Military Has Reduced Boko Haram’s Strengths – Atiku

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said even though there is persistent insecurity in some parts of Nigeria, the military has dealt a devastating blow to the once dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Abubakar also said the economic crisis in the country was coming at the worst possible time, but that it “forces us to re-balance our economy and to put our public finances on a broader and more sustainable foundation”.

A statement issued by the former vice president’s media office and signed by Paul Ibe, said the All Progressives Congress chieftain stated this on Saturday at the 10th Founder’s Day anniversary of the American University of Nigeria in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

Abubakar said, “Looking ahead, there are still plenty of clouds but they pale in comparison to the silver lining on the horizon. Insecurity is still pervasive but the terrorists are no longer growing in strength, thanks to the sacrifice and commitment of the security and intelligence services”.

Mr. Abubakar attributed the military’s achievements to a combination of the “decisive leadership of the senior defence staff and their Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari”, as well as the support and cooperation of the local communities and regional allies, including Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

He said, “Our government’s fight against corruption is disrupting business as usual but it is a boost for Nigeria and for the bright and hard-working students in our schools and universities.

“With the inauguration of the federal cabinet last Wednesday, greater confidence is likely to be reposed in our economy by investors both local and foreign. This will breathe much needed life into the economy and get more people gainfully employed”.

Speaking on the current challenges facing the APC, he said they “are all part of the change that the new government and ruling party promised Nigerians”.

Abubakar added, “However, change doesn’t just happen – it is the product of the hard work of extraordinary men and women. We must contribute to that enterprise of changing our country for the better and for the benefit of everyone.

“I’m grateful to all those who decided to tackle the problems we’ve almost come to tolerate. The governors in this zone have helped in tackling the insurgency crisis and have been advancing infrastructural development under very difficult circumstances.

“I salute them. Here in Adamawa, we see that it is possible to build and repair roads; that hospitals can be assessed and re-stocked and that school teachers can be screened and redeployed where needed”.