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Boko Haram: Jonathan Must Rethink Decision Not To Compensate Victims – APC

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVES THE REPORT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE NORTH FROM THE CHAIRMAN, ALH. TANIMU TURAKI IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY

The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Wednesday disagreed with President Goodluck Jonathan’s position that victims of the Boko Haram killings will not be compensated by the Federal Government.

According to the opposition party, if the FG’s decision was allowed to stand, it would amount to double failure on the part of the Federal Government and double jeopardy for the victims.
These views were contained in a statement by the Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, in Abuja.
Akande argued that in the first instance, the killings and maiming occurred because the Federal Government failed in its most important task of ensuring the security of lives and property.
He added that the same government that failed to live up to the primary reason for its existence, which he said was the security and welfare of the citizenry, was now refusing to provide succour for the victims of its own failure.
He said, “This constitutes double irresponsibility on the part of the government, and double jeopardy for the thousands of victims who have been killed and wounded by the insurgents.

“After the people were victimised by Boko Haram, they are now being victimised by their government. This is unacceptable, and President Jonathan must have a rethink.
“The APC believes that the issue of compensation for victims of Boko Haram should not be subjected to any debate.”
Akande stressed that all the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency must be compensated without delay just as he added that they must be given succour and made to feel that their government cares for them.
He said though compensation would not bring back the thousands, who had been killed by Boko Haram, it would, however, provide succour for the family members left behind by the victims.
He said, “Compensation cannot remove the scars on those who have lost limbs or become blinded due to the effect of gunshots or bombs, but it can help them to restart their lives and to know that they are not alone in their ordeals.
“These people cut across religions, ethnicity and gender. They include Christians and Muslims, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba and people of other ethnic groups, as well as men and women, the old and the young.