African Writers have added their voice to the rescue of the over 200 girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, saying African leaders should rise as one to solve the problem and not leave it to Nigeria alone.
The Secretary General of the Pan African Writers’ Association, Prof. Atukwi Okai, who made the call during a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City on Friday, said: “Let us first of all express on behalf of all the writers of African our heartfelt sympathy for the situation in which our many African girls are being abducted in Chibok School are now in.
“This situation is not a Nigerian matter.
“This is an African issue which is why we are calling upon all our African leaders to simply consider the issue of security not only of our continent but also of our people.
“It’s a great honour for us to be here because Edo State is an ancient African State and we are also in the home state of great achievers like the Governor who is a distinguished and dynamic person.
“I was here first 10 years ago and when I came recently, I discovered great development, especially your roads have become roads.
“Also, recently, you have instituted the comrade cabs which give people the opportunity to earn their living.
“We are happy to note that you have put in place the Azurra Power Project.
“In fact, you are a problem solving state.”
Prof. Okai disclosed that they were on a special mission to brief the governor on the Pan African Writers Association Conference coming up on November 7, 2014 and to invite him to grace the occasion taking place in Accra, Ghana.
Responding, Oshiomhole, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, commended the Pan-African Writers Association for their impact on the socio-economic development of the African continent through their writings.
Oshiomhole said: “On assumption of office, our mission was to do the greatest good to the greatest number of persons in the shortest possible time.
“Your testimony just now proves positively that we are working in that regard.
“This is to assure you that we will continue to deliver the deliverables because we have no other way to go but to give our best to the people of Edo State.
“We must rise up as brothers, as Africans to defend ourselves because terrorism knows no boundary and it has no jurisdiction and it is very sad that they are now kidnapping young persons.”
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