Boko Haram: Change Tactics, US Security Expert Tells FG

Governor Chibuike Amaechi (left), with his wife, Judith and former Minister of France, Bernard Kouchner, during the 2nd International Conference on Democracy and Good Governance, at Obi Wali Convention Centre, Chief G.U Ake Road, Port Harcourt, yesterday

Former Head Counter -Terrorism Bureau of the United States State Department, Ambassador Daniel Benjamin has called on the Federal Government to change its tactics if it must win the war on dislodging Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram.
Speaking on the topic, “ The Nigeria Security Challenge and Its Implication for Internal, Africa and Trans-Atlantic Relations” at the second International Conference on Democracy and Good Governance held at the Dr. Obi Wali International Convention Centre, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Benjamin observed that terrorism should not be seen as unique to Nigeria.
He opined that the Boko Haram menace has gone beyond territory and has acquired a “ religious prism.”
He therefore suggested that the federal authorities must overhaul its security tactics by addressing the grievances of aggrieved groups in the country.
The former US Counter-Terrorism chief assured of his country’s readiness to assist, especially in capacity for fighting terror, adding that the kidnap of the Chibok School Girls has attracted the sympathy of the international community.
In the same vein, Former Foreign Minister of France and European Affairs, Bernard Kouchner harped on the need by government to tackle the problem of poverty which according to him is responsible for most of the crisis in the continent.
Kouchner who spoke on, “Africa, Nigeria and the Issues for the Future” submitted that Nigeria has great potentials but that democracy need to be improved if the country will enjoy its diverse resources.
His view was further elaborated on when Former Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Germany, Mr. Guido Westwelle spoke on the topic, “ Deepening, Enlarging and Simplifying Notable Challenges for Nigeria in Globalization Era.”
Westwelle observed that Nigeria’s vast economy is key in driving Africa’s future and development.
By becoming the 26th largest economy in the world, he noted that the image of Africa has been boosted saying, “ Africa is much more than poverty crisis. Africa is on the rise.”
He advised African leaders to focus on opportunities to be able to solve problems.
Westwelle however praised Governor Amaechi for his vision and commitment and urged him not to waver, but to sustain his success.
Earlier on, Prof Pat Utomi insisted that inclusion remain the bedrock of democracy.
Utomi spoke on the theme, “Nigeria’s Democracy Issues and Challenges” and reasoned that democracy stems from the peoples power which gives legitimacy to every government.
But with the current air of insecurity in the country, the former presidential candidate in the 2007 elections suggested that the country should jettison the politics of ethnicity and elitist patronage warning that the government was losing legitimacy.
“You can’t have democracy when majority of the people are poor. Caring about the people by government is what sustains democracy,” Utomi submitted.
Chairman of the occasion and Emeritus Professor of History, Tekena Tamuno insisted that there must be balance of power between leaders and followers.
He urged Nigerians to be more patriotic and active in governance, “ my research of over 60 years shows that there are more in Nigeria than of Nigeria, which is responsible for very poor active citizens and many passive ones”.
Speaking later Governor Amaechi said that Nigerians must insist for change of government if the present administration has failed.
He said, “ We all agree that something is wrong. Vote them out. We need change in Nigeria and that is what APC and I stand for.”
Amaechi implored the citizens to stop enduring bad governance, while decrying the high ;evel of corruption and impunity in the present federal government.