SAN FRANCISCO, May 17, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the recent developments in Cote d’Ivoire where a small fraction of the country’s armed forces tried to cause unrest in the cocoa rich West African nation.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Acting President, Laolu Akande, the Nigerian government expressed strong and unflinching support for the Government of President Alhassan Ouattara and welcomed ongoing efforts at resolving the crisis.
Akande added that the federal government also urged the parties in the crisis to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm and continue with dialogue and negotiations with the Government of President Ouattara while urging the mutineers to return to their barracks and refrain from any action capable of undermining the peace, security and democracy in the country.
“The federal government urges the people of Cote d’Ivoire to remain steadfast in their support for the government and refrain from giving support to the mutineers in the overall interest of peace, tranquillity, good order and prosperity of the country,” the statement read.
“Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is currently discussing with the Ivorien President and the President of Liberia, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is also the current ECOWAS Chairperson, to seek ways towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“In a series of conversations with both Presidents since Monday, May 15, Prof. Osinbajo expressed Nigeria’s support for the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire, and also for the sustenance of peace, security and democracy in the country.
“The Acting President also noted the readiness of the federal government to work with ECOWAS and West African leaders to pursue a quick resolution of the situation.”
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