We’ll Reclaim Every Inch Of Nigerian Territory Under The Control Of Boko Haram – Buhari

Being excerpts of speech by President Muhammadu Buhari at the US Institute for Peace, yester­day

I am delighted to be here this morn­ing, and I wish to thank the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Atlantic Council, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Inter­national Republican Institute (IRI), and the International Foundation of Electoral Systems (IFES) for providing me with this platform to share with this distin­guished audience of eminent personali­ties, my hopes and thoughts about my country, Nigeria.

The think tanks that came together to organise today’s event are by no means new to Nigeria. Several of them and a good number of individuals have, over the years, organised meetings and sympo­sia to shed light on diverse issues pertain­ing to Nigeria. Others, like the NDI, IRI, and IFES have for a long period been partners in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

The contributions of the IRI, NDI and IFES to the success of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria are well documented. I would like to use this opportunity to thank them for their partnership and sup­port to the democratization process in Ni­geria. Your doggedness, in calling a spade a spade in 2003, 2007 and 2011 have been greatly appreciated by us Nigerians who are dedicated to ensuring free and fair elections in our country. My appre­ciation also goes to the CSIS, USIP, and the Atlantic Council for their continued engagement and interest in Nigeria. The unique perspectives and clarity you bring to bear on your analyses of contemporary issues in Nigeria are of profound impor­tance to my country. Thank you for the interest you have consistently shown on elections in our country.

Naturally, being far removed from the arena of action, and not being participants in the events you analyze on a regular basis, has its own pitfalls, the most com­mon being arm-chair analysts. Let me illustrate with just one example. In the months leading up to the recent general elections in Nigeria, very few in the mass media and the policy community here in Washington gave Nigeria as little as half a chance to pull through. All over this city, the common view held and frequent­ly expressed was of Nigeria on the brink.

As far as the critics and doomsday merchants were concerned, Nigeria’s end was the 2015 general elections. Nigeria was not expected to make it. The general perception was that Nigeria would be undone by violent and disputed elections riven with deep ethnic and religious divi­sions.

You all know what happened. Nigeria confounded the pessimists and its critics. All those who predicted the worst pos­sible post-election scenarios for Nigeria missed the mark by very wide margins, because the premises upon which their narratives were based were simply wrong.

The peaceful conduct and outcome of the 2015 general elections attest to the fact that elections in Africa can be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, just like in any other part of the world. Those elections were different from previous ones, not only because citizens were allowed to vote, but more importantly, because their votes counted. I must therefore, salute the patriotism and commitment of the Nigerian people who conducted themselves peacefully and responsibly during and after the elec­tions. Similarly, I must also commend the Independent National Electoral Commis­sion (INEC), the civil society organiza­tions, and other non-state actors for their various efforts at improving the electoral process and entrenching the democratic culture.

I would like to seize this opportunity also, to once again, pay tribute to my pre­decessor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for his uncommon display of statesman­ship in setting the pace for Africa. His conduct and outlook in the aftermath of the elections have further proven that the African electoral system is gaining strength and maturity.

Important lessons are being learned from the successful conduct of those elections. Our electoral processes are evolving. Nigerians of all political lean­ings recognise that there is much work to be done to improve electoral transpar­ency and the integrity of elections. I feel confident that, going forward, our electoral body will apply lessons learned to improve its processes, including the use of appropriate technologies in the conduct of elections, and innovative ap­proaches to voter education. To this end, I intend to raise the cost of impunity by working with the National Assembly to strengthen our electoral laws in ways that would provide stiffer penalties against all forms of electoral malpractices. The enforcement of the laws would equally be given greater impetus.

On the issue of terrorism, Nigerians have lived with fear and insecurity for far too long. The human and material costs of the insurgency in my country and to my people are staggering and unaccept­able.

Defeating Boko Haram and finding a durable solution to the underlying causes of the insecurity in Nigeria are, therefore, a major priority of the new administra­tion. Nigerians understand that terrorism stifles development and undermines the stability of society. The government that I lead is committed, and will do whatever it takes, to free Nigeria from the men­ace of terrorism. No matter how long it takes, we will reclaim every inch of Nigerian territory that is under the control of Boko Haram. We shall continue to do these within the framework of the rule of law and in compliance with our international and domestic human rights obligations.

Let me emphasise that, as a govern­ment, we have no illusions whatsoever about the enormity of the challenges ahead of us. We know that it will be a long and bruising struggle, but this is a fight we are in to win. Failure is not an option for us. We do not contemplate it.

In the first week of my presidency, I visited Chad and Niger to strengthen cooperation within the Lake Chad Basin Commission Members, the primary region of the Boko Haram insurgency. Upon my return to Nigeria from the US, I shall visit Cameroon on the 29th of July to further strengthen our sub-regional efforts at countering terrorism. Already, I have released $21 million for the rapid take-off of the Multi-National Joint Task Force. This is the force set up by the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, comprising Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria plus Benin to jointly combat the insurgency.

We are confident that we will defeat terrorism in our country and region, be­cause we have the will to win this fight. We will win because we have the support of the Nigerian people who voted us into office to do things differently in order to secure them from harm and provide for their prosperity and well being. We will win because the United States and in­deed, the International Community have pledged to stand with us in solidarity.

But winning the battle against terror­ism means we have to do things differ­ently; after all, the race for the future will never be won by going backward or standing still. Winning means we must change our strategy in a manner that will prioritize the mobilization of maximum capacity to fight terrorism, while ensur­ing the safety and protection of local communities in the frontline of the fight against terrorism. We are also improv­ing cooperation and coordination with our neighbours and other international partners to add depth and muscle to our overall strategy.

