Wednesday, 15 April 2015
How my administration will tackle Boko Haram - Buhari
President-elect Gen. Buhari in an opinion article published on New York Times yesterday April 14th, wrote on how his administration will tackle the terror group, Boko Haram. Read below...
When Boko Haram attacked a school in the town of Chibok, in northeastern
Nigeria, kidnapping more than 200 girls, on the night of April 14, 2014, the
people of my country were aghast. Across the world, millions of people joined
them in asking: How was it possible for this terrorist group to act with such
impunity? It took nearly two weeks before the government even commented on the
crime. This lack of reaction was symptomatic of why the administration of
President Jonathan was swept aside last month – the first time an incumbent
president has been successfully voted out of office in the history of our
nation.
For too long they ruled, not
governed, and in doing so had become so focused on their own self-interest and
embroiled in corruption that the duty to react to the anguish suffered by their
citizens had become alien to them. My administration, which will take office on
May 29, will act differently – indeed it is the very reason we have been
elected. This must begin with honesty as to whether the Chibok girls can be
rescued.
Currently their whereabouts remain unknown. We do not know the state of their health or welfare, or whether they are even still together or alive. As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them: to do so would be to offer unfounded hope, only to compound the grief if, later, we find we cannot match such expectation. But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my government will do everything in its power to bring them home.
What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that from the first day of my administration, Boko Haram will know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. Until now, Nigeria has been wanting in its response to their threat: With our neighbours fighting hard to push the terrorists south and out of their countries, our military was not sufficiently supported or equipped to push north. As a consequence, the outgoing government’s lack of determination was an accidental enabler of the group, allowing them to operate with impunity in Nigerian territory.
That is why the answer to defeating Boko Haram begins and ends with Nigeria. That is not to say that allies cannot help us. My administration would welcome the resumption of a military training agreement with the United States, which was halted during the previous administration. We must, of course, have better coordination with the military campaigns our African allies, like Chad and Niger, are waging in the struggle against Boko Haram. But, in the end, the answer to this threat must come from within Nigeria. We must start by deploying more troops to the front and away from civilian areas in central and southern Nigeria where for too long they have been used by successive governments to quell dissent.
We must work closer with our neighbors in coordinating our military efforts so an offensive by one army does not see their country’s lands rid of Boko Haram only to push it across the border onto their neighbors’ territory. But as our military pushes Boko Haram back, as it will, we must be ready to focus on what else must be done to counter the terrorists. We must address why it is that young people join Boko Haram. There are many reasons why vulnerable young people join militant groups, but among them are poverty and ignorance.
Indeed Boko Haram – which translates in English, roughly, as “Western Education Is Sinful” – preys on the perverted belief that the opportunities that education brings are sinful. Promise of food If you are starving and young, and in search of answers as to why your life is so difficult, fundamentalism can be alluring. We know this for a fact because former members of Boko Haram have admitted it: They offer impressionable young people money and the promise of food, while the group’s mentors twist their minds with fanaticism. So we must be ready to offer the parts of our country affected by this group an alternative.
Boosting education will be a direct counterbalance to Boko Haram’s appeal. In particular we must educate more young girls, ensuring they will grow up to be empowered through learning to play their full part as citizens of Nigeria and pull themselves up and out of poverty. Indeed, we owe it to the schoolgirls of Chibok to provide as best an education as possible for their fellow young citizens. Boko Haram feeds off despair. It feeds off a lack of hope that things can improve.
By attacking a site of learning, and kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls, it sought to strike at the very place where hope for the future is nurtured, and the promise of a better Nigeria. It is our intention to show Boko Haram that it will not succeed. My government will first act to defeat it militarily and then ensure that we provide the very education it despises to help our people help themselves. Boko Haram will soon learn that, as Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Currently their whereabouts remain unknown. We do not know the state of their health or welfare, or whether they are even still together or alive. As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them: to do so would be to offer unfounded hope, only to compound the grief if, later, we find we cannot match such expectation. But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my government will do everything in its power to bring them home.
What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that from the first day of my administration, Boko Haram will know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. Until now, Nigeria has been wanting in its response to their threat: With our neighbours fighting hard to push the terrorists south and out of their countries, our military was not sufficiently supported or equipped to push north. As a consequence, the outgoing government’s lack of determination was an accidental enabler of the group, allowing them to operate with impunity in Nigerian territory.
That is why the answer to defeating Boko Haram begins and ends with Nigeria. That is not to say that allies cannot help us. My administration would welcome the resumption of a military training agreement with the United States, which was halted during the previous administration. We must, of course, have better coordination with the military campaigns our African allies, like Chad and Niger, are waging in the struggle against Boko Haram. But, in the end, the answer to this threat must come from within Nigeria. We must start by deploying more troops to the front and away from civilian areas in central and southern Nigeria where for too long they have been used by successive governments to quell dissent.
We must work closer with our neighbors in coordinating our military efforts so an offensive by one army does not see their country’s lands rid of Boko Haram only to push it across the border onto their neighbors’ territory. But as our military pushes Boko Haram back, as it will, we must be ready to focus on what else must be done to counter the terrorists. We must address why it is that young people join Boko Haram. There are many reasons why vulnerable young people join militant groups, but among them are poverty and ignorance.
