President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday,
briefed African leaders on his efforts
towards combating the Boko Haram
insurgency in the country’s North-East
even as he challenged them to collectively
stop the sordid stories of migrants dying
across the Mediterranean Sea.

In an address presented at the opening
ceremony of the 25th ordinary session of
the African Union, AU, Buhari also paid
respect to former President Goodluck
Jonathan for helping to avert a crisis in the
country by facilitating a smooth transition
in power.

Noting the challenge against his
administration from Boko Haram and his
efforts towards overcoming the threats by
the group, he 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.

“At this juncture, let me assure you of the
unflinching commitment of Nigeria to the
ideals and aspirations of the African Union
as explained in the Agenda 2063, which is
geared towards ensuring a peaceful,
prosperous and integrated Africa in the
next 50 years. It is for this reason that
Nigeria is fully and irrevocably committed
to the ECOWAS vision.

Lauds Jonathan on transition
Acknowledging Nigeria’s historic transition
and the role played by his predecessor, he
said: “The election was also held against
the backdrop of the fears and concerns
expressed both in Nigeria and among our
international friends abroad and partners
that the outcome of the election could
spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that
even though those fears and concerns
were not without basis, the outcome was
totally different, to the relief of all of us.
“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very
positive role played by my predecessor,
H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in
averting the feared crisis, and in
facilitating the peaceful transition of
power between the two parties.

“I also wish to express my deep
appreciation to all who honoured us with
their presence at my inauguration, and
even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend".