No agreement yet on Chibok girls, says FG

The Council of State rose from its meeting on Tuesday with a statement that the Federal Government had yet to reach any agreement with the Boko Haram sect on the fate of the abducted Chibok girls.

It said although discussions were still ongoing, it was clear that the media misunderstood the position of the government on the reported ceasefire.

Governor Godswill Akpabio said this while briefing State House correspondents of the outcome of the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was joined at the briefing by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State.

Akpabio said the council was briefed by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), on the efforts being made to rescue the schoolgirls.

He said, “The NSA was of the opinion that high level contact with the Republic of Chad was made and that some persons who acted on behalf of Boko Haram and who claimed to have authority also had discussions with them and there are some Nigerian officials with them.

“Of course, no agreement has been reached yet, it is just that the press probably misunderstood what was reported, the discussions are ongoing.

“What came out of the NSA’s briefings was that the President will do everything possible to ensure the release of those young girls and to ensure protection of lives and property.

“That will include dialogue where you can have the people to dialogue with, because you cannot dialogue with people that are faceless and therefore, every opportunity must be explored to ensure peace return to the region.”

Akpabio said the council was satisfied that the Defence Ministry and all the agencies had taken the right steps aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility.

While saying that the President was on course, the governor said sooner or later, Nigerians would hear good news.

He urged Nigerians to be patient and that the issues of terrorism were not issues that could be finished within a day of two.

“There are some instances in which countries had to contend with insurgency for years, but in the case of Nigeria, we said we must find a practical means of bringing insurgency to an end in the shortest possible time so that Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed.”