How Bukola Saraki Reassured Nigerian on bringing Back Chibok Girls

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Thursday, April 14, reiterated the commitment of the Senate to the safe return of the Chibok girls abducted two years ago by Boko Haram insurgents and said members of the legislative would not rest until the girls are rescued and reunited with their families. Saraki spoke when the led by its President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin visited him in Abuja as part of activities to mark the second year anniversary of the kidnap of the Chibok girls and also to present a Guideline on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and young persons in Nigeria to him. The Senate president also expressed optimism that the efforts at rescuing the Chibok girls is moving towards a positive conclusion. “I want to assure that the 8th Senate is in total support of your activities and you can take us as partners in this process of reducing Gender Based Violence. The caliber of Senators present at this courtesy call demonstrates our commitment to work with you

“We must do every thing that is necessary to ensure that on our part as a National Assembly, we will play our own role both in advocacy and holding the agencies concerned responsible until that there is positive closure of the abduction case,” he said. While speaking on gender based violence, he said the Senate would work to pass bills and laws that will discourage the menace and reduce the incidence. On her part, Dr. Okei-Odumakin, while calling for more encouragement for the military said she is optimistic that the Chibok girls will be rescued and returned home safely to their parents. She also called on the Senate to make laws that will discourage violence against women and girls as well as discourage discourage those who perpetrate such acts. According to her, “all of us in unison should kick against the dastardly act to make our environment peaceful. We must ensure that the girl child and women in Nigeria are protected. “There comes a time in the life of a people that we must stop agonizing and organize. That is the essence of the guidelines on Gender Based Violence and young persons in Nigeria,” she said. Two years ago, over 200 students who were preparing for exams were abducted from their boarding school in Chibok, Borno state.Although some were reported to have escaped, some of these girls have still not been found till date. However, just a few days ago, International news channel, CNN, obtained a video that showed 15 of the Chibok girls abducted two years ago who are alive and well. The video was reportedly sent by kidnappers to negotiators as a proof of life.

Culled:from Naij.com