'Boko Haram attacks intensified after Buhari's inauguration' - Deputy Senate President says

dimeji akinloye

July 10, 2015 12:18 AM

He said the Buhari government must urgently “deal with this security challenge no matter what it would cost us.”

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed that it is worrisome that Boko Haram terrorists have become stronger, launching more attacks since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29. 215.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, July 7, Ekweremadu said the Jonathan administration was already winning the fight against the sect before he left office.

He said, “I am worried about the insurgence of the Boko Haram activities in Nigeria. Shortly before the inauguration of the present government, the country had almost rolled back Boko Haram and its activities in every part of Nigeria – from Adamawa to Borno to Yobe.

“I was hoping that when we come back in the 8th Assembly, that I will work with our colleagues from the North-East to develop a plan of action that will help to rehabilitate that part of Nigeria. I feel so concerned about the suffering of our people from the North-East of Nigeria.

“I had hoped that by now we would be tasking ourselves on how best to rebuild that part of Nigeria. Regrettably the actions of Boko Haram seems to have resurfaced now not only in Borno, they have carried out their activities also in Plateau, they have gone to Adamawa, Kaduna.

“I am worried that if nothing is done, the next target would be Abuja. Maybe they start going to South. It is important for us as those in government, whether Executive or Legislature, to come together to find solutions to these problems.”

While appealing to neighbouring countries and the international community to support the country to end Boko Haram, he said the Buhari government must urgently “deal with this security challenge no matter what it would cost us.”

“We must be on the same page on this matter. I believe that it is time for us to have meetings with the Executive as well as the security agencies in order to find out exactly what has happened – why the resurgence of these Boko Haram activities and what we can do as a people to ensure that this matter is dealt with decisively,” Ekweremadu said.

dimeji akinloye