Why Nigeria is interested in Niger’s democracy, says Jonathan

By Daniel Idonor
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday gave the proximity of the Republic of Niger to Nigeria as a major reason why the later would continue to show interest in the political stability of the former.

The President said unless this is done, any crisis in Niger Republic would impact negatively on Nigeria in terms of massive influx of refugees.

To this end, he assured of the government’s interest in seeing that country returning to a democratic rule.

Jonathan made Nigeria’s position known during an audience granted the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Asha Rose Migiro, at the sidelines of the 15th African Union Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

He said Nigeria was also very much interested in whatever happens in Niger Republic because of shared cultural affinities.

Jonathan said Nigeria had demonstrated its commitment when it recently sent grains and financial support to alleviate the harsh effects of the current drought in Niger and was prepared to do all that was necessary to restore democracy in that country.

The President said Nigeria whose former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), is the ECOWAS Special Envoy and Chief Negotiator in Niger, was midwifing the transition project in that country with the support of Senegal and Ghana.

He added that it would ensure that the March 2011 deadline for the interim military leaders to conduct elections and hand over to civilians was met.