Terrorism: World Leaders Pledge Support For Nigeria

Some world leaders yesterday in Abuja pledged their support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
In separate statements at a conference on human security, peace and development to commemorate Nigeria’s Centenary celebration, the leaders condemned the repeated Boko Haram attacks in strong terms.
The EU President, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, who said the bloc had contributed $1bn to support peace and security in Africa, warned that “radicalism and hate’’ had no place in the society.
“We were all shocked on Tuesday with the news of the attack in Buni Yadi, which caused the death of 29 young students.
“It was the latest mischief of brutal and unjustifiable attacks by terrorists on innocent civilians.
“Let me offer my deep condolences to the families of the victims and to the Nigerian people.
“Radicalism, extremism and hate have no place in our societies, and we pledge our support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,’’Barroso said.
Barroso also reiterated EU’s commitment to share counter-piracy knowledge with African countries, to strengthen their efforts to overcome threats to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The EU president described Africa as a continent of hope, saying that in 2012 alone, eight out of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies were on the continent.
“The IMF predicts Africa’s economic growth to be six per cent in 2014, the highest rate since after the global financial crisis.
Also speaking, UK’s Minister for Africa, Mr Mark Simmonds, said that the British Government would “partner Africa in seeking the eradication of violent extremism”.
The minister spoke on behalf of Prime Minister David Cameron and brought a message from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
He said it was the right of Nigeria and African governments to defend their territory and people from terrorism, but called for respect for human rights in doing so.
“As they do so, they also have a duty to be the protector of their citizens and their universal and inalienable human rights.
“The defence of Africa’s people, and the proportionate use of legal force, is mutually reinforcing.
“But if we ignore the values that we want our own children to benefit from, we will act as a recruiter for the likes of Boko Haram and Al Shabaab.
“We must not forget what it is that we defend,’’ he said.
Simmonds told African leaders attending the Centenary celebration that democracy, prosperity and stability were vital ingredients for peace and development in the continent.
He challenged African leaders to allow their countries “to flourish’’, noting that the choices they make could determine the fate of over one billion people.
“If African nations are to avoid in the next century the mistakes European nations made over the last 100 years, then ultimately, African leaders – you here today – must make the right choices.
“It is no exaggeration that the leaders here today hold in their hands the fate of possibly one billion people and their prosperity.”
On the 2015 elections in Nigeria, Simmonds said it was an opportunity for Nigeria to serve as a role model to other countries on credible elections and democracy.
“By virtue of her scale and energy, Nigeria could lead the way.
“Next February’s elections will be a vital milestone – Nigeria’s fifth consecutive Presidential Election under civilian rule.
“Mr President (Goodluck Jonathan), you have committed yourself to ensuring that the elections are free and fair.
“I am confident Nigerians will accept nothing less and in doing so, you and your government could be a role model for many other African governments,’’ he said.
Also speaking, French President Francois Hollande promised support for Nigeria in the battle against Boko Haram in defence of democracy.
Hollande, who‘was the only European president at the conference said: “Your struggle is also our struggle.
“We will always stand ready not only to provide our political support, but also our help every time you need it, because the struggle against terrorism is also the struggle for democracy.”
Hollande noted that in spite of the crises in the continent, there was reason for optimism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
“Africa has a great future. It’s the continent of tomorrow,” he said.
The French president, however warned, that such promise could be impeded by insecurity.
He also pledged that France would double its overseas development aid to the continent within the next five years.
The Federal Government has packaged week-long activities to celebrate Nigeria’s unification in 1914 of the separate protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria by the British colonial authorities.
Also, African leaders in Abuja yesterday warned that the disintegration of Nigeria would portend catastrophic consequences for the continent.
The leaders stated the position in their goodwill messages at an International Conference hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan to mark Nigeria’s centenary celebrations.
Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh, who took the lead, noted that Nigeria had played pivotal role in keeping the peace in troubled individual African states and the continent at large.
The President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, condemned the recent killing of innocent students in Yobe by the suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Pohamba said the terrorist activities were aimed at destabilising the country, and urged the leaders to remain resolute to keep the nation one.
President Bai Koroma of Seirra-Leone thanked Nigeria for helping to restore peace in his country.
The Vice President of Kenya, Ruto Williams, spoke on behalf of four countries in the East Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Williams said “Nigeria is the giant of Africa and the citizen must strive to keep it united’’.
All the leaders as well as Mr Thomas Shannon, who represented U.S. President Barack Obama at the event, condoled with Nigeria over the Yobe pogrom.
Shannon also conveyed Obama’s support for Nigeria’s peace, and economic growth.

A cross-section of Presidents and Heads of Government at the Centenary Conference in Abuja, yesterday