NAN – Senate President David Mark while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Beijing, stated that Nigeria would not negotiate with Boko Haram or any other terrorist group.
He made the declaration while reacting to the demand of Boko Haram self acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau that the kidnapped school girls would be released on condition of prisoners swap.
“Nigeria will not negotiate with terrorists under any circumstance. If we negotiate with them, they will get a few more people and then we begin to negotiate again.
“You do not negotiate with criminals, you do not negotiate with terrorists. We are going to bring the girls back safe and sound, every effort will be made to rescue them.
“For a criminal to parade himself and be asking for negotiation, I think that is the height of insult on any nation,” he said.
He promised that the National Assembly would review the anti-terrorism act with a view to tighten and strengthen weak areas.
Mark called on Nigerians to brace up and join government in the fight to end insurgency in the country.
“Nigerians must see this insurgency as a battle and a war on Nigeria, and they must not leave it to only those in uniform.
“Whether you are in Chibok or Lagos or Sokoto, it is clear that all of us must get involved and we must fight it with all our might and strength,’’ he urged.
He said he was delighted that the Chinese government had said it was ready to cooperate with and support Nigeria to fight the insurgents.
