President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday directed the security forces to
\nlaunch a full-scale military operation to put an end to the impunity of
\nterrorists in the country.<\/p>\n
The president gave the directive in his democracy day broadcast.<\/p>\n
Jonathan said that Nigeria\u2019s unity and stability as well as the protection
\nof lives and property were non-negotiable.<\/p>\n
He restated the determination of his administration to protect the
\nnation\u2019s democracy, national unity and political stability, by waging a
\ntotal war against terrorism.<\/p>\n
The president said the activities of terror groups in the country had
\ncaused debilitating pains and horror on the nation particularly the
\nabduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of
\nChibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians.<\/p>\n
\u201cI assure them once again that government will continue to do everything
\npossible to bring our daughters home.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary
\nunder the law to ensure that this is done.<\/p>\n
\u201cI assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will
\nbe driven away.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this
\ngoal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonathan, however, said that government would be open to dialogue and
\nreconciliation with any one or group willing to genuinely renounce terror.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international
\nterrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their
\nproblems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation,
\nif they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all
\noptions, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of
\nviolence by insurgents.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment will also ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and
\nre-integration into the broader society.\u201d<\/p>\n
The president underscored the need for all Nigerians to remain united to
\nwin the war against terrorism.<\/p>\n
\u201cChristians, Muslims, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers,
\nclergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of
\nthe country must work together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come
\nagain. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that
\nbecause of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we
\nwill ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.\u201d<\/p>\n
The president commended the Armed Forces for the supreme price they had
\npaid in confronting insecurity and urged Nigerians to always appreciate
\nthem rather than castigate them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the
\nsupport of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we
\nwill reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists,\u201d
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Jonathan expressed optimism that the nation would overcome its challenges
\nand Nigeria would take her rightful place in the world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday directed the security forces to launch a full-scale military operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists in the country. The president gave…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26603,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exclusive"],"yoast_head":"\n