African leaders at a one day conference in Abuja today identified security as a major threat to the existence of democratic institutions in Africa. This, the leaders said while lamenting the security crisis in Nigeria.
French President, Francois Hollande, who expressed interest in Africa’s agenda for security, with Nigeria taking the lead, used the occasion of the centenary celebrations to express support in fighting terrorism in Nigeria.
“I assure you Mr President that your struggle is also our struggle and we will always stand ready to provide not only political support but support anytime you need it because the struggle against terrorism is also the struggle for democracy” Mr Hollande said.
The conference, which had no pomp and pageantry, was organised to celebrate Nigeria’s 100 years of existence.
The conference was attended by over 30 presidents and heads of governments from around the globe, and captains of international organizations, who came to rejoice with Nigeria and find lasting solutions to challenging issues for the country and Africa, including security, peace and development.
President Goodluck Jonathan who welcomed the heads of state to Nigeria said this is time to look back with gratitude and forward with hope and confidence.
“Today, as our Nation marks its first 100 years, we look back with gratitude to God and with pride in our citizens. We look forward also, to the future, with hope and confidence.
“In this hall and beyond, I am delighted to welcome many of our past, current and future leaders, as well as our friends and partners, from near and far, persons and nations that have stood with us in times past, and whose friendship we will continue to cherish” he said
Security and terrorism took center stage at the conference, a matter President Jonathan said collaborative work among governments is necessary so that all perpetrators of acts of terrorism are rounded up and made to face justice.
“This gruesome and mindless act of savagery is not Nigerian. It is not African. Let me assure all Nigerians that we will spare no resource in bringing those murderers to justice.
“Terrorism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We all must work together, collectively, to rid our world of haters of peace, who use terror to maim, kill, instil fear and deny people their rights to peace and security.
“The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria is one of such condemnable acts of terror. We have continued to deploy human and military intelligence, in close collaboration with our partners, to bring an end to their nefarious activities. Greater regional cooperation in intelligence gathering and control of insurgents will ensure not only Nigeria’s security, but also the security of our neighbours” he noted.
President Jonathan’s call, with the recent massacre in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states a case in point, elicited both condemnation and offers for support from other world leaders.
Channels Television’s Omeologo Nnadi reports that so many issues have been raised on security, peace and development at the occasion of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations; points Nigeria must note going forward.
She also adds that after today’s (Wednesday) conference and other activities lined up for the anniversary, many Nigerians will look forward to decisive action and the much needed impact to stamp out the menace of terrorism and stop the ongoing massacre of innocents especially in northern Nigeria.
