Presidency on Monday said Federal Government was still working to free the abducted Chibok girls who were abducted in February 2014 and Leah Sharibu who was also abducted by Boko Haram insurgents
Reacting to the content of a book titled “Beneath The Tamarind Tree”, written about the kidnapping of 270 Chibok school girls, by Isha Sesay, the ex-CNN star and now a Child Rights activist, Presidency in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, debunked claims that the girls have been abandoned as government no longer know their whereabouts
Presidency reiterated the government’s unwavering determination to secure the release, by peace or by force, the remaining 110 Chibok girls, Ms Leah Sharibu and all other citizens held captive by terrorists.
This book, according to Shehu, “should serve the useful purpose of spotlighting the crimes against humanity by Boko Haram terrorists, etching it permanently on the public mind.
“In addition, the book should rightfully stir up interest and rally international support for the young girls on the continent who must stay in school and avoid early pregnancy and marriage, in order to actualize their God-given potential.
In her introduction of the book, Isha claims that she wants to “humanize” the girls, instead of them being seen as “mere headlines”.
She acknowledged the release from Boko Haram captivity of more than 50 percent of the girls under the Buhari administration but says, very rightfully, that “we must not forget the 112 who are still missing”. On this, we share a common position.
In stitching together her compelling portrait of this unfortunate yet paradoxical incident, Isha, this terrific journalist risks a negative judgment of history on a book that is a farrago of misrepresentation.
Presidency however, noted that “ it wrong of the author to say, of the Buhari administration that “they don’t know who to negotiate with” because Boko Haram had split into factions.
“This is a misrepresentation of the position of the government on split in the leadership of the terrorist group into two contending factions.
“When government spoke on the issue, it was clear that this split had the effect of making negotiation and reaching an agreement a more difficult talk. Otherwise this country and our international partners are still engaged through third parties with the terrorists.
“While it is true that the government has no information on where the captives are held, otherwise it would have seized the location and recovered the girls using all means at its disposal, it is equally incorrect to say Government had given up on the Chibok girls when the truth is that there is nothing on the ground to give that impression.
Shehu noted that in the Ministry of Women and Social Development, there is a fully staffed government unit dealing with the Chibok abductions and its fallout.
This book asserts that the government and people of Nigeria no longer cared about the girls because “they are poor…they don’t have famous names; people just don’t care.” No. Nigerias care, and that is why the Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG movement was able to generate “the groundswell of public opinion “as acknowledged by the author.
“No one here is giving up and we happy that the individuals, groups and nations partnering with the administration have continued to show interest in securing the release of our daughters.
Shehu added that Presidency will be happy to partner with Isha on her charity that engages adolescent girls in West Africa (W. E. Can lead) and I write to invite her to visit Nigeria again for her continuing update on the Chibok situation and possibilities of partnership with our caring administration over the future of our youths, particularly of the girl child.
Presidency, in a related development cautioned against politicizing insecurity using the death of daughter of the Afenifere leader, Funke Olakunri,
Presidency stated that “ times of tragedy like these are not the time for politics, as it “reveals only disrespect for the departed and her family.
“ We hope that those who stand in positions of influence recognise and understand this.”
According to the Presidency, “President has already issued a statement expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs Funke Olakunri and followed up with a telephone call.
“8The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has in addition, paid a visit to the grieving family in Akure, Ondo State.
Presidency described her death as a tragedy, adding that “ our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
“It is incumbent on all leaders across the country to consider their language and its potential consequences.
“Insecurity is an issue that Nigeria must face together as one nation – united.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
