President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to swapping the Boko Haram fighters in Federal Government’s custody with the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
The special adviser to the president on media, Mr. Femi Adesina disclosed that the president told the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, that Nigeria would welcome intermediaries from the global body.
Adesina added that the President while speaking during a bilateral meeting with the UN scribe at the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly in New York assured that the Nigerian government was ready to shift ground, to get the Chibok girls released from their abductors.
He noted that the major problem the government is facing is identifying the right group to talk to.
“The challenge is in getting credible and bonafide leadership of Boko Haram to discuss with,” Buhari said.
The President added that, “The split in the insurgent group is not helping matters. Government had reached out, ready to negotiate, but it became difficult to identify credible leaders. We will welcome intermediaries such as UN outfits, to step in.”
“The last time, he asked the Boko Haram terrorists to pick an international NGO of their choice to broker the swap. There has been no response so far from the now split group.
“The teachings of Boko Haram were far from being Islamic, as neither Islam, nor any other religion, advocates hurting the weak and innocent.
“The fact that they kill men, women, children, and other people wantonly, and shout Allahu Akbar (God is great) shows that they do not know that Allah at all. If they did, they would not shed innocent blood,” President Buhari reiterated.
He therefore appreciate both moral and material support given to Nigeria by the UN noting that their support has assisted the country overcome the challenges it is facing.
While speaking, the UN Secretary General commended President Buhari on the anti- corruption war, stating that it has changed the image of Nigeria around the world.
“You are highly respected by world leaders, including myself. Your persona has given your country a positive image.”
Ban Ki-Moon furthered that “the UN recognized the achievements of the Buhari administration against Boko Haram, urging that human rights be upheld always, to prevent a repeat of the scenario being witnessed in Syria.”