We will take very seriously any attempts to cause violence or to disrupt the peace of Nigeria. And we will not tolerate such.
We are also resolute in our determination to protect every Nigerian, everywhere in the country.
We will do everything within our power to defend and uphold the terms of our constitution, which declares that we are one nation under God.
It also guarantees the free mobility of people, goods and services throughout the country, as well as full residence rights for every citizen in all and any parts of the land of their choice.
It is also the aspiration of the Constitution to ensure a country in which, and I quote, “loyalty to the nation shall override sectional loyalties.”
And it is the responsibility of the Government to create the conditions for the attainment of these ideals. There is something that President Buhari is fond of saying: that without peace and security there can be no development.
We cannot develop a country that is not in the first place safe and secure for all its people. For this reason we take extremely seriously our constitutional responsibilities as your government.
Those responsibilities also include listening to, consulting, and engaging with you; giving every citizen and every part of the Federation a sense of belonging and significance. And that is why we are here today.
I expect that we will be frank and constructive in all our deliberation and discussion.
This is an important moment for all of us, and I hope that at the end of it we will all be satisfied that we have accomplished something significant.
By the grace of God we will leave to coming generations a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation; a nation in whom all citizens, regardless of age, gender, and ethnic/religious affiliations, will feel deep and enduring pride.
I now would like to listen to your views and interact with you on these issues as we together consider the future of our great country.
Thank you very much. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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