By Ezrel Tabiowo
Abuja
Senators belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday commended President Goodluck Jonathan over the recent military operations which led to reclaiming several towns and communities under the control and occupation of the Boko Haram insurgents in some states in the North-east.
The commendation came following consideration of a motion of urgent national importance, moved by Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan (APC, Borno North), during plenary yesterday.
The lawmaker, who lauded the efforts of the military for its show of bravery towards in reclaiming seized territories from the insurgents, expressed optimism that areas like Bama and Gworza which are still under the control of Boko Haram would be reclaimed in no distant time.
The senator, whose town, Baga, had been liberated from Boko Haram, commended the army for reclaiming areas like Mungunu, Malam-Fatori, Damasak, Konduga among others.
He said: “The effort is ongoing and I think it is only fair that no matter what is left, it is important that we appreciate what is being done and I want to say that our troops are much more up and doing and we appreciate that efforts and we ask them to do more so that in the areas that had been liberated, mopping up is concluded for the communities to go back.
“We are solidly behind our troops. We pray that more of these successes will go on. We appreciate their efforts and ask that they continue this patriotic drive to reclaim all Nigerian territories,” he said.
Contributing to the motion, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe East), insisted that regional forces from Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroon should be commended for reclaiming territories occupied by the insurgents.
But, Senator Chris Anyanwu (APGA, Imo East), who countered Senator Ibrahim’s position, stated that it is unpatriotic to give credit to foreign troops to the neglect of Nigerian troops, saying that “our men have been equipped and they are putting their lives on the line.”
On his path, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), a victim of the conflict, noted there had been a sharp contrast between how the affected areas were faring six months ago and now.