By Gabriel Atumeyi
365Daily – President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Chadian Transitional Leader, Lt. Gen. Mahamat Deby Itno, that Nigeria will assist the Republic of Chad to stabilise and return to constitutional order.
The President stated this on Friday, May 14, 2021, at State House, Abuja, while hosting Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby Itno.
Itno is the son of the late Chadian President, Idris Derby, who died Marshal Idris in battle last month while leading troops to confront insurgents, who had come in through Libya.
His son was announced as the President of the Transitional Military Council of Chad hours after his death to return the country to democratic rule in 18 months.
Buhari said while expressing Nigeria’s support for Chad’s return to democracy: “We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can.”
He continued: “Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism, and we will continue the collaboration.”
The Nigerian President said the late Marshal Itno “was a personal friend, and a friend of Nigeria and Chad has been very steadfast in defending Nigeria.”
He further said the country would not hesitate to ask for help in areas it deemed necessary based on the existing relationship between the two countries.
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.”
In his remarks, 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 he was 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.”