(Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, ABUJA)
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to political leaders in Guinea Bissau to embrace peace and avoid any act that could plunge the nation into further crisis.
The Nigerian President at an audience with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Guinea Bissau, Mr. Modibo Toure, at the State House.
President Buhari decried the lingering political crisis in the West African country saying that “They must accept responsibility for leadership to stabilize their own country,” adding that is their political leaders, not outsiders, that can effectively resolve the political crisis roiling the country.
Buhari assured that Nigeria would welcome increased support from ECOWAS and the United Nations to stabilize the country and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The President said Nigeria has a responsibility to the region and the rest of Africa stating that “we will not shirk our responsibility, in spite of the hardship confronting us.”
Toure had requested Nigeria to use its clout in ECOWAS to break the deadlock in the country.
He warned that Guinea Bissau faces a very grim future if the country continues without a functioning government.