TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the dissolution of the interim government in Burkina Faso, asking the coup leaders to restore democracy to the francophone country.

Buhari said the world was looking forward to the October 11 election, revealing that Nigeria had already donated 20 vehicles to the country’s electoral body for the election.

He said Nigeria will align with ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations in “rejecting the brazen contravention of the constitution” in Burkina Faso.

“President Buhari and Nigeria urge the defence and security forces of Burkina Faso to keep faith with the agreed transitional programme for the return of the country to full democratic rule after elections, which were due to be held in the country on October 11, in support of which Nigeria has donated 20 pick-up vans to the National Electoral Commission of Burkina Faso,” read a statement issued by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity.

“While welcoming the news that the interim President, Mr. Michel Kafando has now been freed, Buhari and Nigeria also demand the immediate release of Prime Minister Isaac Zida and other detained ministers.

“Nigeria will give the fullest possible support to ongoing efforts by the ECOWAS mediatory team of President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic to quickly restore Burkina Faso to the path of order, democracy and constitutionalism.”

The statement urged the people of Burkina Faso to remain calm and steadfast in support of the transitional order, elections and democratic governance.

It assured them that Nigeria, ECOWAS and the international community will uphold their right to peace, freedom, democracy and good governance.