CPC, ACN, others should join PDP to fight Boko Haram - Tukur

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, has called on all opposition parties to join the federal government in the battle against insurgents in the country.
Mr. Tukur stated this in London at the 2013 Nigerian Arise Award media chat organised by BEN TV here he was speaking about the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.
“Nigeria is under attack and these people attack churches, mosque, market places, schools, and even telecom facilities, it is not attributed to any part of the country, tribe or faith alone.
“It is an evil that we must all challenge, don’t give it any other name other than evil, as a big party, I am calling on leaders of all the political parties, and this is not politics,CPC, ACN, and all other political parties to come together to fight this evil,” Mr. Tukur said.

He said the media has a key role to play in creating awareness to enable all Nigerians wake up to the challenge which was fast destabilising the nation.
The insurgent Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for several attacks that have led to the death of hundreds of people in Northern Nigeria. They have attacked private and public buildings and property including police stations, prisons, banks, and schools.
Defends Jonathan on Alamieyeseigha
Mr. Tukur also defended President Goodluck Jonathan on the recent pardon granted to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former Governor of Bayelsa State.
“It is the guilty that is pardoned, not the man who did the right thing.”
“It is not the quantum of guilt, but the admittance of guilt based on self confession,” he added.
He called for the understanding of Nigerians, saying the pardon was in good faith.
The National Council of State headed by President Goodluck Jonathan last month granted state pardon to Mr. Alamieyeseigha and seven others, a move which has attracted controversy and criticism from Nigerians and the global community.
With the state pardon, Mr. Alamieyeseigha is now free of the constitutional ban from holding public office.
The PDP Chairman, who expressed the party’s commitment to resolving its internal crisis said upon assumption of office, he adopted the three “R, E and D’’ approach of reconciliation, education and dialogue among others to unite the party.
He commended the “Nigeria Arise Award” initiative saying it would encourage Nigerians to strive to achieve in their various field.
The Chairman of BEN TV and organiser of “Nigeria Arise”, Alistair Soyede, said the award is a project aimed “at a total reorientation of all Nigerians to aim high, rise and be worthy ambassadors of the country.”
Mr. Soyede said that the 2013 award would cover 24 categories, ranging from personality, brands, governance and services.
The late Literature icon, Chinua Achebe, would be honoured at this year’s ceremony which comes up in July in Abuja. (NAN)