Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that change of government at times of war is inimical, adding that Nigerians must vote for President Goodluck Jonathan to consolidate the gains recorded so far.
Ribadu, who spoke in Mubi, while visiting some of the captured territories, said that Nigeria would gain abundantly if President Jonathan is returned so that he can maintain the tide being recorded against insurgency in the North East presently.
The gubernatorial candidate, who hailed the Nigerian military, the police and the forces of other ally nations for the successes recorded against the Boko Haram, said that the federal government and the military deserve votes of confidence from Nigerians for what they have been able to do in reclaiming territories previously occupied by the insurgents.
He also said that Adamawa State Governor, Bala James Ngillari, has demonstrated strong leadership in the fight against insurgency by cooperating with the security agencies and pioneering strategic civilian involvement in tackling the activities of the terrorists.
A statement from his media office quoted the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as telling the people to retain their confidence in Jonathan and the military.
He was quoted as saying: “Political stability is key to peace and security, more so at a time of instability like what we are witnessing today. We cannot afford to disrupt this operation midstream. This tide should be allowed to continue.
“I have worked in many crisis zones, including Afghanistan, I know what insurgency is all about. It is unfortunate that at a time the country should unite for action against the insurgents we were busy apportioning blame. That is why I refrained from any comment about this all this while.”
According to him, terrorism is a global phenomenon which is difficult to purge, adding that “No country has succeeded in eliminating terrorism altogether and within a short time. The victory may not be total and immediate. It is a gradual process.”
“It is sad that politics is brought into this issue of insurgency. Those making such comments do not know that they are hurting us, we that are living in the epicentre of this insurgency. Our people have suffered for too long, those hauling words from their comfort zones should please shut up and give us chance to confront what directly affects us,” he further said.
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