Jonathan declares total war on Boko Haram
The president also offered amnesty to terrorists who laid down their weapons. He urged them to embrace dialogue and peace.
The President had been under immense pressure since the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State on April 14 this year.
He assured that his government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by the Islamist insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.
The President stated that he was determined to protect democracy, national unity and political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism, adding that Nigeria’s unity and stability and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable.
This was the thrust of his Democracy Day broadcast in Abuja marking Nigeria’s 15th year of uninterrupted party politics. He said Boko Haram was no longer a local group that kicked against Western education, but was now Al Qaeda based in West Africa. He stated that for those who are misguided to believe violence can solve their problem, “our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace”.
A presidential committee was raised last year to hold dialogue with Boko Haram and recommend ways to end its reign of terror, which began after the 2009 murder of the sect’s ideological leader and founder, Mohamed Yusuf while in government custody.
The committee, which submitted its report last November, was chaired by the Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
The President said he has instructed the security forces to launch a full-scale operation to end the impunity of terrorists on the nation’s soil.
He said he has also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done, assuring that Nigeria will be safe again, “and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
The President said it was sad that the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in the country were being threatened by the presence of international terrorism.
Jonathan said: “It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.
“The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
“It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home”, he said.
President Jonathan urged Nigerians from all works of life to remain united to win the war against terrorism.
