President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday declared that Nigeria as an abiding nation has to live with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling ceeding the oil-rich Bakassi penisular to Cameroon.
He made the remark during the interactive session with Nigerians residing in Cameroon.
Some of them complained that they are still being treated as aliens in Cameroon since the ICJ’s ruling.
“Since Nigeria allowed the case to go to court and we lost, we have to abide by it,” he said, assuring the 4 million Nigerians residing in Cameroon of Nigeria’s commitment to continue to boost their welfare and safety in the country.
He also maintained that Nigeria’s future is very bright despite the economic down turn.
He said: “Fellow Compatriots permit me to say, as I have done during my inauguration on 29th May 2015, I am committed towards bringing positive change to Nigeria and I will do everything possible to achieve that. Despite the numerous challenges confronting us, the future of our country is very bright.
“You all know very well that your fellow Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and patriotic. These qualities have always seen us through our most difficult national challenges and they will do so now.
“However, this government’s job is to see that we unite and work together for the common good of our country.
“The recent economic downturn occasioned by the fall in oil prices at the global market, which drastically affects our national revenue, is a serious cause of concern to us.”
He said adequate measures will be put in place to minimize the shock of the down turn on the Nigeria economy through diversification of the economy.
“As a responsible government, we intend to continue to build a stable economy through prudent fiscal policies and providing favorable environment for both domestic and foreign investments. The aim is to guarantee growth and development in all the sectors of our economy, cut waste, ensures fairness and equal opportunities,” he said.
According to him, his administration has taken it upon itself to fight corruption before it kills Nigeria.
President Buhari also assured that the current security challenges confronting Nigeria will soon be a thing of the past.
“We are determined to end this callousness against our innocent citizens. The defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria and the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians and all those who live in the country are our top priorities. We shall explore all reasonable options to enable us to bring this rebellion to an end,” he said
Continuing, he said: “We are also working with all our neighbors, Cameroon inclusive and other friendly countries, so that together we can fight and stand firmly against all forms of terror and trans-border crimes.
“Whereas, many successes have been recorded in routing the insurgents and limiting their activities, the war is not over yet.” He noted
He advised the gathering to be patient and vigilant in order to ensure that youths are not misguided into joining the misguided terrorists groups.
“We must also support our gallant security and military personnel as they fight to defend our country.” He said
Stressing that Nigeria’s relation with Cameroon is one of the closest in the sub-region, he said that the Federal government of Nigeria places prime importance to the political, socio-economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
He said: “That is why we maintain these high level contacts with the government here and the reason why I am here. Nigeria and Cameroon share so much in common and the potential exists for even greater cooperation between our two countries.
“I am delighted to hear of the peaceful relations that exist between you and your Cameroonian hosts. I am very proud of our Nigerian Diaspora; wherever I go I meet extraordinary Nigerians doing great things and contributing positively to developments of their host countries.
“I urge you to continue to project the image of our dear country well, through your hard work and good conduct in order to promote good neighborliness.
“I also urge you to continue to respect the laws and customs and policies of your host country. I urge you to continue to live in peace with your brother and sister Cameroonians,” he stated.
Speaking earlier, one of the representatives of Nigerians residing in Cameroon, Paul Okocha said that Nigerian companies in Cameroon are playing major roles in the Cameroonian economy.
He urged the President to give priority attention to completion of motorable road between Cameroon and Nigeria to boost trade between them.
Another resident, Ebere Valentine while congratulating the President for winning the 2015 Presidential election, he was optimistic that Nigeria’s long dream of becoming true giant of Africa will come to pass under Buhari’s administration.
“Your footprints have manifested in Nigeria and beyond since you became the President of Nigeria,” he stated
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