‘We must fight Boko Haram to a standstill’ – IBB

From AKIN ALOFETEKUN, MINNA

FORMER military President, General Ibrahim Bad­amasi Babangida, said the Federal Government must subdue Boko Haram.

Speaking with journalists in Minna to mark his 74th birthday at his Uphill mansion, Babangida expressed total support for the renewed efforts of the Federal Government in winning the war against Boko Haram or any form of terrorism.

“Yes, they have to be fought. I think the renewed efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and what the Federal Government are doing is very commendable. Boko Haram must be fought to a standstill”, IBB said.

Babangida commended the Buhari administration, though pointing out that it would be unfair to start as­sessing the two-month-old government.

“But so far, I am confident that they are doing well. They have identified the problems and they looked resolute in confronting these problems head on. There are a lot of people in the society who are offering a lot of very sound advice on what to do about the current situation in the country.

“I must commend the current leadership for identi­fying, even before the elections, during the elections and after the elections, some of the problems that are facing this country. Number one, it has to do with the security and the President talked about it extensively, the security of lives and property, the security of the States, the security of this environment called Nigeria, that has been identified.

“The second, of course, has to do with the way we live, the way we work and the way we behave, cor­ruption, then the third has to do with the economic development of the country. I think they were once identified and I think we should support him towards achieving his set goals as he establishes the regime to us, especially in the area of wiping out corruption,” he said.

On corruption, Babangida lauded the steps being taken by the present administration which he said is in line with the steps taken by the Obasanjo administra­tion’s effort.

“My boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had a similar strategy and to be fair to him, like this government, they made a lot of recoveries of stolen funds when he was in office. So, we should support what this present government is trying to do and to achieve the same objective. If it is pursued vigorously, I believe it will achieve some degree of success. Look at the issue of crude oil theft, the government I am sure would be resolute in trying to stamp out all loop­holes and to bring to book those who are culpable in stealing our oil,” he said.