 |
| Go after Boko Haram sponsors if you TRULY are serious – Nigeria's Service Chiefs fires back at Buhari |
Nigerian military has challenged Muhammadu Buhari to go after the political sponsors of Boko Haram if he is serious about bringing the war against terror to a quick and successful end.
Concerned by the protracted nature of the insurgency, one senior officer who spoke to THISDAY said that the new security chiefs could only make substantial progress if they have the backing or strong political will on the part of Buhari to go after Boko Haram’s sponsors.
The officer, who preferred not to be named, said even though the new service chiefs are highly disciplined, efficient and professional, their roles in the ongoing counter-terrorism operation would be limited to the military aspect of the war.
“I would advise caution as it is too early in the day to speak about the new leaders because their choice of lieutenants would speak volumes about the direction they wish to go.
“Professionally, they are all up to the task. But the assignment they have been called upon to take is daunting, especially for a number of reasons: one is the military chiefs only represent the military angle to solving the insecurity.
“But there are other angles to the problem of insecurity. These are economic empowerment, political will and social re-engineering amongst others,” he elaborated.
Speaking further, the top military official alleged that the Nigerian government knows the sponsors of terrorism in the country and advised as a matter of urgency to go after them.
“Another angle is the federal government’s commitment to executing these other important angles in tandem with finding a military solution to the insecurity problem.
“The federal government by now knows the backers of the insurgency in Nigeria. Is it ready to go after them or they are sacred cows? Only then will we be talking about the real peace,” the officer claimed.
According to the senior officer, “With the resolve of the federal government to fight corruption and terrorism pari passu, which the moneybags who are the easy suspects of fuelling these crimes are morphing and recruiting foot soldiers to criticise the ‘slow pace’ of President Muhammadu Buhari in order to prevent the long arm of the law from reaching them, the government must brace up and know that the war is hydra-headed.
“And unless they play their part, even with 1,000 officers appointed into government will not solve the insurgency and corruption.”
Another officer also listed some of the challenges facing the Nigerian military, stating that the low remuneration of men of the armed forces, lack of professionalism, patriotism and commitment, as well as low morale had impeded the fight against Boko Haram.
“The salary is too small for the work we are being called up to do. Very few took the oath to sacrifice their lives for the motherland. The Buhari government must do something to motivate the men of the armed forces because the morale is at its lowest ebb now.
Meanwhile the United Nations Security Council has urged Buhari to quickly bring those behind the terrorist attacks in Nigeria and its environs to justice before further damages are done, Leadership reports.
This charge was made by the Council in a presidential statement issued to journalists by Ambassador Gerard Jacobus van Bohemen, the Council President for July.Reiterating its strong condemnation of terrorist attacks, human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, the Council noted that there was an urgent need to bring to justice those responsible.
The 15-member body described terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and reaffirmed that such acts, including those by Boko Haram, could not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.
Acknowledging the progress made on the ground following joint regional military efforts in recent months, the Council encouraged the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States in coordination with the African Union Commission to accelerate efforts to adopt a comprehensive strategy to more effectively and urgently combat the threat posed by Boko Haram.
Member States must ensure that any measures taken in that regard complied with their obligations under international law, the Council stressed, reaffirming the need for all parties to armed conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
The Council expressed its readiness to consider listing individuals, groups, undertaking and entities providing support to Boko Haram, designated as associated with Al-Qaida by the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011).
Addressing the Council, Mahamat Zene Cherif who represented Chad said Boko Haram had increased its horrific attacks against civilians in the riparian States of Lake Chad, with incalculable impact.
Countries of the region had spared no effort to effectively confront the threat, he said, pointing out that in a few days, a Joint Multinational Task Force would become operational and ready to fight Boko Haram.Mr. Cherif said it was essential to take into account issues of socioeconomic development and urged the international community to target its support towards the restoration of communities most affected in order to facilitate the rapid return and reintegration of refugees.
“Boko Haram has been weakened but remains a serious threat,” he said, noting that the countries involved in the Joint Task Force would not be able to take on the burden alone and required the support of the international community.
-Leadership
No comments:
Post a Comment