President Muhammadu Buhari has said that it is better for Nigerians to live together than to live apart.
The President said this on Monday, August 21, 2017, during his speech to Nigerians on National TV.
He said “The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.”
Buhari also condemned social media critics for ‘daring to question our collective existence as a nation’, adding that it is a step too far.
“I
was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the
social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question
our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far,” he said.
In
a subtle response to those calling for secession, the President also
said that the unity of Nigeria is settled and not negotiable.
He said “Nigeria’s
unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible
elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and
saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if
necessary with their blood.
“Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.
“I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.
“This
is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a
grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it
allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of
co-existence.
“The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.”
“I
am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am
pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters.
“In
the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily
touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing
their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the
comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red
lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This
is a step too far.
“In 2003
after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and
stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in
great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of
Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one
and united.
“Nigeria’s unity is
settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements
to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others
with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their
blood.
“Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.
“I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.
“This
is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a
grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it
allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of
co-existence.
“The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.
“The
national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live
apart. Furthermore, I am charging the Security Agencies not to let the
successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax.
“Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.
“Therefore
we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against;
elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on
soft targets, kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes; in addition
to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall
tackle them all.
“Finally,
dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty
differences and come together to face common challenges of; economic
security, political evolution and integration; as well as lasting peace
among all Nigerians.
“I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained. I am so glad to be home.”
Meanwhile,
Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa told newsmen that President Buhari’s
return is God’s answer to prayers for his sound and quick recovery.
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