The President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has blamed terrorism on corrupted values and ignorance in the country.
Jonathan, in a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 100 years of existence, however, vowed that his government would do all it can to bring to an end the attacks on Nigerians by terrorists, especially in the North East.
He said: “We recognise that the root cause of militancy, terrorism and insurgency is not the strength of extremist ideas but corrupted values and ignorance.”
Jonathan, who spoke on Wednesday night, said he was deeply saddened by the death of several Nigerians, following attacks by the dreaded sect, Boko Haram.
He said: “My dear compatriots, as we celebrate our centenary, the security situation in some of our North-Eastern States, sadly remains a major concern for us. Just yesterday, young students, full of hopes and dreams for a great future, were callously murdered as they slept in their college dormitories in Yobe State. I am deeply saddened by their deaths and that of other Nigerians at the hands of terrorists. Our hearts go out to their parents and relatives, colleagues and school authorities.
“We will continue to do everything possible to permanently eradicate the scourge of terrorism and insurgency from our country. We recognise that the root cause of militancy, terrorism and insurgency is not the strength of extremist ideas but corrupted values and ignorance.
“That is why our counter-terrorism strategy is not just about enforcing law and order as we have equipped our security forces to do. It also involves expanding economic opportunities, social inclusion, education and other measures that will help restore normalcy not just in the short term, but permanently.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that terrorism, strife and insecurity in any part of Nigeria are abhorrent and unacceptable to us. I urge leaders throughout Nigeria to ensure that ethnicity and religion are not allowed to become political issues.”
Jonathan said Nigeria’s 100 years of existence is worth celebrating despite the challenges.
He described the centenary celebration as a significant milestone in the history of Nigeria.
He said he has firm belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one unit and believes that the country would still be together in another 100 years to celebrate again.
He said: “We recognise that the root cause of militancy, terrorism and insurgency is not the strength of extremist ideas but corrupted values and ignorance.”
Jonathan, who spoke on Wednesday night, said he was deeply saddened by the death of several Nigerians, following attacks by the dreaded sect, Boko Haram.
He said: “My dear compatriots, as we celebrate our centenary, the security situation in some of our North-Eastern States, sadly remains a major concern for us. Just yesterday, young students, full of hopes and dreams for a great future, were callously murdered as they slept in their college dormitories in Yobe State. I am deeply saddened by their deaths and that of other Nigerians at the hands of terrorists. Our hearts go out to their parents and relatives, colleagues and school authorities.
“We will continue to do everything possible to permanently eradicate the scourge of terrorism and insurgency from our country. We recognise that the root cause of militancy, terrorism and insurgency is not the strength of extremist ideas but corrupted values and ignorance.
“That is why our counter-terrorism strategy is not just about enforcing law and order as we have equipped our security forces to do. It also involves expanding economic opportunities, social inclusion, education and other measures that will help restore normalcy not just in the short term, but permanently.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that terrorism, strife and insecurity in any part of Nigeria are abhorrent and unacceptable to us. I urge leaders throughout Nigeria to ensure that ethnicity and religion are not allowed to become political issues.”
Jonathan said Nigeria’s 100 years of existence is worth celebrating despite the challenges.
He described the centenary celebration as a significant milestone in the history of Nigeria.
He said he has firm belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one unit and believes that the country would still be together in another 100 years to celebrate again.
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