[Mhiz Rebecca]

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday issued a
stern warning to those issuing quit notice to other
ethnic groups in their region.
Buhari gave the warning in an early morning national
broadcast to Nigerians.
Recall that while he was in London, a group of Northern
youth had asked all Igbos in the region to leave before
October 1.
The President said every Nigerian has a right to live
anywhere in the country, while stating that the
country’s unity is not negotiable.
“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.
“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.”
He added, “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.”
He recalled his encounter with the leader of the failed
Biafra Republic, the late Chief Emeka Odumegwu
Ojukwu 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 analysed the problems of
Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the
country must remain one and united.
“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.”