Eko Hot Blog reports that, marking 10 years since the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to secure the release of the approximately 90 girls still held captive by terrorists.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Clark asserted that Tinubu must set up a special task force comprising brave, competent and impartial soldiers to coordinate rescue operations for the Chibok girls and other Nigerian citizens held hostage.
“Tinubu should appoint a special task force with brave soldiers, competent, transparent and not nepotic,” Clark stated firmly. “Some of us believe that President Tinubu’s government is not serious about rescuing the remaining Chibok girls.”
The elder statesman berated previous administrations for their failure to rescue the girls and others held in captivity over the years, emphasizing that “the nation cannot forgo their citizens in such a manner.”
Clark stressed that Tinubu needs to be bold and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the rescue efforts, as securing the girls’ release would create a lasting legacy for his administration. “About 90 of them are still missing after 10 years. This should be a source of worry and concern to any serious nation’s government,” he added.
Drawing inspiration from a successful hostage rescue by the United States, Clark recalled how former President Donald Trump oversaw the operation that led to the release of American citizen Philip Walton, who was held captive between Niger and Nigeria in October 2020.
“The then President of the US, Mr. Donald Trump, followed the matter to its conclusion. When Mr Philip was rescued, President Trump was so excited that a citizen of his country held hostage had been rescued and described the action as a ‘big win for our very elite US Special Forces,'” Clark noted, asserting that Nigeria possesses the capability to achieve a similar historic feat.
As the 10th anniversary of the Chibok abduction is observed, the elder statesman’s powerful words have reignited calls for the Tinubu administration to make the rescue of the remaining schoolgirls and other captives a top national priority.
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