NIGERIA@61: Buhari talks tough, says he’s ready to arrest, prosecute all persons inciting violence through words, actions

*Says Nnamdi Kanu, Igboho sponsored agents, to go after their financiers

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

For the elements, who have made the last 18 months most challenging for the polity by their incitement of violence and resurgent insecurity in the land, Nigeria’s government it is now time they are placed where they truly belong.

This was coming as President Muhammadu Buhari gave his word, on Friday, that his government was ready to arrest and prosecute them for working against the peace and security of the nation and it’s good people.

Specifically, the President in his Independence Anniversary Address delivered during a nationwide broadcast Friday morning spoke about leader of terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and arrowhead of ‘Yoruba Nation’, Sunday Adeyemo a k.a. Sunday Igboho, who were arrested recently.

He said Kanu and Igboho’s arrests and the investigations of their activities showed that they were working as sponsored agents for some high-profile people, who he vowed would be gone after even up to those at the National Assembly involved in the evil.deeds against the nation.

“In line with section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the security and welfare of Nigerians continue to be the prime focus on which programmes and projects of our government revolves.

“Therefore, as a Government, we are ready to arrest and prosecute all persons inciting violence through words or action. Our resolve for a peaceful, united and one Nigeria remains resolute and unwavering.

“That said, our hope is not to fight for peace. We can always settle our grievances peacefully without spilling any blood.

“I will therefore take this opportunity, on this special day that symbolises the unity and oneness of our great nation, to ask all Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue, whatever your grievances.

“The seeds of violence are planted in people’s heads through words. Reckless utterances of a few have led to losses of many innocent lives and destruction of properties.

“Such unfiltered and unsubstantiated lies and hate speeches by a few evil persons must be stopped. Our media houses and commentators must move away from just reporting irresponsible remarks to investigating the truth behind all statements and presenting the facts to readers.

“We must all come out and speak against the lies being peddled. At this point, I would want to sincerely appreciate the large number of our Traditional, Religious and Community leaders as well as other well-meaning Nigerians who, in their various fora are openly spreading the message of peaceful co-existence and conflict settlement through dialogue in their respective communities.

“Nigeria is for all of us. Its unity is not negotiable. And its ultimate success can only be achieved if we all come together with a common goal of having peace and prosperity for our nation.

“We shall continue to work on dialogue based solutions to address legitimate grievances. But we remain ready to take decisive actions against secessionist agitators and their sponsors who threaten our national security.

“The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, and the ongoing investigations being conducted have revealed certain high-profile financiers behind these individuals. We are vigorously pursuing these financiers including one identified as a serving member of the national assembly,” President Buhari said.

The President regretted that some people in the country would “abandon their national leadership positions for their selfish gains. Instead of preaching unity, they are funding and misleading our youth to conduct criminal acts that sometimes lead to unfortunate and unnecessary loss of lives and property.

“As the so-called leaders run abroad to hide, our innocent youths are misled and left in the streets to fight for their senseless and destructive causes.

“Government will continue, with greater level of peoples’ participation and in collaboration with our international partners, to improve the security architecture, reduce enabling environment for criminality to thrive and eliminate opportunities for terrorism financing,” he said.