We have no alternative than to stand together, Buhari urges Nigerians

PRESIDENT Buhari has urged Nigerians to unite irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences for the growth of the country.

He said this is the only alternative to pursue the “greater goal of a secured, united and prosperous nation for us and our generations yet unborn”.

Buhari spoke yesterday, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, at the induction of three JF-17 Thunder aircraft into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base.

The President further assured that his administration would continue to work with the partners and other members of the international community to tackle the challenges of terrorism.

“I wish to use this opportunity to encourage all law-abiding citizens to continue to stand together, irrespective of ethnic, tribal, religious or political affiliations, to pursue the greater goal of a secured, united and prosperous nation for us and our generations yet unborn, as we have no other alternative than to do this,” he said.

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), Buhari said: “I believe our nation will continue to take steps that would deepen our bilateral relations for the betterment of our peoples. This Administration will continue to work with our partners and other members of the International Community to collectively evolve solutions to the common challenges of terrorism and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which, of course, have varying degrees of sub-regional, regional and global impacts.

“Indeed, such mutually beneficial interactions are part of our commitment to a whole-of-nation and whole-of-humanity approach to dealing with insecurity in Nigeria, West Africa and the entire African Continent.”

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its critical roles in national security and peace-keeping operations on the African Continent in places like Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique and Liberia.