Buhari’s Hopeless Speech on Terrorism
Last Monday, President Buhari spoke extensively on his government’s failed war against terrorists while receiving some Abuja residents at the State House on Sallah homage. For most of this week, I repeatedly read his remarks and each occasion, left depressed. Buhari said the tactics deployed by terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train, and other terrorists using their victims as human shields, were responsible for the delay in rescuing them. Haba! This is just rehashing the obvious and can’t be an excuse for failure. Terrorists all over the world use their victims as human shields. It is the business of a forward-looking government to find a way around it and free the victims. This is where a well-trained Special Forces come into play. This is what is lacking in the government’s bid (if there is any bid at all) to free the abducted train passengers. So, we must seek help from developed climes. on
And then, his usual rhetoric: “I have directed security agencies to ensure quick and safe recovery of all victims of kidnapping. Let me assure Nigerians that the bandits are just pushing their luck, but this is only for a while before they are finally crushed.”
The 68 abducted train passengers are 41 days old today in the dungeon of terrorists. So, which quick recovery is Buhari talking about? Our President is still talking about “finally crushing terrorists.” When will this final crushing happen? It is almost seven years now. When will Buhari crush Turji Bello, Ada Aleru, Ali Kachalla and Dogo Gide? These are known leaders of terror groups roaming freely in the North-west. It is very sad that Buhari is yet to order the military to get the heads of the bastards that killed 18 soldiers in Kanya, Kebbi State last March.
President Buhari likewise reiterated his shameless submission that his government had significantly weakened and crippled the capabilities of the Boko Haram terrorists “so much that they no longer have the ability to seize, and occupy any Nigerian territory without being repelled by our gallant troops.” This is the height of deceit.
The Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan recently joined in drawing attention to all the lies that no part of Nigeria is under the control of Boko Haram and ISWAP. He affirms that Guzamala and Kukawa local government areas of the state are under the control of Boko Haram and appealed to the federal government and the military authorities to ensure the recapture of these areas. Our President knows this but has chosen to showboat at the expense of human lives.
The perpetrators of terrorism in Nigeria must be brought to justice by Buhari as demanded by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. This is the only way to end terrorism in Nigeria.