Boko Haram: UN, AU support Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday received the support of the United Nations and the African Union Commission in his administration’s bid to put an end to the violence unleashed on the country, especially in the North, by members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon; and the AUC chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping, gave Jonathan the bodies’ backing in their separate remarks at the opening of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ki-Moon said the UN was working closely with the AU to address terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and the rise of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, all of which he called transnational challenges in West Africa.
He said, “With respect to Nigeria, I am deeply troubled by the indiscriminate and unacceptable violent attacks. No cause justifies terror.
“We stand in solidarity with the authorities and the people of Nigeria for democratic and accountable governance.”
The UN scribe urged African leaders to adopt a preventive approach to human rights, saying the Arab Spring took many by surprise with traditional indicators showing that the countries were stable or doing well.
He said below the surface of the indicators, there were deprivation, exclusion and abuse, among others.
“Events have proved that repression is a dead end. Police power is no match for people power seeking dignity and justice.
“The women and men protesting in streets and public squares across the region are both an inspiration and a reminder.
“A reminder that leaders must listen to their people, that all of us must do more,” he added.
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