CPC Calls on Nigerians to Support Military Operation in North-east

Sunday Okobi
Concerned Professionals’ Congress (CPC) has expressed support for the new ‘Operation Final Push’ of the Nigerian military against Boko Haram in the Northeast, describing it as a fitting follow-up to the ongoing Operation Crack Down being executed to clear remnant of insurgents to bring the anti-terrorism war to a decisive end.

 The group therefore asked all Nigerians and well-meaning people to intensify prayers and support at this critical time for the military operations in order to strengthen the troops as well as boost their morale to successfully accomplish the crucial task of rescuing all persons held by the Boko Haram terrorists and restore peace to the region.

According to the Coordinator of the group, Tukur Musa Tilde and the Chief Media Strategist, Emeka Nwapa, in a joint statement yesterday in Abuja, the Sambisa Operation is reminiscent of the 2011 United States final onslaught on Al Queda which led to the eventual capture of Osama Bin Laden, America’s most wanted man, after the September 11, 2001 WTC bombing.

On the recent unveiling by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),  General Gabriel Olonisakin, in Maiduguri of a fresh list of 55 wanted Boko Haram members, the group described it as an indication that it was not yet time for Nigerians to drop their guard in the collective move to see the back of the terrorists in the country.

CPC, in the statement, maintained that though the counter-insurgency operations have largely succeeded and globally confirmed, it is not yet time for all Nigerians to drop their guard, pointing out that the current moment called for sustained vigilance until all the wanted terrorists are tracked down for peace, security and stability to return to the troubled places.

The group commended the military leadership for providing a credible and convenient platform such as Operation Safe Corridor for Boko Haram members who wish to repent, surrender and drop their arms to join the rest of the society, saying such a gesture will ultimately fast-track the peace process in the North-east.

 The group said the anticipated success of the troops in the Sambisa operation represented the Nigerian military’s definitive move to finally wipe out the horrendous episode of the sect from the nation’s memory, a process which is expected to unlock the developmental potentials of the people of the Northeast towards contributing to national growth and prosperity.