Jonathan: I will crush Boko Haram before May 29

President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed to do all within his powers to ensure that all Nigerian territories under the control of Boko Haram insurgents are liberated before May 29.

He said the ongoing military operations in the north-east had been successful to a large extent, noting that two states are completely free from the control of the militants, while operations in the third state had reached a concluding stage.

He was speaking at the presidential villa on Thursday when he received a delegation of heads of customs from the West and Central African region of the world customs organisation.

“We can now say two states are completely free from terrorist control, while in the third state, it is only in one local government area that they are still present: that is in the Sambisa forest,” he said.

Jonathan said the rescue of over 300 abducted girls and women from a stronghold of the sect was further evidence of the success being achieved in the operation.

On his decision to congratulate Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect, on his victory, Jonathan said through that act, he tried to lay an example for African leaders not to perpetuate themselves in office.

“Our elections should be about where Nigeria is going,” he said.

“If Nigeria is moving forward, it is for the good of all Nigerians. My children and grandchildren will live and grow in this country and contribute to it.

“I always tell my colleagues to leave office when their time is up. We are trying to encourage African leaders not to remain in power as kings until death.”

Kunio Mikuriaya, secretary-general of the organisation, who led the delegation, commended Jonathan for supporting the reform of the Nigeria customs service, noting that other African countries had already started emulating the vision, strategy, adoption to new technology and result- oriented training of officers that were captured in Nigeria’s reforms.