Just In: Buhari Launches Unity Band Ahead Of Presidential Campaign

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday launched the Buhari Unity Band , an idea he said was meant to keep Nigeria united as it inched toward the 2019 general elections .

The launch is coming three days to the November 18 , 2018 date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the formal opening of campaigns for the 2019 general electionson , in which Buhari is running as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress .

The President , while launching the wrist bands at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday , expressed concerns about the growing threats in the country in the build- up to the polls.

He stated that his administration was committed to keeping Nigeria together .

“ By the grace of God , we shall remain strong and united , ” the President told the session .

The President continued, “Our country has passed through difficult times , on occasions threatening the foundations of our unity, but with the help of God , we have always emerged from each crisis stronger .

“ There is no doubt that we still have pockets of issues that question our unity but we are convinced that , with the determination of all Nigerians , we shall remain strong and united .

“ The Buhari Unity Band is a visual and token symbol of our resolve to live in unity as one and to preach the message of unity wherever we live .

“ Those who subscribe to the unity wristband will be known as Nigerian Unity Ambassadors . You will be building on the legacy of a number of our patriots who have , in the past, sacrificed so much , some even their lives , in defence of our nation. ”

The Chairman and National Coordinator of GOGAN, Mr Felix Idiga, spoke of alleged “ malicious ” plans by the opposition to cause confusion during the polls .

Idiga explained that BUB was initiated to counter the plans of the opposition and promote unity among Nigerians .
He did not elaborate on the said plans by the opposition .

But , Idiga condemned what he called “ senseless looting ” of the country’ s resources by the political class .
He noted that in looting the treasury , politicians were usually united and buried their religious and tribal differences .

“ When they (looters ) are picked to face the wrath of the law , they cry marginalisation and begin to fan the flames of disunity and unrest in the country” , Idiga further alleged .

On BUB , he said Nigerians who wore them believed in the unity of the country, which was promoted by Buhari .

He spoke more , “ Our ultimate goal is to make all Nigerians peace ambassadors of our country by uniting them with the national outlook for excellence in visual identification symbol .

“ It is a symbol with a loud declaration by Nigerians ; a slogan which says , ‘ no to united looters , yes to a united Nigeria . ”‘

Among the patrons of GOGAN are the National leader of the All Progressives Congress , Asiwaju Bola Tinubu , Chief Arthur Eze and Mr Mamman Daura .
Tinubu , who was represented at the event by Senator Kabiru Gaya , doubled as the chairman of the occasion .