This is contained in a statement by the Vice President’s spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, in Abuja.

In the statement, the Federal Government decried recent developments in Cote d’Ivoire in which a small fraction of the country’s Armed Forces mutinied against the government.

It stated that Osinbajo had been engaged in phone discussions with the Ivorien President and the President of Liberia, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the current ECOWAS chairperson, seeking ways to peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“”In a series of conversations with both Presidents since Monday, May 15, Prof. Osinbajo expressed Nigeria’s support for the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire’’, the statement announced.

It added that Osinbajo also expressed the hope for the sustenance of peace, security and democracy in the country.

“”Nigeria expresses strong and unflinching support for the Government of President Alassane Ouattara and welcomes ongoing efforts to resolving the crisis.

“”The Federal Government urges the parties to the crisis to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm and continue with dialogue and negotiations with the government of President Ouattara.

“”Nigeria also urges the mutineers to return to their barracks and to refrain from any action capable of undermining the peace, security and democracy in the country’’, the statement said.

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The Federal Government further urged the people of Cote d’Ivoire to remain steadfast in their support for the government.

It urged the people to refrain from giving support to the mutineers in the overall interest of peace, tranquillity, good order and prosperity of the country.