COUNCIL OF STATE: CHIBOK GIRLS MUST BE RESCUED ALIVE

The Council of State today met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and resolved that the abducted schoolgirls of Chibok, Borno State, be rescued alive.
This was the first time the council spoke on the incident since Boko Haram insurgents kidnapped the schoolgirls on April 8.

The meeting, chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan, was attended by former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar as well as former head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan and former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwa as well as former Chief Justices Mohammed Uwais and Alfa Belgore were also in attendance.

The governors present at the meeting are those of Adamawa,
Kaduna, Delta, Niger, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kebbi, Gombe, Bauchi, Kogi, Enugu and Taraba States, while those of Benue, Jigawa, Ondo, Ogun and Yobe States were represented by their deputies.

Briefing State House journalists after the three-hour closed door meeting, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said
Jonathan and his National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki briefed the council on the steps being taken on current security challenges..

Akpabio noted that the abduction of the schoolgirls topped the agenda of the meeting, saying the council emphasised that the issue was not about whether the Federal Government could rescue the girls or not, but on how to rescue them alive.

The governor, who said the military authorities confirmed the efforts being made to rescue the schoolgirls, said the council was pleased to know that the security agencies knew the captives' whereabouts.

"Top on the agenda of the meeting was the security of the nation. We were briefed by the president and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being taken. Top on the security was the rescue of Chibok girls which military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and that very soon we'll have good news.

"It was also heartwarming to note that the issue is not whether we can rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that we can ensure their safety so that we don't end up, in the attempt to rescue them, endangering their lives...We are very satisfied the security agents know very well where the girls are located and they are on top of situation", he said.

Akpabio said the council commended the security forces for their dedication and the Federal Government for procuring necessary equipment for terror war.

He also disclosed that the council stressed the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of where they live in the country, to be vigilant and security-conscious.

According to the governor, the council also calls on Nigerians to be patient as terrorism is a new challenge that does not disappear overnight.

"The council assured the public that the military authorities, working in concert with the governors of various states of the federation, are on top of the situation and that we require patience and cooperation to bring the situation to an end. What also came out of the discussion was the need for every person to be vigilant in whichever part of the country you're in because security is everybody's business. You get to know your neighbours and understand your environment and report any suspicious movement to the security agencies.

"We commended the security agencies that are top of situation and we're happy that very serious efforts are being made, all necessary equipment that'll enable us bring this insurgency to an end are being procured by the federal government. And the council was satisfied that Mr. President is on top of situation and he's taking this issue of insurgency very seriously, and sooner than later, Nigerians will see an end to this problem. What also came out is the need for Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria and it's not something that goes away immediately, and we've to be meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps forward to reduce and minimize possible loss of lives in an attempt to curb the insurgency", he said.

Akpabio added that the council also ratified the appointments of the National Population Commission (NPC) commissioners from Ekiti, Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara and Kebbi States.

Also speaking, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the council warned the media against celebrating terrorist activities, the politicians
against playing politics with security matters and the religious leaders against insinuating that terrorists belong to one particular religion.

"On security, we get to recognise the fact that few years back, most of us would swear that there could be a Nigerian who would be a suicide bomber, Nigerians enjoy life, but we now know that there are some of us willing to play the role of a suicide bomber. This act of terrorism is completely new and therefore we expect that the armed forces have had many years of experience in dealing with internal insurgency and it's far more complicated than dealing with an opponent that you can define by location or uniform. The terrorist can be your neighbour, he could be living in your village and you may not know them, but the good news is that the armed forces are top of the situation and we're satisfied they're doing their best and are paying huge price for which Nigerians should commend them.

"We're unanimous that the media should put the country first and the headlines and the story should be in such a way that they're informed by Nigerian national interest because if we celebrate terrorism, then we're giving the incentive. Editors must know what to report and censure because when there is no country, there is no media or politician. We, as politicians, should be more sensitive to national security. When it comes to national security, partisanship should give way to all hands being on deck. We must speak with one voice in denouncing terrorism.

"Also is the role of religious leaders. It is not helpful for any religious leader to seek to rationalise this act by suggesting that terrorists belong to one religion or that their target is another religion and that the entire thing is based on religion. It's clear that these are just criminals masquerading in whatever name they choose to call themselves...I think Nigerians need to understand that and there can be no quick fix. What is required is that there is sufficient political will to deal with the situation to secure the Nigerian space", Oshiomhole said.
Source: Daily Trust