Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has told the French Prime Minister, Mr. Bernard Cazeneuve in Paris that the issues involved in fueling Boko Haram terrorism are far beyond governance related and economic.
“It goes beyond that to ideological, and we are now focusing on the challenge and on how to deal with it.”
Osinbajo, in bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister after the just concluded global forum on Anti-Corruption and Integrity hosted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), said that one thing that is left to deal with after the defeat of Boko Haram “is de-radicalization” of the group and to defeat their ‘ideology.’
The Vice President stated that the Federal Government would be happy to work with France, and others among its diplomatic partners who may also have to deal with such problems as the challenge of de-radicalization.
Professor Osinbajo conveyed through the Prime Minister, the warm greetings of President Muhammadu Buhari to the French President Francois Hollande, acknowledging the commitment and demonstrated support of the French President to Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, including on the issue of military purchases, and French contributions against terrorism in the entire Sahel region.
“We are thankful for the work you are doing with Nigeria. President Hollande has been to Nigeria twice and his support against terrorism in the countries in the region is by words and action, showing that the French is committed and standing side by side with us.
“Ggenerally, the stemming of the sprad of terrorism in the Sahel is much due to French’s role, and we thankful for that contribution.”
In his own remarks, Prime Minister, Cazeneuve recalled recent terror attacks in France, saying: “we know the consequences of terror attacks on populations. We are aware of the problem and we know it cannot be solved by countries working alone.”
He said that the French government has a process of de-radicalization, involving teams working with families, stressing however that it is a very difficult job.
The French government, he added will be focusing on how to enhance and deepen relationship with Nigeria, including on issues of counter terrorism and sharing information when it comes to de-radicalization.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Nigerian President and military over the degrading of Boko Haram even as he asked the Vice President at the Thursday afternoon meeting to convey to President Buhari “our message of admiration of his efforts to modernize your country.”
He commended the Nigerian Vice President on how he is supporting the President, especially by holding the fort as Acting President while President Buhari was away.
“You played a significant role for your country while holding forth for your country. Also you play an important role in relaunching the Nigerian economy.” [myad]
