‘Stability of neighbouring Chad in Nigeria’s interest’

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the stability of Chad Republic and all of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries is in the interest of the citizens. 

The declaration is coming amid uproars over the donation of N1.14 billion to the Republic of Niger to aid the country in the acquisition of some operational vehicles by the Federal Government.

Chad

Chad holds a Sovereign National Dialogue today (Saturday, August 20, 2022), and according to the Special Envoy, Mr Brah Mahamat Dallah, “the outcome would be respected and not tampered with.” 

Buhari said relations between Nigeria and Chad transcended that of neighbours, noting that the late President Marshal Idris Derby Itno “kept me constantly briefed on developments in the country.” 

Speaking further on the need for good neighbourliness, the President said “common sense makes it extremely important that we are interested in the stability of Chad Republic, as it is in our own interest.” 

He added: “We are genuinely concerned and I am sincerely impressed with the leadership of the country in stabilising the polity. 

“It was the belief in good neighbourliness that made me first visit Chad, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Benin Republic when I came in 2015. The more exclusion we create, the more we endanger present and future generations of our countries.” 

President Buhari said he would “keep an ear to the ground, monitor developments closely,” as Chadians hold the National Dialogue, promising that Nigeria would offer them support in any form required. 

The Special Envoy, who is also the country’s Minister of Public Works, extolled the long relationship between Nigeria and Chad.

He indicated that over 99 per cent of Chadians were interested in taking part in the National Dialogue, including main rebel groups. 

He said the parley was sovereign and the conclusions would be scrupulously implemented. 

“We need the support of Nigeria during and after the event,” he added.