Osinbajo: We have already dealt with Boko Haram

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the federal government has dealt with Boko Haram “militarily”, but it is now left with the challenge of eliminating the ideology of the extremist sect.

Osinbajo said this at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday, when he played host to Mathew Neuhaus, Australian foreign affairs assistant secretary, who was accompanied by Paul Lehmann, Australian high commissioner in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s number two also commended the Australian government for its “excellent support” in the fight against insurgency in the north-east.

“We have already dealt with Boko Haram militarily, we now have to deal with the ideology (of terror) and this is something that the entire world has to also deal with,” Laolu Akande, Osinbajo’s spokesman, quoted him as saying.

“The terrorists basically reject any engagement, simply preaching hate and murder. It is a new kind of threat, the ideology and motivation is what the global community has to find a way to deal with.”

Osinbajo said even though the nation may be passing through difficult times, the President Muhammadu Buhari government will ensure that Nigerians benefit from the resources of the nation.

He also highlighted the steps the current administration has been taking in the areas of security, governance, anti-corruption and the economy.

“It is a difficult time, but we think it is an excellent opportunity to do right by the people so that our people are able to get the benefit of the nation’s resources,” he said.

“There has been a liberalisation of the oil and gas’ downstream sector… the flexible foreign exchange policy just recently put in place would encourage foreign investment… we are looking forward to the benefits of the new foreign exchange policy.”

Neuhaus, who had earlier served as his country’s high commissioner in Nigeria, congratulated the Buhari administration, observing that the presidency is “off to a good start”.

He said his country looks forward to working very closely with Nigeria, especially in the areas of mining and investment, and also cooperating at the Commonwealth and the United Nations.