Nigerian Presidential Candidates Commend Military Efforts Against Insurgency

Strategic Insights -

Presidential candidates from various political parties gathered at a debate organized by the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NESG) to discuss the ongoing campaign against insurgency in the North-east. The candidates praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts towards restoring peace to the region. President Goodluck Jonathan, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that the military has begun using drones to combat the insurgents. The candidates also expressed concern about the safety and whereabouts of the Chibok girls, with some speculating that the Boko-Haram leader's threat to sell them into marriage might have been carried out.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant progress in their campaign against insurgency in the North-east.
  • President Goodluck Jonathan announced that the military has started using drones for aerial surveillance and combat operations.
  • The presidential candidates expressed concern about the safety and whereabouts of the Chibok girls, with some speculating that the Boko-Haram leader's threat to sell them into marriage might have been carried out.
  • Chief Chekwas Okorie, presidential candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP), criticized the government's handling of the Chibok girls' situation, stating that it has become a matter of concern that their whereabouts have not been discovered despite the recapture of several territories from Boko-Haram.
  • Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, candidate of the Kowa party, emphasized the importance of protecting sources of intelligence reports to instill confidence in citizens to provide vital information to security agencies.
  • Chief Martin Onovo, presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), urged Nigerians to consider the integrity of political parties and their candidates before casting their ballots.
  • The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign organization criticized the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) for allegedly compromising its fairness and impartiality.

Statistics:

  • None

Sources:

  • This Day, March 23, 2015
  • AllAfrica Global Media, via COMTEX