President Muhammadu Buhari has described those agitating for the creation of Biafra as jokers.
Buhari in an interview with Al Jazeera television during his recent visit to Qatar said: “At least two million Nigerians were killed in the Biafra war.
“And for somebody to wake up, may be they weren’t born (during the war), looking for Biafra after two millions people were killed, they are joking with the security of the country. Nigeria won’t tolerate Biafra.”
Noting that he would only allow peaceful pro-Biafran protests, he stated that the creation of Biafra was unconstitutional.
On the devaluation of the Naira, Buhari said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or any international body cannot teach Nigeria how to run its economy.
Asked if he was going against IMF advise by refusing to devalue the naira, Buhari replied: “Why not! If it is against our national interest, why can’t we go against IMF?”
According to him, “countries that play around with their currencies are countries that have enormous production.”
“Their infrastructure is in place. Infrastructure in terms of power, communication and security are virtually alright. Nigeria virtually imports everything from rice to toothpicks.
“Now, if you do not have the money to import those things, what is the point devaluing your naira?”
Buhari also highlighted the need for the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to re-strategise in saving the current crude oil price crisis.
“OPEC has to work together to save the situation. It has always been an interesting aspect, if you can produce less and earn more. We are producing more and earning less.
“I have never been able to understand it but the market forces are influenced by a lot of political decisions, post regional decisions and global decisions and we have to live by it.”
“OPEC as an organization has to be mindful of the economic conditions in each member country because that would influence that country’s ability to go along with OPEC’s purported decision.
“In Nigeria, we are unable to diversify our economy. Hence, we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices. OPEC tried to help us but it is basically our own fault. “
“Under my leadership, Nigeria would not want to withdraw. Between 1976 and 1979, I served as Petroleum Minister. I very much value the institution of OPEC and I think Nigeria would make the necessary moves to remain in OPEC.”
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