The Nigerian military has responded to a statement attributed to the #BringBackOurGirls group, led by former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili demanding the military to show verifiable evidence thatit was indeed recording victories in its fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
Defence Spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, reacting to the call by the group, said the group was deliberately turning a blind eye to the evidence which has been circulated in Nigeria’s media circles.
He said: “It seems that it is only the so-called #BringBackOurGirls group that has not seen all the pictures that accompany the recent DHQ press statements on the war against terror. We think the group should try and check properly. The vast majority of well meaning Nigerians appreciates the efforts and sacrifice of their Military. We are humbled by their continuous show of support, solidarity and encouragement as we battle not only to free our girls but to stamp out terrorism in our dear country.”
Echoing Olukolade’s sentiments, several Nigerian social media users have poured scorn on Ezekwesili for her unpatriotic stance, positing that some people were not happy with the victories recorded by the Federal Government against Boko Haram as it is stunting their campaign against President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
One Meje Apanmiran, who spoke to an Abuja-based tabloid said: “President Jonathan remains my president at this time, the opposition should go and find another campaign issue as their Boko Haram campaign issue an attacks on the government and the Military no longer holds water. Nigerians are not fools.”
Another respondent, barrister Uche Uke said: “This is incredulous. I think free speech is being taken too far by these people with their demands. It is a shame they have not rallied against Boko Haram rather against the government. They are traitors in short,”
