The return of President Muhammadu to Nigeria – after a long stay in the UK – is indubitably a reason for celebrations. Yes, many minatory rumours had twirled and rippled in his absence. In the first two months of his “encampment” in London, he did not make any public appearance, ossifying the speculation that he was gravely ill. But he soon started receiving guests at Abuja house, cooling remotely, the cauldron. There were also protests demanding that he either resume office or resign. But I doubt the president is returning because the protests forced his hand.

However, I hope his return will be the heralding of pristine actions for Nigerians. To make his comeback a “hit” like Morrison’s song, I would like the president to address two issues: first, stopping the missiles of hate and division, and second, addressing the Biafra agitation frontally.

Nigeria has never been in a murkier hate war than now. Social media is the battlefield where all forms of ballistic hate missiles are exchanged. Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba young men and women, fuelled by atavistic hate, verbally bludgeon one another for nothing. As it is, the intercourse of hate speeches may be the end of Nigeria as we know it if resolute action is not taken. And that action should be making a scapegoat of its purveyors.

Also, a few weeks ago, some northern youth groups asked an entire ethnic group – the Igbo – to leave the region by October 1. And despite peace meetings and entreaties, they stuck to their guns.

Although, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo subtly waded into the matter, Buhari, being from the north and with an irrepressible following in the region, will make a deft and definite statement if he steps in. I urge him to.

In conclusion, I appeal to the president to openly address the agitation for an independent state of the south-east by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other groups in the region. Instead of speaking about it leisurely and using a sledge hammer on the agitators, he should reach out to them by whatever means necessary. There is nothing dialogue cannot achieve. After years of (Obasanjo administration) brutal clampdown on militants in the Niger Delta, they are on the negotiation table with the government today. Repression will only stoke violence, hate and fear.

The post Buhari: The return of the Mack! first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Buhari: The return of the Mack! appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The president is set to return after over 100 days in London for medical treatment.

He left the country on May 7 after handing over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has functioned as Acting President since then.

Buhari is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast by 7 a.m. on Monday, Femi Adesina, his spokesperson confirmed to Premium Times.

“He thanks all Nigerians who have prayed ceaselessly for his recovery and well-being since the beginning of the health challenge,” Adesina said.

The post Buhari returns to Nigeria today first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Buhari returns to Nigeria today appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.