President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina on Monday said the corporate existence of the Nigerian nation was non-negotiable, declaring that any threat to the peace and unity of the country would be crushed.
The President made this remark when he paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmummuni Kabir Usman, at his palace in Katsina.
Buhari recalled that almost two million Nigerians lost their lives during the Civil War, adding that he joined others to fight the war when most of the youths agitating for the Republic of Biafra were not even born.
He said his administration would not tolerate any groups or individual that would hold Nigeria to ransom, noting that any person or groups that threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria would be crushed.
The President urged traditional rulers to spearhead the campaign for peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the diverse socio-political groups in the country.
He said the call had become imperative in view of the activities of some groups who had been preaching hatred, disunity and divisive tendencies among Nigerians for their selfish motives.
He, therefore, enjoined all Nigerians to always ignore those individuals and groups calling for the break-up of Nigeria.
The President, who expressed concern over the prevailing harsh economic realities across the country, called on the traditional rulers to assist in educating their subjects on the need to be patient and to always exercise restraints while commenting on national issues.
He also called on community leaders across the country to introduce monthly or quarterly meeting in their respective communities to address issues concerning their welfare.
According to him, such meetings will provide solutions to some challenges facing the people rather than awaiting government intervention to resolve such problems.
Buhari enjoined leaders to always be honest and straightforward while dealing with the people in order to ensure good upbringing of the younger ones in the society.
On the current economic hardship being experienced in the country, the President attributed such hardship to dwindling oil revenue occasioned by the unstable global oil price.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians to diversify their means of livelihood by engaging in agricultural activities to alleviate their sufferings.
The President, who restated the determination of his administration to recover Nigeria’s stolen funds, reassured Nigerians that the ongoing war against corruption was not selective but was aimed at ensuring financial and economic discipline in the country.
The President assured the people of Katsina State and Nigerians that he would not be a disappointment but would ensure that justice and fairness prevailed among Nigerians.
Earlier, the Emir had spoke on the challenges facing the country and expressed satisfaction that the President had the capacity to address the problems.