President Muhammadu Buhari has granted Nigerian citizenship to 286 foreigners. He advised the new citizens to respect and uphold the laws of the land and to be respectful citizens of Nigeria. “You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you,” said President Buhari during the citizenship ceremony at Aso Rock, Abuja.
Reading from a prepared speech, President Buhari continued: ”You are expected to abide by the Ideals and Institution of the Nigerian National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and respect for all Constituted Authorities.
”All those concerned with Immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their Local Governments should assist with their integration in the local community to enable them enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen”.
”This ceremony therefore is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment and determination to remove as many people as possible from statelessness.
”In this regard, I will like to reiterate our commitment to the strategic role Nigeria plays in the comity of nations, in its unwavering quest for greater human integration, towards ensuring peace and prosperity.”
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola said to the new Nigerian citizens:”Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us.’’
Chapter III Sections 25-31 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) conferred the prerogative to the president to award citizenship to the well deserved applicants.
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