President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he decided to enlist the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate in the political crisis in Guinea Bissau because of his wide political and military experience as well as strong commitment to the unity of Nigeria and Africa.
Buhari revealed this during an audience he granted to the President of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Jose Mario Bavz, at the sidelines of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“I sent President Olusegun Obasanjo because he is the only person living or dead that has ruled Nigeria for 11 years. I served under him as a military Head of State. He has a strong commitment to Nigeria and Africa. That was why I looked for him and asked him to collaborate with President Macky Sall of Senegal to stabilise the situation of Guinea Bissau,” Buhari said.
While appreciating Bavz’s expression of thanks for Nigeria’s support during the crisis in his country, Buhari told his guest that the “least Nigeria could do is what we did to stabilise your country,” assuring him that, “You can count on our support at all times.”
Bavz had said he came to thank Buhari for everything Nigeria has been doing for his country, adding that he has been looking forward to such an opportunity.
“I am not in a position to assist you but I pray for you every day. I want to take you as my big brother and share from your experience,” he said.
While thanking the Nigerian leader for sending former President Obasanjo as a Special Envoy to restore peace to his country, the Guinea Bissau leader also noted that “Nigeria is part of the solution and stability” of his country.
