PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has used his Christmas message to warn that any threat to Nigeria’s peace would not be tolerated in what is seen as a clear warning to separatist groups like Boko Haram and secessionist Biafran campaigners.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, numerous groups have taken up arms across Nigeria, making all sorts of demands, with some like Boko Haram resorting to outright war. Others like the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (Ipob) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign Stare of Biafra (Massob) are campaigning for the break-up of the country. 

Over recent weeks, the government has also had to face a new threat from Shiites, who were engaged in a clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria. President Buhari used his message to warn all such groups that the sanctity of Nigeria is not up for negotiation and threats to the unity of the nation will not be tolerated.

 President Buhari said: “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise. I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas.

"On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught. A greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in the lives of Nigerians, will immensely help Nigeria to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation." 

In his message, the president also urged Nigerians to reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress. He added that the government was doing its best to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) rendered homeless by the Boko Haram crisis. 

President Buhari added: “The federal government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes. This administration has also taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people and the 2016 budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life. 

"Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept and we are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people. In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability."

He described public office as a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards. In the 2016 budget, the government has tripled spending on capital expenditure with the aim of creating jobs and getting the nation's infrastructure working again.