Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has asked the Federal Government to enagage Boko Haram militias in dialogue to finding a lasting solution to the lingering insurgency.
The former military leader spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital yesterday, while commissioning the administrative block of the School of Nursing, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, built by Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Abubakar said dialogue was imperative in the current situation to put an end to the wanton destruction of lives and property in the North-Eastern part of the country.
He said: “As someone who was privileged to survive the Civil War and saw our country return to democracy, I am troubled by the challenges currently confronting our country”.
Abdusalami noted that the terror attacks have debased the country’s integrity among the comity of nations, adding “never in history has our country been subjected to this kind of blood-letting and disrespect for the sanctity of human lives.
“There has been cruel murder and slaughtering of children as well as women, who are innocent.
“As events of recent killings clearly show that no one is safe, no place is safe and no time is safe, the security problem in the country is very severe and need all of us to search for solution to.
“We must therefore cooperate and all hands must be on deck to find solution to the crisis.
“We should not be looking for victory, solution should be the goal. Government at all levels, the people at the crisis zone, security personnel and all aggrieved parties must dialogue and listen to one another for the sake of our future and our children.
“We must honestly look at the real issues involved and take immediate actions promptly.
“It must be accepted that dialogue is still a veritable tool under this circumstance”.
The former military ruler commended the Fayemi-led administration for embarking on the projects, saying it was a clear demonstration of the governor’s love for Ekiti people.
He stressed that Fayemi’s act of good governance, equity and justice can hold the promise of restoring the people’s faith in the country
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Fayemi, who will be handing over to a new governor next week Thursday, said he undertook the project based on his determination to stamp out poverty and to ensure the well-being of the people of the state.
Fayemi also hailed the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Dare Ogundipe, for the effective management of the hospital.