Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari says the President, Transitional Military Council of Chad, Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby Itno, should feel free to ask for Nigeria’s help whenever he deems it necessary.
This is as the President guaranteed Nigeria’s assistance to the Republic of Chad to stabilize the country and return it to constitutional order.
President Buhari stated this on Friday when he hosted General Deby Itno at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Recall that Marshal Idris Deby Itno, President of the country had died in battle last month, while leading troops to confront insurgents, who had come in through Libya.
The country set up the transitional council, headed by the son of the deceased, and a return to democratic order is expected in 18 months.
President Buhari in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina 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.”
The President said the late 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.
The President explained that Nigeria would help strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and ensure a smooth transition in 18 months.
Speaking earlier, 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 said, “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.”
