President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night said that Nigeria and neighbouring countries must stand together to defeat the terrorists group, Boko Haram in the sub-region.
He made the remark at a state dinner in Yaounde, during his two-day working visit to Cameroon.
Buhari said that countries in the sub-region cannot afford to falter in their resolve to get rid of the evils of terrorists.
He said: “We recognize that none of us can succeed alone. In order to win this war we need the collective efforts of each one of us, standing together as a formidable force for good, to defeat and end these acts of terror against our people.”
He also informed guests at the dinner hosted by President Paul Biya that the security situation in the region presented an opportunity for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to work together for their common security, peace and socio-economic development.
“Let me assure all of my relentless pursuit of all possible means to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect the lives and property of our citizens as well as my commitment to continue to collaborate with Cameroon and our neighbours, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
“The Federal government of Nigeria is committed to respecting international norms to resolve this matter and to restore normalcy to all the affected areas as soon as possible,’’ he said.
Buhari, who had earlier on his arrival on Wednesday held a closed-door session with his host, thanked President Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians who had fled their homes because of the insurgents.
He also commended Cameroon for its support to Nigerian military and security personnel in the fight against terrorism and offered his condolences to the families of the victims of terror in both countries.
He also announced Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic partnerships with Cameroon, through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others.
Buhari welcomed the achievements so far recorded by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and all the landmark agreements signed between both countries.
Describing the relations between both countries as excellent, he recognized the roles played by past and present leaders and Nigerian citizens in sustaining friendly relations with Cameroon.
Biya, while congratulating President Buhari for a successful inauguration into office, said that Buhari’s electoral victory has provided an opportunity for him to preside over the “destiny of Nigeria.”
He said: “Mr President, a dark cloud is looming over our countries even as we welcome you; we are facing the same threat, which may rock the foundation of our two nations.
“This danger bears the name of Boko Haram, its atrocities and crimes are jeopardizing peace around Lake Chad and especially in our two countries.
“The number of dead and victims are rising, economic activities have been crippled in affected areas, the number of refugees and displaced persons are ever increasing.
“We cannot allow this cancer to spread, we must pool our resources and forces and share our experiences,’’ he said.
President Biya, who reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment in the fight against terror, welcomed the “fresh push” on economic ties between both countries through easing of trade.
“I strongly believe in your readiness to work towards that goal and your visit to Cameroon as well as the discussions we have had have strengthened my conviction.” he said Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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No nation can beat terrorism alone..and yet you criticized GEJ by berating his call to Small Chad and Niger, insinuating that he be-littled our military after their impressive performance in peace mission outside the country. I totally support what u are doing to end terrorism but do not throw stones in the market, u never know who it will hit.
ReplyDeleteTELEPHONE CHAT BETWEEN President Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan.
ReplyDeletePMB: Is that President Jonathan sir?
GEJ: Yes, your Excellency.
PMB: I learn you are somewherhe in Europe resting, away from the mad crowd.
GEJ: Yes, it is true. How are you doing sir?
PMB: To say the truth, Wallahi, things are tough. We have not appointed ministers because of pocket of crises facing our party. You are aware that those who killed the PDP have hijacked the National Assembly and the leadership of our party especially, Tinubu are not happy with them.
GEJ: You will soon overcome the teething problem. I read in the paper that I am the one responsible for the delay in naming your ministers. But you have a long time to prepare after the election was over and in the lighter mood, your excellency, it surprises me that a mere handing over from a clueless President could delay your taking over.
PMB: That is politics. We have to tell our people something to escape their wrath because they are expecting us to solve every problem on ground overnight.
GEJ: Your excellency, If I may advise, you should urgently put the crisis in the National Assembly behind if you wanted them on your side. You know what we went thru when your party especially Tinubu pitched tent with Tambuwal to deny the Yoruba the speaker zoned to the Southwest. Maybe it is the Law of Karma.
PMB: I remember very well but it is the same Tinubu who is the one asking us not to accept Saraki and Dogara as Senate President and the Speaker. But that can scatter the whole thing.
GEJ: But while that is on, you need to quickly name your SGF, it will stabilise the government. . By the way why are you going to Chad, Niger and visiting Cameroun over Boko Haram because I remember you said it was shameful that we did that... this is why we should not politise our security.
PMB: Your excellency, that is politics, we are now facing the reality. Those criminals are still killing our people and I have to ask the military to relocate the Command Control to Maiduguri.
GEJ: I am happy for you that the media are still with you because what they are doing now is to look elsewhere whenever the terrorists strike. They have stopped using such senseless attacks as their front page stories. That was exactly what we were asking from them but they said no. Giving undue publicity to terrorists is not helping us at all. Publicity fuels terrorism, I think it was Margaret Thatcher who said it.
PMB: Lest I forget, Saraki and some of his friends were with Obasanjo at the weekend to report me and the party to him.I learn he told them not to blink...
GEJ: Sorry, to cut you short, I have nothing to say about Obasanjo. Is there any other serious thing you want me to know?
PMB: Not really, but let us keep this communication line open...
GEJ: You are my President, whenever you want us to discuss I am available. We are praying for you.
PMB: Thank you for your time.
GEJ: My pleasure. God will see you through.
PMB: Ha ha ha. Greetings to your family. Thank you sir
I can now understand PMB. So all what APC were saying before election was to rubbish GEJ to win election.APC and PMB has used what dey have (lies) to get what dey want(won election) den future will sort dem out.ok
ReplyDeleteAny foundation that is laid upon deceit and lies will eventually crumble.
ReplyDeleteCan u nw see ? We ar watchin and waitin 4 der lies again in 2019.
ReplyDelete