• Receives Afenifere in Aso Villa
President Bola Tinubu has warned that criminals who seek to challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty will face the full wrath of the law.
He made the declaration on Wednesday when he received a delegation of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also stressed his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating banditry and kidnapping.
Tinubu highlighted the progress made so far in safeguarding Nigerian territory and sovereignty, noting the significant decline in the threat posed by terrorism.
He said terrorists have been denied the capacity to further jeopardise the nation’s sovereignty.
President Tinubu said: “What we face now is challenges of terrorism and security of lives and property. There is a need for development and good results and we have been battling. That said, I can tell you that we are achieving success.
“There is an improvement. From hoisting flags on Nigerian properties and sovereignty, we have degraded terrorism to the point that they cannot threaten the sovereignty of this country any longer.
“It is always hard to defeat economic opportunities that are opened up by this type of challenge, particularly when the country is equally challenged economically. So, the banditry kidnapping that they have resulted in will also be defeated.”
The president added that the expeditious release of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren and other rescue interventions from Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna states are all evident to the rapid results of his administration towards tackling abductions.
He added, “I declined any ransom, no payment of ransom whatsoever. We are taking the battle to them, and we are getting results more rapidly than ever before.
The case of Kuriga and others is evident. The way we rescue from Sokoto to Katsina to Kaduna and others is now more expeditiously than ever before.
“We are working hard on intelligent gathering and more on execution of our programmes. Those who thought they could threaten the sovereignty of this country will have themselves to blame; they have the price to pay, and we are not going to relent.”
The president thanked the delegation for their prayers and support, assuring them that he would not relent in his resolve to advance Nigeria.
‘’God bless Nigeria. God bless our unity; our diversity must bring prosperity for all for the sake of Nigeria,’’ President Tinubu concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olu Falae, commended the President for his courageous decisions and for the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, as well as other critical ongoing projects.
He urged the President not to relent in ensuring fairness and equity for all Nigerians while noting the importance of a constitutional amendment to devolve more powers to the states.
‘’We are delighted about what you are doing for our country, and we assure you of our continued support. We thank you for your visit to Akure in February 2024, and we believe it is right and proper to reciprocate your kind gesture. We appreciate this relationship, and we need to make it work in the interest of Nigeria.
‘’Mr. President, you are the leader of Nigeria now and the most important political figure in Africa. We expect you, in view of your legacy and pedigree, to lead our country with knowledge, courage, and integrity. We have no doubt that your tenure will mark a turning point in the history of our country. Under your leadership, Nigeria will be repositioned.
‘’We will stand by you as you make all efforts to change the Nigerian story for the better. Be assured, Afenifere will not abandon you in fair or foul weather. As long as you remain faithful to the principles of fairness, integrity, and courage that are expected of you as the leader of Nigeria, we will stand by you,’’ Oba Falae said.
The delegation was led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, and Oba Falae, alongside other eminent citizens including Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Gbenga Basorun Arogbofa, Dare Babarinsa, Segun Mimiko, Iyiola Omisore, Korede Duyile, HRM Oba Francis Olusola, Solomon Dele Owoniyi, Jare Ajayi, Otunba Samuel Ibikunle, and Prince Alonge, among others.
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