Those sponsoring Boko Haram insurgency planned to split Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Tuesday.

Reiterating his conviction that the backers of such projects never meant well, the President wondered why the terrorist group and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) were bent on destabilising the country.

He said: “Boko Haram is false. You say western education is ungodly. It’s fraudulent. Whoever is financing them just wants to split the country. All the grounds they seized before we came have been recovered, and the rebuilding process is going on well.”

The President, who spoke after his decoration with the African Award for Strengthening the Peace , was described by the Shaykh Bin Bayyah as “a symbol and icon of leadership and integrity.”

He promised to remain an inspiration even after leaving office as President.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Shaykh Bin Bayyah lauded Buhari’s efforts to eradicate religious extremism, stressing that it is something the world must collaborate to do.

“You are doing a great job in that regard, and it is something we need to do wherever such rears its head round the world,” the cleric said.

Inviting the President to visit Abu Dhabi before the expiration of his tenure on May 29, the Shaykh said: “You have had varied experiences, as a military leader, a democratically elected leader for two terms, and your input will be appreciated in any society. We will be glad to receive you.”