President Muhammadu Buhari says if Nigeria ceases to
exist, nobody will take another general to preside over
his country.

Addressing the troops on the frontline of insurgency in
the north-east, Buhari said complete loyalty was
expected from the armed forces in the face of
agitations from various sections of the county.

He visited soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno state, on
Sunday, as part activities marking the nation’s 57th
independence anniversary.

“I thought the only honour I can present to the military
and other stakeholders on this great day is to come
and address you, who are on the frontline. I am
pleased with the nation and responsible opinions from
all over the world, congratulating this administration
for the progress we have made,” he said.

“Even for selfish reasons, your loyalty ought to be to
the centre, first The security of this nation is in the
hands of God and in the hands of the security.

“If you don’t stand firm, I assure you if Nigeria doesn’t
exist, the first to be insecure are the security agencies
because no matter how many parts Nigeria will be
divided, nobody will take another general to preside
over his country.”

Buhari dismissed those agitating for separation as
noisemakers, saying having participated in the 30-
month civil war, he knew much about the nation.
“I was involved in the civil war for 30 months, I know
much about this country,” he said.

“Those making noise about the stability of this country
were not born then. They don’t know what it means to
be a nationalist.”

The president gave the assurance that under his
leadership resources would be made available to
support the armed forces.

He said unless the nation is secure nobody would be
able to pursue his or her business.

“I expect in return from you to be loyal and loyalty is
from the bottom upward, from private to lance
corporal, corporal, up to sergeant, generals, service
chiefs, otherwise the centre will not hold.

“But this centre is determined to hold.”

TheCable