November 10, 2014 – Governors of the 19 Northern States have called on President Jonathan to declare total war on the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram.
The governors who made the declaration at an occasion to commission Sir Ahamdu Bello Memorial Foundation complex in Kaduna said the sect needed to be effaced to avoid further polarization of the Nigerian state adding that they will cooperate with the president to achieve the task.
Niger State Governor, Mr. Babangida Aliyu noted that with increased attacks by the terrorist group in the north east, the governors of the region are encouraging President Goodluck Jonathan to declare total war on the insurgents.
He explained that members of the sect are no longer terrorists but rebels and enemies of the nation who must be crushed at all costs before they destabilise the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.
Also speaking, Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero attributed the problem confronting the North to failure of leadership brought about by mutual suspicion and self aggrandizement but that the time has come for the region to reflect on the vision and legacies of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello by introducing policies and programmes that will directly touch on the citizenry.
In his remarks at the event, President Goodluck Jonathan said that government remains committed to ending insurgents and terrorism in the country.
Speaking through Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, the presidnet said government is willing to dialogue with the insurgents once they are willing to lay down arms.
