President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Malta said violent extremism and terrorism could only thrive and endure if good people remained idle and complacent.
Speaking on Sunday at the Commonwealth summit in Malta, Buhari said he was confident that terrorism would be ultimately defeated with greater international cooperation and collaboration.
According to Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Buhari stated this while speaking on behalf of other participating African heads of state and government at the end of the summit.
“We have had the opportunity to discuss, in a serene atmosphere, wide ranging issues that are of great significance, not only to the members of the Commonwealth, but to the entire global community,” Shehu quoted him as saying.
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“Of particular note is the action statement on climate change, which is expected to herald our commitment to saving the planet for present and future generations.
“Of equal significance are our deliberations on Radicalisation and Violent Extremism. We are witnesses to the growing phenomenon of terrorism that is affecting us all, whether big or small.
“The reign of terror will only succeed if peace-loving people choose to remain idle. But I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will defeat this scourge and restore peace.”
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The statement added that Buhari also pledged the commitment of Nigeria and other African member-countries to the promotion and protection of the core values of the Commonwealth.
“I came into power via democratic principles and values espoused by this same body,” it said.
“Nigeria as a country will continue to protect and promote these democratic ideals.”
He thanked the outgoing secretary-general, Kamalesh Sharma, for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth and congratulated, Patricia Janet Scotland, who will replace Sharma.
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