Buhari: I won’t allow religion divide Nigerians, says ‘decision against third term irreversible’

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja expressed the strong determination of his administration to forge a strong, united nation from the diverse religious and ethnic communities in the country.
Receiving the Tijjaniyya Muslim Religious Movement at the State House, Buhari lauded the prevalence of mutual understanding among the followers of the two major religions in the country, Islam and Christianity.
“It is generally said that differences divide people. We in Nigeria understand that there is no way a misunderstanding can cause division among us. We are one people,” he said.
Buhari told leaders of the delegation, mostly Senegalese, that the Tijjaniyya religious order was not new to him or to Nigerians, citing specific communities around him who practised its ways and commended them for being orderly, peaceful and constructive.
“The requirement of our people, whatever religion they follow, and to whatever ethnic group they belong in Nigeria is the same.
‘‘They need security, education and participation in an inclusive economy. On this, we are being very fair to all Nigerians,” he said.
The Nigerian leader welcomed the prayers of the religious group for his wellbeing and for the peace and progress in Nigeria.
He urged them to convey his best wishes to President Macky Sall of Senegal, saying: “ I assure you that I am very close to your President. He addresses me as ‘Baba’,’’.
The leader of the delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Lamin Inyas, son of one of the greatest Muslim religious Leaders in West Africa, Sheikh Ibrahim Inyas, said their father brought them up to love and appreciate his large following in Kano and Nigerian cities.
“We are part of this country. We have come here to renew ties and the bonds of relationship. This is our reason for the homage,” he said.
The delegation prayed for the realisation of best wishes and aspirations of President Buhari, and for unity and solidarity among the universal followers of the religion.
Meanwhile, Buhari also declared that his decision not to run for a third term in office is sacrosanct, final and irreversible.
Speaking through the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju in Abuja on Monday, he said that those pushing the agenda should respect the president and stop the campaign.
Akinsiju said that his organisation had believed that the president’s declaration would put the matter to rest finally.
”We want to restate that President Muhammadu Buhari, as an acclaimed democrat and a man of integrity.
“It is important to acknowledge that Buhari’s major concern is to rebuild the dilapidated infrastructure in the country, eradicate corruption and fight insecurity, thereby bequeathing a country that works for all citizens,” he said.
The organisation expressed the belief that with the bold declaration of the president not to seek for a third term, Nigerians should ignore calls for term elongation as it violated the nation’s constitution.
”As a man of integrity, he will not renege on his promise and neither will he bastardise the Nigerian constitution for personal gains, no matter the pressure.
“We are confident that with the measures already put in place by Buhari, Nigeria is already well-positioned for development which will lead to job creation, economic growth and rapid socio-political development of the country.
“Definitely, third term is not on the agenda of the president as it runs contrary to the oath of office he swore to.
”We want to reassure Nigerians that Buhari remains focussed in improving the lives of Nigerians by embarking on programmes and projects that will positively impact on Nigerians,” Akinsiju said.