Read the media briefing text and Atiku's tweets after the cut.
At a media briefing today, Friday October 17, 2014 he said that discussions centred on the general insecurity in the North East and the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
The militants, he said, indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues, and also assured that the school girls and all others in their captivity are alive and well.
“Finally, this is to assure Nigerians that the greater goal of this process is to ensure the return of normalcy in the land, especially in parts of the country troubled by the activities of terrorists,” Mr. Omeri declared.
“President Jonathan’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria and indeed, all parts of the world has been the driving force of all engagements and measures taken since the war on terror began in the country.”
TEXT OF THE MEDIA BRIEFING BY THE COORDINATOR, NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTRE (NIC)/DIRECTOR – GENERAL, NATIONAL ORIENTATION AGENCY (NOA), MIKE OMERI, OFR ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 AT THE NATIONAL BRIEFING CENTRE, GARKI, ABUJA.
UPDATE ON THE WAR AGAINST TERROR IN THE COUNTRY
1. We can confirm to you that there have been contacts between the government and representatives of Boko Haram.
2. The discussions are essentially in relation to the general insecurity in the North East and also the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
3. From the discussions, they indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues.
4. They also assured that the school girls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well.
5. Already, the terrorists have announced a ceasefire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in similar vein, declared a ceasefire.
6. Finally, this is to assure Nigerians that the greater goal of this process is to ensure the return of normalcy in the land, especially in parts of the country troubled by the activities of terrorists. President Jonathan’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria and indeed, all parts of the world has been the driving force of all engagements and measures taken since the war on terror began in the country.
Alhaji Atiku also took to Twitter to express his feelings:
I have been informed of the announcement of a ceasefire between the Federal Government and Boko Haram insurgents. This news is welcome -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 17, 2014
It is also welcome that an agreement for the release of the Chibok girls has also been announced. -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 17, 2014
I will be cautiously monitoring these developments, but will continue to pray that the agreements hold, so our daughters can return home -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 17, 2014
We also must work and pray for peace to return to our communities -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 17, 2014
I am delighted to hear this. Remembering Nigeria has been a sad thing for so long. Thank God there is light at d end of d tunnel. Praise Jesus.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we really thank Him! @Sylvia x
Delete