The Council of State rose from its meeting at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday assuring Nigerians that security agencies would rescue the over 200 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram over 80 days ago.
The meeting was convened by President Goodluck Jonathan to brief the Council on the security situation in the country, with special focus on the ongoing effort to free the missing girls.
Surprisingly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and embattled Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, made surprise appearances at the meeting.
The Eagle Online recalls that Obasanjo, of late, has not been attending Council of State meetings, including most state functions.
The Council is the highest advisory body in the land to the President.
It comprises of former Heads of State, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the 36 State Governors and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
During the meeting that lasted for about two and half hours, the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and the Service Chiefs briefed the Council.
Briefing State House correspondents, Governor Godswil Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, said the Council urged Nigerians to be patient with the security agencies as they tackle the insurgents.
Akpabio said: “Top on the agenda of the meeting was the security of the nation.
“We were briefed by the President and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being taken.
“Top on the security was the rescue of Chibok girls, which military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and that very soon we will have good news.
“It was also heartwarming to note that the issue is not whether we can rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that we can ensure their safety so that we don’t end up in the attempt to rescue them we endanger their lives.
“What also came out is the need for Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria and it is not something that goes away immediately and we have to be meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps forward to reduce and minimise possible loss of lives in an attempt to curb the insurgents.
“We are very satisfied the security agents know very well where the girls are located and they are on top of situation.
“We commended the security agents who are on top of the situation and we are happy that very serious efforts are being made, all necessary equipment that will enable us bring this insurgency to an end are being procured by the Federal Government and Council was satisfied that Mr. President is on top of situation and he is taking this issue of insurgency very seriously and sooner than later Nigerians will see an end to this problem.”
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