– Some youth in Abuja on Thursday, July 14, protested the call for restructuring of Nigeria – The youth in their thousands marched to the National Assembly – The youth under the umbrella of a non-governmental organization backed the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration Some youth marched to the National Assembly on Thursday, July 14, in protest to the call for the restructuring of Nigeria. In their thousands, the youth under the umbrella of the Coalition of Patriotic Nigerians Both at Home and Diaspora in Defence of Democracy said the clamour for a restructured Nigeria is a distraction for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. The protest was tagged: “All ethnic nationality rally for Nigeria’s unity and solidarity protest in support of anti-corruption crusade”. The group passing a vote of confidence on the president said the present administration had shown its strength in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Speaking at the protest, the national coordinator for Stand Up Nigeria (SUN), a non-governmental Sunday Attah said individuals calling for the restructuring of Nigeria are enemies of the country. “Protests, calls for break up and violence against economic infrastructure may intensify but we know we will overcome the enemies of Nigeria,” Attah said. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Some of the protesters He said the agenda are pranks by paid agents to destroy the nation. “They call it restructuring but enlightened people realize that it is a cover for negotiating the partitioning of Nigeria to feudal lords who are waiting to rule enclaves in which they want to keep the rest of us as slaves. Attah said it is shameful because those who are currently calling for the restructuring are the same people who sabotaged the economic growth of the country. READ ALSO: How President Muhammadu Buhari “unpresidentially” divided Nigeria Attah said: “Irrespective of what fine words they couch their evil intentions in our belief in the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and we will do all the law prescribes to maintain the unity of Nigeria.” “While some may think the economy is struggling, these very vices that have been at the root of all other problems are the real problems to be tackled; once they are properly addressed we will all see a new Nigeria arising out of the ruins that it has been plunged by previous regimes. He said the group is confident of the capability of President Buhari to steer the affairs of Nigeria for the good of the common man. “It is on this count that we say we are one hundred percent confident of his ability and capability as the president and commander in chief. “Such vote of confidence as opposed to these myriads of distraction is what Mr President needs to perform better, the distractions to his administration must stop. “We will further as patriotic citizens give all our support to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has in the last one year done much in fighting insurgency, corruption and impunity,” he said. He added: “Dear compatriots, we appeal to you, we beg you fervently, and we must unite in demanding that the enemies of Nigeria have a rethink. “We must pressure them in any way we know to stop their destructive activities. If they don’t stop there would be consequently which would unfortunately be for everyone,” Attah added. He concluded by stating that similar protests were held in Lagos and Calabar yesterday. Since various calls for the restructuring of the Nigeria state, the vice president Yemi Osinbajo over the weekend dismissed calls for restructuring of the country. The vice president said the present administration has not considered restructuring as a solution to the numerous challenges the country is facing currently.
EPA
France's foreign minister has said his newly-appointed British counterpart, Boris Johnson, is a liar with "his back against the wall".
In comments to Europe 1 radio, Jean-Marc Ayrault said Mr Johnson had lied to the British people during the recent EU referendum campaign and would now be under pressure "to defend his country".
He said France needed a negotiating partner who was credible and reliable.
The former London mayor led the campaign to take Britain out of the EU.
He was expected to stand for the Conservative party leadership in the wake of the referendum result, but did not put himself forward after key colleagues withdrew support.
His appointment as foreign secretary has surprised many politicians and commentators around the world, who have recalled his history of undiplomatic or offensive comments.
Mr Ayrault said: "I am not at all worried about Boris Johnson, but you know his style, his method during the campaign - he lied a lot to the British people.
"[He has] his back against the wall to defend his country but also with his back against the wall the relationship with Europe should be clear.
"I need a partner with whom I can negotiate and who is clear, credible and reliable," he added.
"We cannot let this ambiguous, blurred situation drag on... in the interests of the British themselves."
Reacting to the comments, Mr Johnson said it was "inevitable there will be some plaster coming off the ceilings in the chancelleries of Europe. It was not the result they were expecting and they are making their views known in a frank and free way".
But he added: "The French foreign minister has in fact sent me a charming letter just a couple of hours ago saying how much he looked forward to working together and deepening Anglo-French co-operation in all sorts of areas, and that is what we want to achieve."
Mr Johnson said he wanted reshape Britain's identity as a "great global player".
He said: "We have to give effect to the will of the people in the referendum but that does not mean leaving Europe. There is a massive difference between leaving the EU and our relations with Europe which, if anything, are going to be intensified."
France and other EU states have urged Britain to start the process of leaving the EU promptly, to minimise uncertainty.
New Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to implement Britain's exit from the bloc but has not said when she plans to trigger the formal exit procedure.
She has already spoken to French President Francois Hollande. Mrs May's spokeswoman said she "explained that we would need some time to prepare for these negotiations".
