‘We’ll deal with Boko Haram in 2 months,’ President-elect says

monjola sotubo

April 2, 2015 11:11 AM

Buhari made the statement on Wednesday, April 1, during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari

Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari has promised to rid the country of the terror unleashed by Boko Haram.

Buhari made the statement on Wednesday, April 1, during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

“We know how they started and where they are now and we will rapidly give attention to security in the country. And I believe we will effectively deal with them in two months when we get into office,” Buhari said.

“We will be needing the cooperation of neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Chad and Niger. There were efforts made by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, but it was not good enough and it came rather late,” he added.

Buhari had earlier promised to tackle the sect after collecting his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“In tackling the insurgency, we have a tough and urgent job to do. I assure you that Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror and bring back peace. We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism,” Buhari said.

He however said during an interview with the BBC, that he couldn’t promise to perform miracles.

“If for five, six years, the Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the military, could not secure 14 local governments [held by Boko Haram] out of 774, how can I promise miracles?” Buhari said.

“But with the cooperation of our neighbours… and the international community, and the commitment we’re going to get from the military, I think it will take us a much shorter time to deal with,” he added.

Buhari also promised to tackle the scourge of corruption, which along with insecurity, is one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges.

monjola sotubo