President Bola Tinubu says criminals who seek to threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty “will have themselves to blame”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu spoke when he hosted leaders of the Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, in Abuja.

Tinubu warned that those who threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria would pay a “heavy price”.

He highlighted the progress made so far in safeguarding the country’s territory and sovereignty.

‘’I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy is reflected greatly here since we assumed office,” the statement reads.

“What we face now is the challenge of terrorism. Security of life and property is very necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success. We have degraded terrorism to a level that they cannot threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria any longer.

‘’Banditry and kidnapping will be defeated. And there is no payment of ransom whatsoever. We are taking the battle to them.

“We are getting results more rapidly than before. We are working hard on intelligence gathering. Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame. They have a price to pay. And we are not going to relent.”

Tinubu thanked the delegation led by Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, for their prayers and support.

The president assured that he would not relent in his resolve to advance Nigeria.

He added that his administration is resolute on achieving economic stability in a fair and equitable system for all Nigerians.

‘’God bless Nigeria. God bless our unity; our diversity must bring prosperity for all for the sake of Nigeria,’’ he said.

Speaking earlier, Olu Falae, a former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), commended Tinubu for his courageous decisions and the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, as well as other critical ongoing projects.

He urged the president not to relent in ensuring fairness and equity for all Nigerians while noting the importance of a constitutional amendment to devolve more powers to the states.

‘’We are delighted about what you are doing for our country, and we assure you of our continued support. We thank you for your visit to Akure in February 2024, and we believe it is right and proper to reciprocate your kind gesture. We appreciate this relationship, and we need to make it work in the interest of Nigeria,” Falae said.

‘’Mr. President, you are the leader of Nigeria now and the most important political figure in Africa. We expect you, in view of your legacy and pedigree, to lead our country with knowledge, courage, and integrity.

“We have no doubt that your tenure will mark a turning point in the history of our country. Under your leadership, Nigeria will be repositioned.

“We will stand by you as you make all efforts to change the Nigeria story for the better. Be assured that Afenifere will not abandon you in fair or foul weather.

“As long as you remain faithful to the principles of fairness, integrity, and courage that is expected of you as the leader of Nigeria, we will stand by you.”

Oyo State Government, on Wednesday, demolished the building where the Yoruba Nation agitators led by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola are operating from in Ibadan, the state capital.

Recall that some masked persons, who invaded the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Saturday morning, were arrested by the joint security personnel who were drafted to demobilise them.

The building was said to be located on Toye Oyesola Street in the Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Fatai Owoseni (retd.), confirmed the demolition but declined further comment.

“You can get more details from the Commissioner of Police,” he simply said.

Details later…