A review of Nigeria’s security situation after the security chiefs meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday was laced with optimism and some anxiety as reporters’ questions were largely unanswered.
Speaking with State House Correspondents after the meeting,Lt Gen. Kenneth Minimah,. The Chief of Army Staff confirmed recent successes by the military.But he also refused to state when the “war” will end
“You know Yobe and Adamawa states have been liberated completely and we look forward to the reinstatement of structures of government and governance. I am also sure you know that in Borno state out of the 27 local government we have three local governments remaining, Abadam, Kalabaldi and Gwoza and we are optimistic that with time we will liberate those local governments”Minimah
Asked to confirm if the forthcoming elections were discussed Minimah said “I am not competent to speak on that matter.
“INEC is still there, INEC has to re-assess the situation and evaluate because the areas have been liberated, but I can also tell you that not all structures of governance have been reinstated and they will need to be reinstated so that citizens can go back to their areas and it is then I think they can execute their rights as voters. How soon? I don’t know”,he said.
He also failed to state categorically whether the military will conclude operations in the North East before the March 28th date for the polls.When asked whether all will be concluded before the election date, the Army Chief said that “war is war”
“It is our wish and we pray God gives that to us, but war is war. War sometimes is not fought on some platforms of permutations.
Speaking on the whereabouts of over 200 school girls kidnapped in Chibok Borno State, General Minimah said “No news for now. In all the liberated areas we have, we have also made enquiries but the truth is when the terrorists are running away they also run with their families, and those we have come in contact have not made any comments suggesting that Chibok girls were there and taken away.
“But we are optimistic that as it becomes closer the territory is becoming elusive to them we will get further details on that.” He added.
He made these remarks after President Goodluck Jonathan met behind closed doors with security chiefs and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega.
But when he strolled out of the meeting after about 2 hours, Jega did not give details of his presentation to the council.
Actually,the meeting kicked off at about 11: 45am and continued after the INEC boss had left around 2:42pm.On his way out Jega told reporters “I believe it went well”.He also asserted that preparations for the elections were going on well.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Pius Ayim Pius, Chief of Staff to the President General (rtd) Jones Arogbofa, National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke, minister of foreign affairs Ambassador Aminu Wali, minister of police affairs, Jelil Adesiyan and the minister of interior Abba Morro.
Equally in attendance were Chief Of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Keneth Minima, Chief Of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adeola Amosu, Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba. Heads of the Department of State Security and the National Intelligence Agency also attended.
