No Ceasefire Yet, Federal Government Says

The Federal Government has said that it is yet to reach a ceasefire agreement with terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

The FG also added that negotiations with the sect are still ongoing and that the press had misinterpreted the earlier announcement of a ceasefire.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom briefed State House correspondents after the end of the meeting which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Council of State had been briefed on the developments by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

Akpabio said:

“The NSA was of the opinion that high level contact with the Republic of Chad was made and that some persons who acted on behalf of Boko Haram and who claimed to have authority also had discussions with them and there are some Nigerian officials with them.”

“Of course, no agreement has been reached yet, it is just that the press probably misunderstood what was reported, the discussions are ongoing.”

“What came out of the NSA’s briefings was that the President will do everything possible to ensure the release of those young girls and to ensure protection of lives and property.”

“That will include dialogue where you can have the people to dialogue with, because you cannot dialogue with people that are faceless and therefore, every opportunity must be explored to ensure peace return to the region.”

“There are some instances in which countries had to contend with insurgency for years, but in the case of Nigeria, we said we must find a practical means of bringing insurgency to an end in the shortest possible time so that Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

The governor also added that the council was satisfied with the efforts being made by the Defence Ministry to curb the insurgency.

Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh announced on October 17 that Nigeria had reached a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro lauded the decision saying it showed courage on President Jonathan’s part.