President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Chadian Transitional Leader that Nigeria will render assistance to the Republic of Chad to stabilize and return to constitutional order.
President Buhari stated this on Friday at the State House when he received Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President, Transitional Military Council of Chad.
“We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can,” President Buhari told his visitor. “Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism, and we will continue the collaboration.”
The President of the country, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, had died in the battle last month when he led troops to confront insurgents, who had come in through Libya.
The country set up the transitional council which was headed by the son of the deceased and promised a return to democratic order in 18 months.
Buhari said the late Chad President, Marshal Itno “was a personal friend, and a friend of Nigeria and Chad has been very steadfast in defending Nigeria,” so the country should not hesitate to ask for help in areas it deemed necessary.
President Buhari said Nigeria would help strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), adding; “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, noting that the main objective of the Transitional Military Council “is the security and cohesion of our country.”
He recommitted to democratic, free, fair polls in 18 months, telling 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.”
