No group can hold Nigeria to ransom – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said his administration would never allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.

This was contained in his Christmas message to Nigerians which he personally signed.

Though the President did not mention any group, there has been agitation for self autonomy by Movement for the Actualisation for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

“We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise,” the President said.

While urging Nigerians to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Buhari noted that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions of these Nigerians, stressing that the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the displaced to their homes Buhari said his administration was determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of Nigerians, stressing that the current socio-economic and security challenges should not be allowed to dampen expectations for a better country

The President stated that the change slogan of his government was not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept.

According to him, efforts would be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability. He said public office was a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards

The President stated that his administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to the people as the 2016 budget has defined the commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

He noted that on this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, all Nigerians need to rededicate themselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.

There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation. “Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians, who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and predecessor, David Mark have urged Nigerians to persevere in the face of current harsh economic climate.

In separate messages to Nigerians, the lawmakers urged peace, love and unity as Nigerians savor the joy of the season. Saraki urged Nigerians to ensure that their actions are predicated on peace, love and unity which he said were the virtues needed to rebuild the country.