We are in Mali to secure Nigerians – Jonathan

From Left: President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister Of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; CEO Oxford Business Group, Mr Andrew Jeffreys And The Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mr Gbenga Oyebode At The Inaugural Meeting Of Presidential Eminent Persons Group On Agriculture In Geneva On Tuesday (22/1/13).

President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated that Nigeria’s involvement in the crisis in Mali was not borne out of any territorial ambition but to secure her citizens from terrorism and stop terrorists from establishing bases in West Africa.
He stated this in Geneva when he met with members of the Nigerian community in Geneva.
According to the president, “Nigeria has no territorial interest in Mali. Going to Mali does not mean that we are trying to extend our territorial control to the country. No. We believe that if we don’t go there the war going on there will affect us,” Jonathan explained.

The president said the escalation of violence in the northern part of Nigeria which recently resulted in an attack on the Emir of Kano is a direct fall out of activities of Terrorists in the West African subregion.
The president warned that if the crisis in Mali is not managed it may engulf Nigeria and many of its neighbours.
“that is why Nigeria is particularly interested about the issue of Mali. Because the Northern part of Mali is now becoming a sanctuary for breeding terrorists that are trooping into West Africa and Northern Africa”.

“We are gradually improving the Nigeria security architecture. So, we are surely working hard and by the grace of God the problem will surely come down.
“If you don’t solve the problem of Mali Nigerians will continue to sleep with one eyes because the terrorists will like to move from Northern Mali to Niger, Chad and of course Northern Nigeria. Almost 50% of the Boko Haram adherents are trained in Northern Mali. Most of the weapons they use come from Libya to Mali and then to Nigeria.
The president said there is no conflict of  interest between Nigeria and France on the latter’s involvement in the Malian crisis.

VANGUARD