‘Why there’s delay in Chibok girls’ rescue’

The reason for the delay in the rescue of the Chibok girls was the highpoint of President Goodluck Jonathan’s presentation at the National Council of State meeting yesterday.

Over 200 secondary school girls were abducted in Chibok, Borno State in April.

Jonathan told the meeting, which was attended by former Presidents and Heads of State, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen.  Babangida, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief Ernest Shonekan, that the delay was connected to the fact that security agencies were meticulous in their approaches to minimise loss of lives.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, accompanied by Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Kaduna State counterpart, Yero Ramalan, said: “Top on the agenda of the meeting was the security of the nation. We were briefed by the President, and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being taken. Top on the security was the rescue of Chibok girls which military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and that very soon we will have good news.

“It was also heartwarming to note that the issue is not whether we can rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that we can ensure their safety so that we don’t end up in the attempt to rescue them we endanger their lives.

“What also came out is the need for Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria and it is not something that goes away immediately and we have to be meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps forward to reduce and minimise possible loss of lives in an attempt to curb the insurgents.”

He went on: “We are very satisfied the security agents know very well where the girls are located and they are on top of situation.”

According to him, the Council also approved the appointment of commissioners into the National Population Commission (NPC).

He said: “The other issue was the appointment of certain commissioners in the National Population Commission and the states that have not filled their quota were today ratified and approved.

“The Council was duly consulted in line with the constitutional provision for Ekiti State, Yobe, Jigawa Zamfara and Kebbi, where their commissioners were ratified and approved by Council.”

He went on: “The other issue was the general security of the nation and this is to assure the public that the military authorities working in concert with the governors of various states of the federation are on top of the situation and that we require patience, cooperation in order to bring the situation to an end.

“What also came out of the discussion was the need for every person to be vigilant in which ever part of the country you are in because security is everybody’s business. You gave to know your neighbour and understand your environment and report any suspicious movements to security agents.”

He said that the Council commended the security agencies in their fight against terrorism.

He said: “We are happy that very serious efforts are being made, all necessary equipment that will enable us bring this insurgency to an end are being procured by the Federal Government and Council was satisfied that Mr. President is on top of situation and he is taking this issue of insurgency very seriously and sooner than later Nigerians will see an end to this problem.”

Oshiomhole said the Council urged the media to stop celebrating terrorism.

He said: “On security, we recognise the fact that few years back, most of us will swear that there can be a Nigerian who would be a suicide bomber, Nigerians enjoy life, but we now know that there are some of us who are willing to play the role of a suicide bomber.

“This act of terrorism is completely new and, therefore, we expect that the armed forces have had many years of experience in dealing with internal insurgency and it is far more complicated than dealing with an opponent that you can define by location or uniform.

“The terrorist can be your neighbour, he could be living in your village and you may not know them, but the good news is that the armed forces are on top of the situation and we are satisfied they are doing their best and they are paying huge price for which Nigerians should be appreciative and commend them for the sacrifices they are making.”

On the media, he said: “We are unanimous that the media should put the country first and the headlines and the story should be in such a way that they are informed by national interest because if we celebrate terrorism, then we are giving them incentives.

“In reporting, the editor must know what to report and censure because when there is no country, there is no media or politician. We as politicians we should be more sensitive to national security, when it comes to national security partisanship should give way to all hands being on deck as speaking with one voice in denouncing terrorism and all of us been seen to be on the same page, it is not a partisan issue, because when there is no Nigeria, political party becomes irrelevant and all of us can do better and we should change our language.

“Also it is the role of religious leaders, that it is not helpful for any religious leader to seek to rationalise this act by suggesting that these people are belonging to one religion or that their target is another religion and that the entire thing is based on religion.

“It is clear that these are just criminals that are masquerading in whatever name they choose to call themselves. No genuine Christian or Muslim who thinks that God needs help to kill anyone.

“Nigerians, all of us, whether in government or out of government, on the issue of terrorism, we should learn from the Americans. Once America came under attack, whether you are a democrat or republican, everybody believes that without America, all these other divides will be irrelevant. I think Nigerians need to understand that and there can be no quick fix. What is required is that there is sufficient political will to deal with the situation to secure the Nigerian space.”

Former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the meeting yesterday.

At the meeting included Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Muhammadu Uwais.

Governors at the meeting are those of Adamawa, Kaduna, Delta, Niger, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Kebbi, Gombe, Enugu and Acting governor of Taraba.

Deputy State Governors at the meeting include Benue, Jigawa, Ondo, Ogun and Yobe.