President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday warned that any threat to Nigeria’s peace woud not be tolerated.
“We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise,” the President said in his Christmas message.
There has been an upsurge in the activities of separatist pro-Biafra groups, especially the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), which has coordinated protests in Southeast state capitals and other places, calling for Biafra State and the release of detained underground Biafra Radio director Nnamdi Kanu.
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.
Besides, the Boko Haram insurgency is still being tackled.
The President said: “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.
A greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in the lives of Nigerians, he said, will immensely help Nigeria to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation.
The President also urged Nigerians to reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress.
He added: “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.
He described public office as a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.
