President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, said he has ordered a full scale war by the Nigerian security forces against terrorism in the country.
The President made the announcement in an address to the nation as part of the country’s 15th Democratic Day since 1999. He said he can no longer allow the continuation of the killings and maiming of the country’s citizens.
He said he has instructed the security forces to do everything within the law to ensure an end to Boko Haram insurgency, disclosing that some security officials are now undergoing tailored training for the purpose.
“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 we cherish and celebrate today,” Jonathan said.
“The despicable abduction of schoolgirls 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 balkanise our nation.
“In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.”
He said he shares the pain experienced by parents and guardians of the abducted Chibok girls and that the government would do all it can to bring them back.
He compared what Nigeria is facing currently with the bombing of the twin towers in the United States of America as well as attacks by terrorist groups on other countries like Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Sudan.
“I welcome the statement of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in our efforts to stamp out terrorism,” he said.
“I applaud the understanding that, in a democracy such as the one we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism.
“Nigeria is the only country we have. We must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.”
While praising the Nigeria security forces for their efforts in bringing peace to other countries, he noted that, they are currently facing a different challenge, which he described as “an unconventional war by terrorists.” He assured that they are adjusting and being trained to tackle the new menace of terrorism.
“We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community would reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigerians of terrorists. The protection of lives and properties are non-negotiable,” Jonathan said.
“I have instructed our security forces to launch a full scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.
“I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.”
He expressed hope that very soon, the “thugs” would be driven away, nothing however, that it cannot happen overnight. He promised that no efforts would be spared in achieving the goal.
He said that though, he has launched a war against the terrorists, his government is still open to dialogue and reconciliation if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
“The government would explore all options including readiness to accept unconventional renunciation of violence by insurgents,” he assured.
He also said the government would ensure de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into broader society, of all those who renounce their membership of the sect.
He also said that, though the war against terror may be difficult, the days of peace would come again.
As a result of the security situation in the country, the President said he had ordered a low-key celebration of the Democracy Day even though the last 15 years had witnessed tremendous progress.
He further said his government had done well resulting in high national economic growth rate, steady improvement and expansion of national infrastructure which includes airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, and the implementation of a road map for improved power supply.
Others, he said, include the revolutionary approach to agricultural improvement and advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services, promotion of a sustained local content policy in the oil and gas sector and others.
He said as a result of his government’s effort to improve the country, Nigeria is now globally recognised as the largest economy in Africa and the fourth best place for investment in the world.
He said global leaders converged in Abuja some weeks ago, with some benefits for Nigeria, just as the ongoing National Conference is aimed at coming up with more ways to improve the country and resolve its current socio-political and economic challenges.
“It is our expectation that its outcome would further help to consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness,” Jonathan said.
