Buhari returned to Nigeria on Saturday, August 19, 2017, after his prolonged absence from the country, and delivered a national broadcast on Monday, August 21, in which he addressed issues surrounding national unity, security and peaceful coexistence.
Expressing gratitude to God and Nigerians for their prayers and concern during his absence, the President said he was pleased to be back in the country and among his fellow citizens.
Buhari said he had remained in regular contact with developments in Nigeria during his stay in the United Kingdom. He, however, expressed concern about some comments on social media which, according to him, had crossed what he described as national red lines by questioning Nigeria’s continued existence as one country.
Recalling a meeting with the late former Biafran leader, Chief Emeka Ojukwu, in 2003, Buhari said the two men had discussed Nigeria’s challenges extensively and reached the conclusion that the country should remain united.
He declared that Nigeria’s unity was “settled and not negotiable”, while warning against actions capable of causing unrest or threatening the peace of the country.
Buhari also stressed that every Nigerian should have the right to live and conduct legitimate business in any part of the country without hindrance.
While acknowledging that different groups and communities had legitimate concerns and grievances, he said Nigeria’s federal structure provided an avenue for such issues to be discussed and resolved through appropriate institutions.
The President identified the National Assembly and the National Council of State as legitimate platforms for national discourse, adding that Nigerians had a greater interest in living together and resolving their differences than in pursuing separation.
On security, Buhari directed the security agencies not to become complacent despite what he described as successes recorded in the preceding 18 months.
He called for continued efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, clashes between farmers and herders, criminal activities and violence linked to ethnic or political tensions.
Buhari said his administration would reinforce efforts to address these security challenges and ensure that Nigerians could live and conduct their activities in a safer environment.
Turning to the broader national interest, the President urged Nigerians to set aside petty differences and work together to address economic challenges, political development, national integration and the need for lasting peace.
He reaffirmed his commitment to these objectives and expressed happiness at being back in Nigeria.
The broadcast marked Buhari’s first major national address after his return from the United Kingdom, where he had spent more than three months receiving medical attention.
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