News by Bello Wakili
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that Nigeria will assist the Republic of Chad to stabilize, and return to constitutional order.
The President made the pledge while hosting Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby Itno, the President, Transitional Military Council of Chad at the state House Abuja.
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 eighteen months.
President Buhari told his visitor that Nigerians appreciates the role Chad played in helping them to combat terrorism, and they 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,” 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).
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 Chad.
He recommitted to a democratic, free, fair polls in 18 months, telling President Buhari he is aware of his closeness to Marshal Itno. Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby said he was in Nigeria to reaffirm that relationship, and for Nigeria support Chad’s transition.