Buhari vows to protect integrity of Nigerian territories

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to protect the territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation.

‎From left: President Paul Biya of Cameroon, his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, Biya’s wife, Chantel and Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade at a state dinner in Yaounde, Cameroon

 

This is even as he urged countries domiciled within the Lake Chad basin to unanimously rise against all forms of terror attack within the zone, saying no country could win the war against terror alone.

The President, who made the remarks late on Wednesday during a state dinner at the Unity Palace in Yaounde during his two-day working visit to Cameroon, however, stated that Nigeria was going to team up with Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram.

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.

“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.”

Lauds Biya for support

Earlier on his arrival to the country, President Buhari held a closed-door session with his host, where he expressed gratitude to President Paul Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians who 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.

The President also announced Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic partnerships with Cameroon, through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others.

While welcoming the achievements so far recorded by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and all the landmark agreements signed between both countries, Buhari described the relations between both countries as excellent even as he recognized the roles played by past and present leaders and Nigerian citizens in sustaining friendly relations with Cameroon.

Biya reaffirms Cameroon’s commitment in fight against terror

In his remarks, President Biya, who congratulated President Buhari on his successful inauguration into office, said his 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 is 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.”

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.

Vanguard