By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
President Mohammed Buhari has said that Nigeria is always ready to extend helping hands towards South Sudan on grounds of political and economic stability.
The President made the assurance at a bilateral meeting with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan on Tuesday, offering the full support of Nigeria to all efforts to bring long-term stability and prosperity to the continent.
According to him, there is a need for developing countries to cooperate in terms of investments in education, improved economy, and healthcare, which will definitely lead to improvement in so many areas.
Speaking with the South Sudanese leader, Mr Buhari said, “Nigeria will contribute its quota as much as possible to the development of South Sudan. Take us into confidence and ask us what we can do.”
While addressing the coups d’etat in Guinea and Mali – a situation that almost occurred in South Sudan, President Buhari stressed the need for African leaders to support efforts geared towards the return of democracy in the countries.
On his part, President Kiir commended Nigeria’s effort in the liberation struggle of South Sudan, adding that the leadership role played by Nigeria in Africa is laudable.
He also appreciated the effort of the First Lady of Nigeria for fostering the education of many South Sudanese girls in the country
In his words, “In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervenes immediately whenever a country has a problem. That should be adopted in East and Central Africa.”
This coincides as Ethiopia celebrates the inauguration ceremony of its Prime Minister, Mr Abiy Ahmed, for a second five-year term in office which saw the attendance of several African leaders including President Buhari, and President Kiir.