Jonathan In Yobe, Promises To Crush Boko Haram Completely

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday assured the people of North-East that the federal government was committed to wiping out the Boko Haram sect completely from the zone and the country.

The president who was in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally explained that the reason why the country was not completely saved from the gory activities of the Insurgents was because some of them were living among the people.

Jonathan had earlier condoled the people of Yobe and families that lost relations to insurgency while speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashemu II.

He said, “We are not yet completely saved from the hands of these criminal elements because some of them are living with us. They can sneak in and with their improvised explosive devices cause damages, especially at soft targets.

“But we are working day and night, both the security services and the intelligence services to make sure that we continue to clean our country until we get this Boko Haram menace behind us”.

Explaining why the campaign train had cancelled its campaign in state during the presidential campaigns, Jonathan said since the elections had been extended for six weeks, it was agreed that Yobe State should be kept until when it was getting close to the elections before they can visit the state as part of the party’s final activities.

“Fortunately we are here today. So, thank you for the patience and thank you for the reception. For me, I am a member of the Emirate council as a title holder; I am in my palace”, he stated.

The president told the royal father and the people of Yobe State that PDP meant well for Nigeria country, adding that for the past four years as a government, the party has done well and would want to even do more if reelected.

Later at the conclusion of his presidential campaign rally to the 36 states of the federation which took place at the Yobe Township stadium, Jonathan said it was unfortunate that a few individuals took the law into their hands to wreak havoc on the populace.

He said, “Let me also convey the sincere condolences of the federal government and our empathies to you on the number of deaths that have been caused by the excesses of the Boko Haram.

“It is regrettable that some Nigerians were so fooled by few people to take to such a callous act, killing men, women, children, innocent people and destroying properties. But we thank God that at least their main bases have been cleaned up by soldiers.

“It is unfortunate that some group of people became mad men and caused such a havoc to us. It is very regrettable but the Federal Government is totally committed to rout Boko Haram. we are lucky that as we are talking today there is no territory that is in the hand of Boko Haraam again and the federal government will not allow them to take over any territory in Yobe State again.

“You know that they have been sneeking in to do havoc but the security services and the intelligent services are working day and night to make sure that that also stop. Security is key because without security you cannot develop”.

The president said that security was key to development adding that the great green wall (GGW) project was to tackle desert encroachment and usher in prosperity to the region.

“By the time we finish the GGW our farmers will have places to farm; they will have places to rear their cattle. Our children will have parks to play and wealth will be created”, he added

He said that he loved the people which informed the creation of 14 federal universities and almajiri schools to give a future to the youth.

He said his administration had provided power, roads, railways and other infrastructure to improve the lives of the citizenry.

The deputy national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus who stood in for the PDP national chairman, Adamu Muazu presented the party flag to the gubernatorial candidate, Ambassador Maina Waziri.

Secondus said that the opposition parties lacked focus, while the PDP was already effecting changes in the lives of Nigerians.

The Emir of Damaturu had thanked President Jonathan for citing a federal university in Gashua, for his good leadership and for wagging a successful war against terrorism.

Shehu said the state had been living in fear of insurgents in the past but was now calm due to the successes of the military against the terrorists.

Emir Hashemu said, Your Excellency, we need to appreciate the maturity being exhibited by your leadership. Despite the differences in political aspirations, you supported this very state.

“We made a request that Yobe State is an infant state; it cannot go on its own, it needs your support and encouragement. When you were here to sympathize and console us on the calamities that befell us.

“You had been with us here in 2011 soliciting for our support and cooperation and we have done that and we thank God that you excelled. This around you are back to us and you are repeating same and God willing you will definitely succeed again”.