President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that any threat to Nigeria’s peace would not be tolerated.
“We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise,” the President said, yesterday, in his Christmas message.
“I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught,” he said.
Boko Haram insurgency is still being tackled in the country, even as separatist pro-Biafra groups, especially the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has coordinated protests in Southeast state capitals and other places, calling for the Biafra State and the release of detained underground Biafra Radio director Nnamdi Kanu.
Also, Islamic Shiites and soldiers clashed in Zaria where they blocked a road on which Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was travelling. Many sect members were killed and their leader Sheikh El-Zakzaky detained. Buhari said no group threatening the unity of the country will be allowed to stand.
President Buhari also urged Nigerians to reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress.
“I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.
“This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life. Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people.
“In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability,” Buhari said.
