By Juliet Uduji
President Muhammadu Buhari has noted that the stability or instability of Libya will always have implications for countries in the Lake Chad Basin area, including Nigeria.
President Buhari made the observation on Wednesday while hosting the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohammed Younis Menfi, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President explained why Nigeria cannot escape the impacts of happenings in Libya, citing the fact that both Republics of Chad and Niger share long border lines with Libya, and the fact that both countries, in turn, share extensive boundaries with Nigeria.
He, however, noted that unless a Country or institution is secured, it will be difficult to efficiently manage, adding that the security of Nigeria was number one priority to him.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari said “unless a country or institution is secured, there’s no way you can efficiently manage it.”
“Republics of Chad, and Niger, have extensive borders with Libya, and they are our immediate neighbours. Whatever affects them affects us. The stability or instability of Libya will directly affect us,” President Buhari said.
President Buhari said he was happy that the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya could personally attend the Summit of Lake Chad Basin Commission held in Abuja on Tuesday, to discuss the situation in Chad, and the implications for security in neighbouring countries.
Mohammed Younis Menfi said Libya was fast-evolving, “and we now have one Government, active on the ground. We are expelling the mercenaries, and unifying the instructions.”
He said democratic elections would be held in due course, adding that the historical relationship between his Country and Nigeria in the areas of oil and agriculture meant that one country could not ignore the other.
“We aspire for joint cooperation, and reactivation of previous agreements,” Chairman Menfi said.