Buhari invites UN to negotiate for Chibok girls' release

– President Buhari has shown his willingness to see to the release of Chibok girls
– He called on the UN to help in negotiating with the terrorists
– The president noted that the division within the group has made it difficult to engage them in negotiation
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the United Nations to serve as negotiator in a bid to bring back the abducted Chibok girls.
The girls were kidnapped by the terrorists from their school in 2014 but the terrorists in a recent broadcast agreed to swap the girls in exchange for their fighters who were arrested by security operatives.
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In a statement by Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Buhari told the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, that Nigeria was ready to get the girls back.
President Muhammadu Buhari at the UNGA
“The challenge is in getting credible and bona fide leadership of Boko Haram to discuss with,”
“The split in the insurgent group is not helping matters. Government had reached out, ready to negotiate, but it became difficult to identify credible leaders. We will welcome intermediaries such as UN outfits, to step in.”
Buhari said the activity of Boko Haram was contrary to the teaching of Islam or any other religion.
“The fact that they kill men, women, children, and other people wantonly, and shout Allahu Akbar (God is great) shows that they do not know that Allah at all. If they did, they would not shed innocent blood.”
He applauded the UN secretary general for the contribution the world body has provided to Nigeria.
Ban Ki-moon also congratulated President Buhari on the success he has recorded in the war against corruption.
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“You are highly respected by world leaders, including myself. Your persona has given your country a positive image.”
He said the UN recognized the achievements of the Buhari administration against Boko Haram, but urged that human rights be respected always so as to prevent a repeat of the scenario being witnessed in Syria.