• ‘Amnesty programme will not stop army from fighting Boko Haram’
NIGERIA’S search for ways and means to combat terrorism and criminal violence got a boost yesterday as President Goodluck Jonathan and Israeli President, Shimon Peres, pledged enhanced cooperation to end terrorist attacks and incursions in parts of the country.
Jonathan said Monday in Jerusalem: “Combating the menace of terrorism is a challenge that we must address in partnership with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. I seek the cooperation of your country to confront the security threat from terrorist groups that my country is now facing.
“There is no doubt that Israel has had decades of experience in combating terrorism. Nigeria can benefit tremendously from your experience in this area.”
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan also called for greater collaboration between them in other sectors like healthcare, agriculture, electric power supply and the management of water resources.
He assured Peres that the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between them later would undoubtedly boost such relations. On his part, President Peres said he was delighted and privileged to have had the opportunity of hosting “the first Nigerian President to visit the state of Israel.”
He added: “Today, we also face common menaces. Nigeria and Israel have been steadfast partners in combating terror groups such as Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah and Boko Haram, which threaten the regional stability in Western Africa and in the Middle East.
“You have combated the menace of Boko Haram with a steady hand and great courage. The State of Israel too has been fighting terrorism since its establishment. Terrorists all over the world are united in their attempt to destroy hope and unity. Those of us who seek peace and freedom must be united in order to defend our common front.”
He added: “I know that one of highlights of your trip was the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Israel and Nigeria. Hand in hand, let us soar along the runway of progress and freedom towards a brighter future.”
The Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, later signed the BASA on Nigeria’s behalf.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has vowed to continue the fight against insurgencies and would not be disturbed with the Federal Government’s amnesty plan.
Nigerian Army 7 Division spokesman, Lt.-Col. Mohammed Dole, told newsmen in Maiduguri yesterday that the army has been given the task of beating the insurgents into submission and would accomplish that task as professionals.
He added that the question of amnesty should be reserved for the politicians while the army should not be distracted from protecting lives and property and national integrity.
Nevertheless, the Army Headquarters has debunked media report that it arrested and has detained a Lieutenant Colonel, who allegedly led the Boko Haram attacks in Yobe on October 24.
In a statement sent to The Guardian by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the army said the report was concocted by some fifth columnists within the media that are desperate to malign the image of the Nigerian Army. It stated that, “no retired Lieutenant Colonel was ever arrested in any encounter with the Boko Haram insurgents anywhere.”
Relatedly, the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), told a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the development of a national policy on public safety and security in Abuja yesterday that politicizing the present challenge to disintegrate Nigeria “will not work.”
Stating that the citizens must come together to fight the common cause, he said: “We cannot be discouraged, we must not be deterred, we must come together to fight the common cause and the earlier we do that the better for all of us.”
According to him, the search for a national strategy is based on the urgent need to plug the gaps in policies and processes that the non-existence has created over time; and when this policy is developed, it would evolve “specific roles and responsibilities for individuals, communities, relevant agencies and the various tiers of government.”
Moreover, the Ona of Abaji and chairman of the Federal Capital Territory) Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, has asked the Federal Government to include public safety in the country’s education curricula, from primary to tertiary level, to inculcate it into the Nigerian youth.
Yunusa said that traditional institutions in the country have what it takes to keep peace in the country since they know their subjects better and are even consulted for such guidance by chairmen of councils because “we are the ones that maintain peace among our people.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Capital Hotel Plc, owners of Sheraton Hotel Abuja, Mr. Goodie Ibru, says the current insecurity in the country is adversely affecting the hospitality industry.
Ibru disclosed yesterday in Abuja at the hotel’s 32nd annual general meeting that several countries have issued travel alert to their citizens, resulting in a drop in international arrivals to the country.
He observed: “The issue of security scares some people and impacts negatively on our results. But I’m pleased that the government is addressing that issue and things are going back to normal. We hope that we put it behind us.”
Lt.-Col. Dole maintained: “The recorded successes made in fighting insurgency in the northeast sub-region of the country, including de-radicalization of Boko Haram group, should be maintained.
“Compared to the JTF operations to restore peace in Borno State, troops of the 7 Division of Nigerian Army have strategized their aerial and ground operations not only to protect lives and property but de-radicalization of Boko Haram sect in the last two or three months.”
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