Indeed Boko Haram – which translates in English, roughly, as “Western Education Is Sinful” – preys on the perverted belief that the opportunities that education brings are sinful. Promise of food If you are starving and young, and in search of answers as to why your life is so difficult, fundamentalism can be alluring. We know this for a fact because former members of Boko Haram have admitted it: They offer impressionable young people money and the promise of food, while the group’s mentors twist their minds with fanaticism. So we must be ready to offer the parts of our country affected by this group an alternative.
Boosting education will be a direct counterbalance to Boko Haram’s appeal. In particular we must educate more young girls, ensuring they will grow up to be empowered through learning to play their full part as citizens of Nigeria and pull themselves up and out of poverty. Indeed, we owe it to the schoolgirls of Chibok to provide as best an education as possible for their fellow young citizens. Boko Haram feeds off despair. It feeds off a lack of hope that things can improve.
By attacking a site of learning, and kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls, it sought to strike at the very place where hope for the future is nurtured, and the promise of a better Nigeria. It is our intention to show Boko Haram that it will not succeed. My government will first act to defeat it militarily and then ensure that we provide the very education it despises to help our people help themselves. Boko Haram will soon learn that, as Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Gov Fashola rewards female police officer who disarmed two robbers that tried to steal from her
Lagos state Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday rewarded Sergeant Mercy John pictured above for bravery. The female police officer single-handedly disarmed two robbers who attempted to dispose her of her belongings at Egbeda-Shasha by Tawakalitu Close, Orisunmibare Road, Lagos on 10th February, 2015.
Sergeant Mercy, a native of Ikori in Cross River State was on her way to work when armed robbers attacked her. She fought back and was able to recover a locally made pistol with two live cartridges from them. At a ceremony which held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Fashola encouraged the brave female officer not to relent in her efforts in keeping the state safe...
"Let me say very clearly that I value the work that you do, people
of Lagos value what you do and where ever you come from, this is your home and
I think it is right to say that it was because you take this as home, you did
the right thing, you took two robbers out of commission so that the people of
Lagos can sleep well’’ he said
Joseph & Adaeze Yobo step out in style for her 25th birthday dinner
Joseph Yobo pictured with his hot wife/new mum, Adaeze as they stepped out for her 25th birthday dinner last night April 14th. Happy birthday to her.
Photos: Nigerian woman causes a stir eating Amala on a train in the U.K
We were told that not a
few whites were shocked when the woman brought out the food which they found
strange. They started taking her pictures. The woman no send dem o, she just
dey enjoy her Nigerian cuisine o jare...;-)
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Okorocha champions the affairs of Ndi Igbo, as Buhari visits Owerri tomorrow
Following the refusal of most Igbos in the south-East to support the change-train of the All Progressive People's Congress(APC) in the presidential election of March 28 which brought in Mohammadu Buhari as President-elect, Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha is currently fighting hard to ensure that the Igbos do not lose out totally.
You would recall that the APC equally didn't win the majority seats in the National Assembly in the state, and may no longer have the seat of the Senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives, which is rather a disturbing factor to the Igbo leader Rochas Okorocha who said it's a pitiable situation and disheartening that out of sentiment the Igbos rubbed themselves out.
But Okorocha the southeast leader is not deterred
but is determined to ensure that the South-Eastern states have a firm place in
the Scheme of things and particularly to enjoy 'Federal might' which is often
easier when a state's ruling party is properly aligned one at the national, Rochas
Okorocha who is reputed for always fighting for the cause of the Igbos has
finalised move to bring the much- loved President-elect Buhari to the
South-East tomorrow, April 7th.
The ever-passionate Imo governor will ensure that when Buhari arrives Owerri tomorrow, the fondly called "People's General" will meet with all stakeholders, use the opportunity to thank all the Igbos, and encourage them to have a rethink by voting APC in next weekend's governorship election.
"There is danger looming for the South-East if
urgent steps are not taken to let the Igbos realise why they should vote APC
next weekend. Ofcourse, there have always been clarion calls sounded by His
Excellency Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha to all Igbos, but our people refused to
listen. Now see where we are about to find ourselves in the emerging political
equation following the Presidential election last weekend. There is nothing
like being part of the government at the centre and fortunately, the Igbos
still have one more chance in this election by voting APC in next Saturday's
governorship election. They won't say that we didn't warn them," an aide
of the governor explains to us.
Buhari's coming back to say thank you to the Ndi
Igbo, may be worthy of note and speaks volume as against, PDP's Goodluck
Jonathan who never returned to show appreciation despite getting majority votes
of the Igbos-1.3million votes in Imo and about 7 million votes in the entire
South-East in the last election.
By mediating for a cordial relationship between the
president-elect and the Igbos who turned their back against him in last
weekend's poll, Rochas Okorocha is also once again as in recent time,
demonstrating his significant role in reclaiming the political rights of the
Igbo race and her political alignment to the center which voting of APC next
weekend will ensure.
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