Female MPs visit Nigerian High Commissioner

Female legislators with the backing of the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, have informed the Nigerian High Commissioner to Cameroon that although the 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Nigeria, are yet to be found, they were confident that the commitment of both governments will lead to the release of the children.

The female Members of Parliament (MPs) paid a solidarity visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Yaounde yesterday, July 22, 2014, where they strongly echoed their support to the Nigerian and Cameroonian governments for on-the-ground measures taken to counter the Boko Haram insurgency.

Hon. Lifaka recalled how painful it could be for a mother to be separated from his/her sibling under such cruel circumstances. She assured the Nigerian families and government of their moral support while encouraging them to continue to have faith in God, for it rules all mountains.

The Nigerian High Commissioner, Hadiza Mustapha in response, assured all and sundry of her government’s firm commitment to building on its already substantial combined military, security and socio-economic efforts in winning the fight against insurgency and protecting the lives and property of its citizens and all those who live within the territory.

She regretted that the girls have been in captivity for over 100 days, but emphasised their priority to have them released unharmed. She saluted the clear stance taken by the Cameroonian government, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, in declaring war against Boko Haram and for instituting measures to deny the insurgents any foothold.

“We are equally grateful for the support and assistance we are receiving from the international community and well-meaning individuals,” Hadiza Mustapha noted. Nigeria has resorted to fighting insurgency by addressing its root causes.

Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved a comprehensive programme to improve access to education for the under-privilege, improve security and safety in schools and provide support for the victims of terror. The Nigerian government is implementing an economic intervention plan in the North Eastern States, which are in the epicentre of the insurgency.