Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano, northwest Nigeria has called on politicians and opinion leaders to come together and speak with one voice to condemn the abduction of 234 girls from their hostels in a Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno, northeast Nigeria.
Kwankwaso spoke while receiving members of the Civil Society Organizations who stormed Kano Government House in protest over the abducted girls by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“I believe this is the time to call on all of us to support Nigeria, this is the time to bury all our differences, especially those that are being created by politicians, to come and support this country. These young girls that were abducted are not only Muslims or only Christians. And this is the time for all of us, to close ranks and ensure that these young girls are identified and returned to their parents and to the school.
“I am sure the message especially in the last few days is very clear to the leadership in Abuja (Presidency). May be they do not understand the gravity of the issue. People are beginning to understand the calamity that has befallen our country, Nigeria. It is our collective responsibility to check the trend, to stop it and ensure that every child of school age goes to school without any fear”, Kwankwaso stated.
“We are as concerned and as worried as you are, we feel very sad as parents, we feel as sad as members of the (Chibok) community and we feel very sad as leaders of this state and by extension leaders in the country,” he said.
The governor stressed that it is the responsibility of any government not only in this country but all over the world to protect lives and property, to ensure freedom of speech and freedom of movement. He said his administration, on its part, will continue to guaranty citizens’ rights within its limit.
Kwankwaso expressed grief over the unfortunate incident and pleaded with the civil society groups that their letter would be delivered to the President within 24 hours.
In his remarks, Barr A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), said that if Nigeria cannot address the case of the abducted girls, it should seek assistance from other countries, pointing out that the abduction of 234 girl students is a national disaster. He expressed hope that the authorities concerned would provide accurate information to Nigerians on the matter until the kidnapped girls are rescued.
In his speech, chairman of the Forum, Malam Bala Abdullahi said the abduction of the girls was traumatic to their parents and other well-meaning Nigerians, appealing to the state governor, whom they described as a credible, fearless and honest leader to ensure that federal government takes appropriate action towards bringing this agony to an end.
Barr. Amina Hanga also called on the government to find the abducted girls.