In our efforts at combating the activi­ties of Boko Haram, the new government has sought and obtained the support of not only our neighbours other interna­tional friends and partners. Regrettably, the blanket application of the Leahy Law by the United States on the grounds of unproven allegations of human rights violations levelled against our forces has denied us access to appropriate strategic weapons to prosecute the war against the insurgents. In the face of abduction of innocent school girls from their hostels, indiscriminate bombings of civilians in markets and places of worship, our forces have remained largely impotent because they do not possess the appropriate weap­ons and technology which they could have had, had the so called human rights violations not been an obstacle.

Unwittingly, and I dare say, unintentionally, the application of the Leahy law amendment by the U. S. government has aided and abated the Boko Haram terrorist group in the prosecution of its extremist ideology and hate, the indiscriminate killings and maiming of civilians, in molesting of women and girls, and in their other heinous crimes. I believe this is not the spirit of the Leahy Laws. I know the American people cannot support any group engaged in these crimes.

I therefore strongly appeal to both the Executive Arm and the US Congress to examine how the US Government can provide us with far more substan­tial counter-terrorism assistance with minimal strings. The longer we delay, the deadlier the Boko Haram gets. At all events, we have re-written the rules of engagement protecting the rights of combatants and in particular safeguarding civilians in theatres of conflict.

As we ramp up our efforts to de­feat Boko Haram, we know that winning this battle sustainably will require that we expand economic opportunities and cre­ate jobs for our teeming young popula­tion. We must also improve the quality of governance; ensure that governments at all levels are responsive, inclusive, trans­parent and accountable, and that public institutions deliver services in a timely and efficient manner. We must win and sustain the trust of the people we govern.

The fight against corruption is a full time job that the Federal Government will carry with sustained resolve. I have always maintained zero tolerance for corruption. I am even more committed to fighting this number one enemy deci­sively because I am convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that the much needed impetus for our country’s survival is held back by corruption. I will not al­low this to continue. Again, as with every action of the government that I lead, we would be fair, just, and scrupulously follow due process, and the rule of law, as enshrined in our Constitution. I will lead by example to ensure the prudent management of Nigeria’s resources. The government will plug the leakages that fuel corruption in Nigeria.

I believe that the future of Nigeria, indeed, the future of Africa, lies in demo­cratic governance, not only because it is the expression of the will of the people, but because democracy can help us build fair, just and inclusive societies. Only in a democracy can Africa’s numerous eth­nic, cultural and religious diversities find harmonious expression, and the freedoms and opportunities that come with it.

The Federal Government is well aware that building a strong economy will help us build a prosperous, stable, and se­cure country; a nation where democracy will thrive, businesses will flourish, and where citizens can live and pursue their dreams with dignity and freedom under the protection of the law. I believe the United States can help the democratiza­tion process gain roots by investing in the expansion of our educational, health and economic opportunities for the millions of our youth.

Fixing Nigeria’s problems, as formi­dable as they are, is the responsibility of Nigerians. The international community can only assist, but the hard work belongs to Nigerians and their government. I will as President, lead from the front, but all Nigerians, including the opposition par­ties, civil society, business and religious leaders, public servants, labour unions, the youth and professional associations all have important roles to play to get our country back on a sound economic footing.

The political opposition must see itself as an integral part in ensuring devel­opment and good governance for the citizenry. Governance in a democracy is always a shared responsibility, a fact un­derscored by the current power configura­tion in Nigeria in which the opposition parties not only has a strong representa­tion in the National Assembly, but also control 14 out of the 36 states in our fed­eral arrangement. In the United states the Republicans are in fact in control of both Houses of Congress.

Let me end by restating here that, despite our current challenges, Nigeria’s commitment to good governance, anti-corruption, democracy and security of lives and property remains firm. Similar­ly, I must reaffirm that despite the current challenges that we face domestically, we are ready and willing to face our duties to international peace, stability, security and development as we have done in the past. We shall not shirk our international responsibilities and obligations; we shall do what is expected of us.

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Posted: at 23-07-2015 06:21 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero

May the Lord in His infinite mercy help you achieve all your aim towards the betterment of our country Nigeria

Posted: at 23-07-2015 06:58 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac

u are now facing d challenges gej faced. usa no gree sell weapon to u ni

Posted: at 23-07-2015 09:17 AM (8 years ago) | Newbie

GEJ was right on this very matter

Posted: at 23-07-2015 11:01 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Its action I want not cheap talk pls.

Posted: at 23-07-2015 12:57 PM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero

May God hlp u PMB on dis.

Posted: at 23-07-2015 04:02 PM (8 years ago) | Hero

 Ok nigeria hahahahah

Posted: at 23-07-2015 11:08 PM (8 years ago) | Newbie

TOO MUCH MOUTH

Posted: at 24-07-2015 07:00 AM (8 years ago) | Hero

Buhari Sir - do me a favour. Please shut up. You are becoming very irritating. I m bored to my wits with this man. Boko Haram will be routed in 3 months, this and that yet nothing s happening. Look at the state of Nigerian economy. Even if you are a magician - how do you expect to turn these around within your tenure. What you have done so far is not beyond what any newly elected president will do and you are still yapping. You are destroying the legacies previous presidents have built. I know they didn't get everything right but basic change management is build on the good steps, identify the problems and gradually provide change,

Posted: at 24-07-2015 11:01 AM (8 years ago) | Upcoming

We will win at the end.

Posted: at 12-08-2015 09:58 AM (8 years ago) | Hero