President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians in the North East will, in the coming months, witness a change from the protracted insurgency to peace and development in their respective communities.
The president stated this at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, which preceded the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
According to him, the administration is embarking on a revised approach to addressing the 13-year conflict and insurgency in the region and will not relent in efforts towards a return to peace and normalcy.
He said: ‘`At the advent of this administration in 2015, I pledged to Nigerians that I will restore peace in the North East and return it to the path of development and growth. I remain committed to this promise.
”To the people of the North-East, particularly the children and future of the North-East, we will never forget you. Your courage, sacrifice and endurance have been exemplary.
”I pledge to you that in the coming months you will begin to witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peace building, stabilization, and ultimately development in your respective communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict- A Return to Normalcy.’’
On the terms of Reference of the Committee, the president emphasized that it entailed a shift from managing the situation to activating a permanent solution for effective and practicable restoration.
According to the president, the Committee, among other things, is expected to develop a concise three-year action plan by the end of March 2022 that incorporates national and state-level plans, providing a clear pathway for the restoration of peace and development in the North East.
The Committee, he said, would also develop and implement a phased plan for the repatriation, return, resettlement of IDPs and restoration of livelihoods, incorporating global best practices that give dignity to the affected populations.
He said they would also be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated peacebuilding and reconciliation programme that is culturally appropriate and community-driven.
Post comments (0)