Northern elders under the aegis of the Northern Elders Council have commended President Goodluck Jonathan over his handling of the insurgency in the North East part of the country.
The Northern elders also commended the military for fighting gallantly in the face of all odds.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by its spokesperson, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, the NEC said Nigerians needed to appreciate and support both Jonathan and the military.
The statement said: “The Northern Elders Council appreciates and supports the efforts of the Federal government In fighting against insurgency.
“It also appreciates the timeline as agreed by the council of states toward ending the insurgency and similar criminal activities across the country on or before the end of the year.
“It is necessary to also appreciate our security agencies for untiring effort and sacrifice to end the senseless killing of our fellow citizens. Terrorism as we all are aware is a global phenomenon and any attempt to politicize the insurgency will not augur well for the country.”
The Northern elders called on Nigerians to appreciate the danger posed by the menace of insurgency and cooperate with the government and security agencies for its early resolution.
They said since insurgency does not recognize sectional, linguistic or cultural interest as it has no respect for them, there must be concerted effort by all to stop it.
The statement added: “To ensure that insurgency is nipped in the bud President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he will mobilize logistical and international support to ensure that our security agencies are fully provided of their needs to motivate them in surmounting the challenges posed by insecurity.
“As a measure of concern, strategy and compassion, there is the Presidential initiative for the development of North-east region and insurgency victims fund all set up to cater for victims and respond to the challenges posed by insurgency.
“Similarly, Nigerians and world at large are aware that the President held meeting with parent of Chibok girls assuring them of the safe return of their children. Management of such delicate and complex release of hostages presupposes the primacy of having the girls alive and well by tact and carefully planned and executed strategy to ensure success.”