President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to end the protracted insurgency in the North Eastern Nigeria by embarking on a new approach against the hostility.
He promised that the region would witness peace and development in the coming years.
Speaking, at Abuja, during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return, and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, Buhari said:
“At the start of this administration in 2015, I promised Nigerians that I would restore peace in the North East and return it to the path of development and growth. This promise is still binding on me.
“To the people of the North-East, especially the children and future of the North-East, we will never forget your courage, sacrifice, and endurance.
“I pledge to you that in the coming months, you will see a shift away from a protracted insurgency and toward peacebuilding, stabilization, and eventually development in your respective communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict- A Return to Normalcy.”
His charge to the Committee members: “Members will devote more time to conducting field visits in order to engage with state government, communities, and key stakeholders on a regular basis.”
Buhari said due to current fiscal constraints, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies would use existing budgetary resources and reallocate funds to approved programs under the initiative.
He stated that the Committee would also develop and implement a phased plan for repatriation, returns, IDP resettlement, and livelihood restoration, incorporating global best practices that provide dignity to affected populations.
