AU Summit: President Buhari's opening speech

President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has briefed attendees of the 25 African Union Summit on his administration’s efforts against Boko Haram.

Buhari gave the information on Sunday, June 14, 2015, as part of an address presented at the opening ceremony of the summit.

The President also credited his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan with avert a ensuring a smooth transition in power in Nigeria.

Buhari said:

“Our continent is currently bedevilled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment. “The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege. “

“I was convinced on my assumption of office that the best approach would be to work within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, to mobilse collective support to fight against Boko Haram. I have in this regard, directed the relocation of Nigeria’s Command Centre to place it closer to the theatre of action.”

“Furthermore, I have vigorously engaged the member states of the LCBC to better coordinate the strategies and tactics in fighting the insurgency in the region. I believe that this approach can be enhanced through complimentary regional and continental efforts.”

Meanwhile, Buhari has insisted that the joint multinational force against Boko Haram be headed by Nigeria in order to ensure its effectiveness.

Source: AP