President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sounded his optimism that the Nigerian soldiers leading the offensive against Boko Haram insurgents in the troubled northeastern part of the country would maintain the momentum they had already attained in the onslaught.
Jonathan, who spoke while receiving the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labriolle, said he was very confident that the troops would rapidly recover more territories from the terrorist group.
He described the officers and men of the Nigerian Army that he met when he visited Borno and Adamawa states on Thursday as being in very high spirit, adding that they appeared well prepared and determined to successfully see to the end of their operations against Boko Haram fighters.
“We have already recovered much territory, and very soon our troops will clear the terrorists out of other areas not presently under our control,” Jonathan said.
While acknowledging a congratulatory message from President Francois Hollande to Nigeria for the recent successes of her armed forces against the insurgents, President Jonathan restated Nigeria’s appreciation of France’s unflinching support to Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism.
He specifically appreciated his French counterpart for organising the Paris Summit of Heads of State of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger and Chad in May 2014 to foster greater regional cooperation against acts of terrorism.
The President pledged that beyond the ongoing military campaign in the North East, Nigeria would continue to implement all agreements passed at the Summit to guarantee lasting peace and security within its borders and in neighbouring countries.
He used the opportunity to reassure the international community of his administration’s strong commitment to free, fair and credible polls on March 28 and April 11.
While wishing the outgoing Ambassador well in his future endeavours, Jonathan admonished him to always be a “good Ambassador of Nigeria”.
Speaking earlier, the French envoy noted that his country was “confident in the future of Nigeria and its ability to continue playing a huge role in Africa and world affairs”.
Amb. Labriolle equally expressed delight at the improved trade and economic ties between Nigeria and France within the last three years, stressing that no fewer than 250 French companies are currently operating in Nigeria.
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