Nigerians are celebrating 58 years of independence from colonial rule on Monday. The country which is a power house in Africa however continues to face many challenges.
Such challenges related to insecurity arising from ethnic conflicts and insurgency of Boko Haram as well as a weak economy.
In an early national broadcast on Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to unite the country.
Buhari said in his speech that he “ will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.”
He told Nigerians that “as we celebrate the 58th anniversary of our Independence, we know we are on the right path.
“Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation.
“We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.
Promise on Boko Haram
The militant group, Boko Haram continue to wreck havoc in parts of the country. Millions have been displaced and thousands killed.
President Buhari said he will equip security agencies to win the battle against the insurgents.
He promised to “continue to empower them (security agencies) by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field.”
“I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families,” he said.
Ethnic violence
Fighting among herdsmen and native Nigerians continues to trouble the peace of the country. Many have been killed on both sides with no end in sight.
President Buhari said “The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively.
“We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding a durable solution to this problem.
“This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts.
“In this context, I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
