Jonathan Lists Terms For B/Haram Talks

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday set out conditions for dialogue with the Boko Haram group and at the same time ordered security forces to launch a “full-scale” operation against terrorists.
In his Democracy Day broadcast, the president said foreign terrorists, collaborating with “misguided” Nigerians, have unleashed a war on the country in order to bring it down.
He said his government was ready to talk with insurgents provided they would not set any pre-conditions for the discussions, and if they would disarm as well as renounce violence.
“For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace,” the president said.
“My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.”
Jonathan said it was sad that the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance were being threatened by the “presence of international terrorism” in the country.
“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 freedom we cherish and celebrate today,” he said.
“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 balkanise our nation.”
The president said what is happening in Nigeria is “a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view” that led to the terror attacks in the United States and Russia, and vowed: “We cannot allow this to continue.”
He added: “I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. 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. I assure you 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.”
Daily Trust contacted the Defence Headquarters in Abuja for details of what the president’s declaration of “total war” would mean, and the Defence spokesman Major-General Chris Olukolade said, “You can deduce from what you will see in the operations subsequently.”
In the broadcast, Jonathan also pledged to get back the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls, who were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen on April 14 in Borno State.
“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.
The president said Nigerians must remain united to win the war against terrorism. “Christians, Muslims, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear,” he said.
Jonathan also spoke on his achievement towards the betterment of the society.
He said, “On my watch, we’ve witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a road map for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.
“Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We’ve also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world.”