Buhari Seeks International Support For Nigeria's Counter Terrorism Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, called on members of the Diplomatic Corps in the country to impress on their Governments the need to support Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts.
He also assured that Nigeria would continue to maintain the existing good relationship and cooperation with their various countries.
He stated this when he hosted members of the Diplomatic Corps to the customary practice of the lftar (breaking of the fast) at the State House, Abuja, which is being done at some point in the course of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Buhari said the significance of the event is deepened by the fact that the occasion was also his first meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps since his assumption of office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, today, I feel delighted to mark this important religious obligation with you – Nigeria's friends who have by your observances, re-dedicated yourselves to, and re-affirmed your faith in the Almighty Allah,” Buhari said.
He also used the occasion to convey his sincere gratitude to all those who supported him as a candidate, when he was running for office and also identified with his victory after the elections.
His words: “I acknowledge, with gratitude as well, the representations and goodwill messages I received from your various countries during the inauguration ceremony. Your confidence in us shall insha-Allah not be in vain.
“As I stated in my inaugural address, our country stands ready to once again, play any leadership role expected of us on the African Continent and beyond. We are however aware of the need to ensure our own domestic security in the first instance. We have therefore taken several practical steps to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency. At the National level, we have relocated the Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri, closer to the theatre of battle. Only yesterday, we announced a re-jigging of our security architecture to ensure greater momentum. May I also restate our commitment to ensuring that all our counter terrorism efforts are within the framework of the Human Rights obligations which we subscribe to locally and internationally. Indeed, our military operations shall be governed by rules of fair and proportionate but effective engagement.
“At the Regional level, Your Excellencies may recall that, I started the first week of my Presidency with visits to the Republics of Niger and Chad and I shall continue with a visit to Cameroun as part of our efforts to collaborate more closely with our partners in the Lake Chad Basin Commission to secure every inch of our territories.
“Already, we have released a first tranche of $21m to operationalise our rejuvenated Multi National Joint Task Force, (MNJTF). Besides the LCBC level, I urge you to impress on your various capitals, the need to support our counter terrorism efforts. Victory over terrorism in Nigeria is victory for every responsible member of the international community, because as the recent pledge of allegiance to ISIS shows, Boko Haram has the capacity to enlarge the global linkage of terror, with negative consequences for international security and stability. We would thus welcome the cooperation, solidarity and support of your various countries in our efforts. May I also express our gratitude to all those who are already engaged with us on this matter.
“In a similar vein, we shall work tirelessly to re-establish and strengthen the relations subsisting between Nigeria and your various countries. A Nigeria that is able and willing to play her role in international stability and development.
“We believe that Nigeria's stability and prosperity would positively impact on our neighbours and contribute to the opening up of Africa as the next frontier of global development. We would do all that is necessary domestically, to put us back on the right track.
“ This shall include on the one hand a diversification of our Economy from sole dependence on Oil and Gas. At the same time, we would engage in a systematic anti-corruption crusade, pay greater emphasis to prudence and accountability in Government as well as a blockage of leakage and waste in Governance.
“Today is not a day for long speeches. In the days ahead, we shall find opportunities to engage more closely. May Almighty Allah bless our fast, answer our prayers and accept our sacrifices and Ibadat, ameen.”