We need credible information to rescue Chibok girls – Buhari

ABUJA—To successfully rescue the abducted Chibokgirls, the government needs credible information on their exact location and the cooperation of relevant persons, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

 

Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari (2nd L) and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (L) listen to coordinator of the Bring Back Our Girls group Oby Ezekwesili (C) .

File photo He spoke in a meeting with former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Relaying what transpired at the closed-door meeting between him and the President with State House correspondents, Gowon said President Buhari was committed to finding the abducted girls.

He also commended the government on its anti-corruption war, noting that corruption had held the country down for many years. Gowon said: “We discussed the general affairs of the country, the problems of the country, his fight against corruption, and all the efforts that he is making to deal with it and, of course, the impatience of the public to see results of the fight which has yet to be found, since people have not been prosecuted yet. 

That would soon begin. “These are some of the issues we talked about. One appreciates his efforts and determination to rid the country of corruption, which is one of the problems that have held the country down and has created serious set backs to the country, both nationally and internationally.

‘’Then, of course, the current situation about the Chibokgirls and the efforts the government is making to rescue them. He said the government needed to get credible information about the whereaabouts of the girls and also those that would assist the government achieve that.

 “I believe that the government is certainly determined to ensure that a number of these girls are brought back home safely as soon as possible.

To achieve that, certain credibility must be established of our sources on information on their location. ‘’But as of now, no one knows where these girls are, and all this information that you have been getting, I don’t   know their sources, but all efforts at engaging the international media and sources are necessary so that this matter can be resolved once and for all.” 

Speaking on the economy, Gowon pleaded with with Nigerians to be patient with the government. He noted that the crisis in the Niger Delta had affected oil production, but hoped that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.