File photo: Illegal migrants
According to a report by Punch Metro, President Muhammadu Buhari on
Friday warned Nigerians who continue to migrate from the country
through illegal routes, despite the inherent dangers, that they are on
their own.
He said such people make the uncertain trips at their own risk.
Buhari said this during a joint press conference he had with the
visiting German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
He said his administration had made it clear to all that care to listen that it would not support any illegal acts.
He, however, said the government would bring back those who are
trapped in Libya in-between Nigeria and their final destinations.
The President said, “Firstly, I am against those my countrymen and women that illegally travel to Europe.
“I believe you know the ECOWAS protocol encourages free
movement of persons, goods and services. But for those going to Europe,
we are not, as an administration, agreeing with those who continue to
defy the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean because they feel there are
greener pastures there, whether they are prepared for it or not.
“We do not support anything illegal and indiscipline. You must
recall that about six weeks ago, we repatriated about 3,000 Nigerians
that were stuck in Libya on their way to Europe.
“You must have read in the newspapers and watch on the television the number of Nigerians lost in the Mediterranean.
“We have made it very clear that we do not support anything
illegal and anybody who feels this country does not offer him what he
should be offered as a citizen, and decides to defy the desert and the
Mediterranean, is doing it at his own risk.
“But if he is stuck somewhere in Libya between his final
destination and Nigeria, we will rescue him and bring him back home and
send him back to his local government.”
The German Chancellor, in her remarks, earlier said she and Buhari
discussed the 2019 general elections and the need for the exercise to be
free and fair.
She expressed the belief that the elections would impact positively on the nation’s youths.
Merkel also noted the security challenges currently facing Nigeria
and commended the present administration for its efforts to tackle the
Boko Haram sect.
She described Nigeria as a very important country in Africa, hence the need to maintain good and cordial relationship.