Boko Haram: Jonathan assures military of better firepower to deal with terrorism

Aftermath Thursday’s attack on Bama Town in Borno State, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed to ensure provision of more sophisticated firepower for the military to deal with the security challenges posed by terrorists.
Describing continued Boko Haram attacks as a very worrisome challenge that ‘we never expected’, the President said, “We are being overwhelmed in some incidents. We will surely get over it. We will work with you to see what we can provide to make sure that you are in position to defend our nation”.
“We will work with you to ensure you are in position to protect lives, you are in position to protect properties of Nigerians, you are in position to make sure that the environment is peaceful and that Nigerians can move freely from one part of the country to the other without being afraid that somebody would point the trigger at them”.
Emphasizing on the Bama attack, he said, he summoned the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police for an emergency meeting on the issue.
To the new Generals, he said, “On behalf of your country and men and women, I congratulate all of you. It is not easy to wear two stars. That is almost the terminal position in the armed forces. Any other one is by the grace of God”.
“And to be so elevated as two star generals; we know that you must have passed through storms, you must have endured several winters, both rainy season, dry season to get there. You wives must have also been well picked to survive this period. But we thank God that today you are being so decorated”.
“But it is a very, very challenging moment. It is a very challenging period in this country and we expect as the saying goes that those to whom more is given much is expected. For those of you who are decorated as full two star generals, we expect that you bring your experience to bear”.
“We must work together as a team to make sure that the armed forces are able to protect lives and property of Nigerians.

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