President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja on Tuesday from Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, after a two-day visit to the country.
Buhari was in Ethiopia to attend the second-term inauguration of Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy.
The Nigerian leader, who touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 2pm, was received by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello; and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Aklali Baba.
While in Addis Ababa, Buhari delivered a goodwill message at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Abiy, during which he called for peace between the sides involved in the Ethiopian political crisis.
He also pledged that Nigeria would continue to support the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia, saying ”we are well aware of the many challenges facing the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and we encourage all parties to come together in the interest of the unity, progress and well-being of Ethiopia.
”Your Excellency, you, therefore, have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia,’’ he said.
Also on Tuesday, he met with the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, just before departing Addis Ababa, assuring him that Nigeria will be available to lend a hand of assistance to help the country in achieving economic and political stability.
