General

Engaging Chadian troops ‘will be counterproductive’

February 21, 2020 4:48 pm

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has kicked against the plan to engage Chadian soldiers to help fight insurgency.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Princess Ajibola, convener of the group, said this in response of the visit of Babagana Monguno, governor of Borno, to the state.

“The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights welcomes you all to this press conference conveyed in furtherance of the objective of ensuring that the peace, progress, and unity of Nigeria is preserved for this generation and indeed the future generations of our great country,” she said.

“We are unrelenting in this pursuit of national interest that has seen the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights advancing causes that would protect and preserve our nascent democracy over the years through our vibrant advocacies that have in time past yielded the desired result in the overall interest of the country.

“Consequently, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to use this medium to call on the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, to ensure that his actions and inaction as governor of the state are geared towards the restoration of peace in Borno State and its environs.

“This became necessary in the light of some of the actions embarked upon by the governor in his quest to bring about peace in Borno State. While this is indeed commendable, it must be stated in unequivocal terms that such actions must be in the best interest of the country and, in conjunction with the security agencies, as anything short of this would be unacceptable and rejected in its entirety.

“It must be stated that the war against the Boko Haram terrorism has been indeed onerous, and the consequences of such cannot be overemphasized in the lives of the people of North-East Nigeria. As such, this call for great reflection in our conduct as national interest should and must always supersede personal interest.”