the death of his father, Marshal Idris Deby Itno, last month, after ruling the country for 30 years.
Buhari said Itno should not to hesitate to ask for help from Nigeria in areas it deemed necessary, Presiential media aide Femi Adesina said in a statement on Friday.
“We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can,” he said.
“Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism, and we will continue the collaboration.”
“Late Marshal Itno was a personal friend, and a friend of Nigeria, and Chad has been very steadfast in defending Nigeria.
“We will also help you to ensure a smooth transition in 18 months, as you have promised your people.
Buhari said Nigeria would help strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Earlier, General Mahamat said the main objective of the Transitional Military Council “is the security and cohesion of our country, ” adding that he was recommitted to democratic, free, fair polls in 18 months
“You were very close to Marshal Itno. I’m here to reaffirm that relationship, and for you to support our transition,” Mahamat said.
“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.”