Nigeria Content Online

Nigeria is
interested in whatever happens in Niger Republic because of shared
cultural affinities with the country, President Goodluck Jonathan has
said.

Speaking during a
meeting with the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Asha Rose
Migiro, on the sidelines of the 15th African Union Summit in Kampala,
Uganda, the President noted that any negative occurrence in Niger
Republic would impact negatively on Nigeria in terms of massive influx
of refugees.

Mr Jonathan said
that Nigeria had “recently sent grains and financial support to
alleviate the harsh effects of the current drought in its northern
neighbour” and is “prepared to do all that is necessary to restore
democracy in Niger”.

A lasting bond

He also said
“Nigeria whose former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar
(rtd), is the ECOWAS Special Envoy and Chief Negotiator in Niger, is
midwiving the transition project in that country with the support of
Senegal and Ghana, adding that it would ensure that the March 2011
deadline for the interim military leaders to conduct elections and hand
over to civilians is met”.

Mr Jonathan who is
the ECOWAS Chairman, said there is need to encourage and mentor the
“young military leaders in Niger Republic who have shown some sincerity
of purpose” to hand over next year.

On the situation in
Guinea Bissau, the President urged the United Nations and other
development partners to provide the necessary funds to be used to
reform the old soldiers and officers, retrain the young ones and
conduct elections.

The UN Deputy Secretary General had earlier brought up the current
happenings in Niger Republic, Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire
during the discussions.