… Boko Haram Crisis Worsened in Last 8yrs
President Muhammadu Buhari has again stressed the need for Heads of Government and leaders of the continent to be united in wiping out terrorism which has dealt hard blow on the people.
He said the fight against terrorism assumed an alarming dimension in the last 8years robbing the sub-regions of critical development and growth.
Buhari gave the charge on Saturday at the extra-ordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission taking place in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to the President, the infiltration of the terrorist group by foreign bodies, including the resurgence of attacks, particularly on the military, and the abduction of civilians for ransom across our borders has necessitated the need for collective efforts in tackling it.
While giving his welcome remarks, he said, “I thank you for your presence today in Abuja to yet another Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).
” Today’s Meeting is in continuation of our joint efforts to address the prevailing security challenges in our sub-region after our meeting on 29th November, 2018, in N’Djamena.
“Your participation in today’s summit, in spite of your tight schedules, is a clear demonstration of the resolute commitment that we all attach to the fight against our common enemy, Boko Haram, and the restoration of durable peace and security to our sub-region.
“Your Excellencies would recall that during our Summit in N’Djamena, the need to overhaul our current strategy and concept of operations in the fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists took the Centre Stage of our discussions.
“Our meeting today will consider the report of the Committee we set up during our last Summit on the way forward. I thank the Committee for meeting the deadline assigned to it and I hope that their recommendations will bring a new dynamism in the fight against Boko Haram and their international affiliates.
“The Lake Chad region has suffered decades of neglect and poor infrastructural development, the Boko Haram crisis in the last eight (8) years has worsened its already bad situation. We must take cognizance of the fact that sustainable growth and development of the sub-region is dependent on the quick attainment of peace and stability in the area.
“We must put an end to the crisis in the sub-region to enable meaningful development for its people. We must remain resolute and committed in our collective efforts at attaining peace as well as eradicating terrorism and violent extremism from the sub-region.
“The time has come for the evil of Boko Haram to be brought to a definitive end. I am sure that this summit will take the right decisions in this regard. This is a fight to the finish. We must, and we will, by the grace of God, wipe out terrorism from our sub-region”.
He said while executing the war against the Boko Haram terrorists, stakeholders must not be oblivious of the fact that military may not provide the desired results alone.
Buhari maintained that there was a pressing need to pursue simultaneously both military and developmental approach to the challenges of the region.
“We will work towards strengthening of Civil-Military Cooperation in the fragile areas of the region to accelerate the implementation of the Regional Stabilization Strategy.
“Our military strategy must be complemented by the mobilization and deployment of adequate resources to ensure the reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of civil authority, as well as the provision of relief and succor for the affected. The Inter Basin Water Transfer project to recharge the disappearing Lake Chad would also go a long way in the restoration of sustainable peace and security to these areas.
” I must now pay tribute to our gallant troops who remain focused and committed to the task of ensuring the safety and stability of the region. I urge you to remain steadfast in executing the war with the highest sense of honor, professionalism and patriotism, “he stressed.
