President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria would obey the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the Bakassi peninsula.

He made the statement on Wednesday in Cameroon while in an interactive session with Nigerians resident in the nation.

“Since Nigeria allowed the case to go to court (ICJ), and we lost, we have to abide by it,” the President said in response to a question from a Nigerian on the issue.

He told them that his administration would implement the Green Tree Agreement, which regulates the ceding of the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon.

President Buhari also vowed to expedite the safe return and rehabilitation of over 40,000 Nigerians in Cameroon, who fled their homes as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the oil-rich nation’s North-east.

In a statement released by a spokesman for the President, Femi Adesina, President Buhari stated that his administration would soon produce a more articulated foreign policy that would further strengthen Nigeria’s relations with other countries.

On the issue of security, the President said: “The defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria and protection of lives and properties of Nigerians and all those who live in the country are top priorities.”

President Buhari assured Nigerians that the current security challenges were not insurmountable.

He said Nigeria was working with all neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, to fight and stand firm against all forms of terror and trans-border crimes.

He appealed for patience and vigilance from Nigerians to ensure that youths were not lured into joining “misguided groups.”

“We are determined to end this callousness against our innocent citizens. We shall explore all reasonable options to enable us to bring this rebellion to an end,” he vowed.

Responding to a question on the voting rights for Nigerians in the Diaspora, the President promised that his administration would revisit the issue, which would require legislation from the National Assembly.

The President further pledged to do everything possible toward bringing positive change to Nigeria.

“Despite the numerous challenges confronting us, the future of our country is bright.

“You all know very well that your fellow Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and patriotic.

“These qualities have always seen us through our most difficult national challenges and they will do so now.” (Channels TV)

•Photo shows President Buhari.

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