Omeri: $1bn terrorism loan ‘not about the cash’

Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC) and director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has said that the federal government is not bothered about the financial implications of prosecuting the war against Boko Haram.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Omeri expressed readiness of the government to commit more resources to fighting terrorism until it ends.

Omeri, who was speaking against the backdrop of the $1 billion loan the government requested by the government, said the Jonathan Administration is more concerned about ending the insurgency.

President Jonathan’s letter asking the federal house of representatives to grant his government approval to borrow an external loan of $1 billion was read at the plenary.

Omeri also clarified that the loan would not only be in cash, but also in military hardware.

“Even the United States of America goes for this kind of facility. Every country involved in such security expedition reinforces its capability. It should not be mistaken that the resources of Nigeria have finished. This loan is a long-term facility, and it is not just in cash,” he said.

“The president is seeking the approval of the national assembly so that we can buy more equipment, military hardware and to guarantee that we win the war against insurgency, and that we have the assets to prosecute any unforeseen issue. This happens to all countries. It is not limited to Nigeria.

“The loan is not just to fight Boko Haram, but to equip the military. The Nigerian army has made the request. The funding is to ensure the long-term provision of the requirements of the military.”

He maintained that the government is still prosecuting the war, so it is “preposterous to begin to calculate costs”.

“Remember that our citizens were kidnapped, so whatever can be done to bring them back we will do it,” he said.