ADVERTISEMENT

10 things we learnt from President's speech

President Muhammadu Buhari's return address was neither here nor there. Find the major talking points below.

Ailing Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari on his return back to the country in Abuja, on August 19, 2017

It is the president's first address to the nation he leads, since he made a return to Nigeria at exactly 4:36pm on Saturday, August 19; after he had spent 103 days in the United Kingdom on a medical vacation.

If you were commuting to work during the president's address, just to say you didn't miss a thing.  This was basically a bare-bone speech, warts and all.

Here are ten basic things we sifted off a presidential address that contained nothing new:

ADVERTISEMENT

The delivery wasn't great and the lines were bare-bone, but Buhari's shaky voice pre-May 7, 2017, appears to have been replaced with a sturdier cadence.

That raspy voice Buhari deployed while addressing a batch of rescued Chibok girls on the eve of his departure to London, is thankfully no more.

The glow on the president's skin is gradually making a return as well, it appears.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's a tiring line in Nigeria these days, but one every president who has overseen the affairs of this country, loves to deploy.

"Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable", Buhari said with presidential glib, under the studio lights.

"The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse. The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart".

OK.

ADVERTISEMENT

The shadow of Nnamdi Kanu--the eccentric Biafra agitator--loomed like a bad coin over the president's address.

The president's speech writers made sure to leave out Kanu's name, but they did a good job of aiming darts the way of the Abia state born separatist.

More than half this address could well have been delivered in Kanu's name.

The word "irresponsible" in the following paragraph is definitely Kanu's subliminal to claim.

"We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble, and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood".

ADVERTISEMENT

It is common knowledge that Kanu possesses a British passport and until he was arrested in October of 2015, he stirred trouble from Europe through a pirate radio station.

Kanu's international passport has been seized so he can't possibly run away, but hey, stranger things have happened.

A certain youth group from the north had asked Igbos to vacate their region before October 1.

It was a reprisal order; issued off the back of the separatist rhetoric of Kanu and his followers from the Southeast.

ADVERTISEMENT

Buhari didn't mention the Arewa youth, but if you inserted their name in the following paragraphs, you'll be in order.

"Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance", Buhari said.

"I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view. This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence".

Nigerians who prayed fervently for the president's recovery, had a look in as well in this address.

ADVERTISEMENT

"My dear citizens, I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers", Buhari said.

Awwww.

Absolutely touching.

The nation's leader is over the moon concerning his return, he had to say it twice--Once at the beginning of the address and once at the end.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters", Buhari said at the commencement of his address.

And then in the penultimate paragraph, this arrived: "I am so glad to be home".

We heard you the first time, Mr. President.

If you are on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, Nigeria's president doesn't really fancy how you've been communicating.

ADVERTISEMENT

This was a warning to all those who spew hate on social media:

"Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially on social media, have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far".

You heard the man, Mr and Mrs social media influencer.

Well, who knew?

ADVERTISEMENT

The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was leader of the Biafra side of the divide during Nigeria's bloody civil war and uprisings of the late '60s.

Buhari spent two days with the face of the '60s separatist movement and the topic was uniting Nigeria, according to this speech.

Here's President Buhari: "In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late  came and stayed as my guest in my hometown

"Over two days, we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united".

Cool stuff.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.

"Elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets; kidnappings; farmers versus herdsmen clashes in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all".

On this, we agree.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you thought the president's three-month long medical vacation is enough to make him relinquish his hold on the throne, you can get to work now, because that announcement didn't happen in this speech.

Instead, the president resolved to pursue the goals his administration outlined from the outset.

ALSO READ:

"Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of economic security, political evolution and integration, as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.

"I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained", Buhari said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT