Nigerians in the North East will Substantiate a Change from Prolonged Insurgency to Peace.

The chairman stated this at the induction of the Presidential Committee on the Extradition, Return, and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, which preceded the daily 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 won't relent in efforts towards a return to peace and normality. 

                                                 President Muhammadu Buhari

He said the arrival of this administration in 2015, I pledged to Nigerians that I'll restore peace in the North East and return it to the path of development and growth. I remain committed to this pledge. 

” To the people of the North-East, particularly the children and future of the North-East, we will no way forget you. Your courage, immolation, and abidance have been exemplary.

I pledge to you that in the coming months you'll begin to witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peace structure, stabilization, and eventually development in your separate communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict-A Return to Normality.  

On the terms of reference of the Committee, the chairman emphasized that it included a shift from managing the situation to cranking an endless result for effective and practicable restoration. According to the chairman, the Committee, among other things, is anticipated 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 extradition, return, resettlement of IDPs, and restoration of livelihoods, incorporating global stylish practices that give dignity to the affected populations.  

He said they would also be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated peace structure and reconciliation program that's culturally appropriate and community-driven. 

The Committee is also saddled with the responsibility of strengthening collaboration with key benefactors, development mates, and private sector organizations that are critical to the mobilization of resources and implementation of programs,  he added. 

Buhari charged the Committee members to adopt the guiding principles of accountability, delineation of duty, and community-driven styles to address issues. Members will devote further time to the conduct of field visits to regularly engage with state government, communities, and crucial stakeholders. 

Due to prevailing financial constraints, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will use being popular coffers and repurpose finances to programs approved under this action, he said. 

The chairman directed the commission to submit a yearly progress report whilst the first progress review meeting would be held in the first week of March 2022. 

History motions and Nigeria calls on you to be the platoon that finally charts this new path to the restoration of sustainable progress in the North East and I strongly believe this could lead to the birthing of a template for addressing insurrection and instability in other parts of our country and across the world. 

Failure to deliver on this task you have been assigned isn't an option.

The President also used the occasion to commend Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who was present at the inauguration with his Gombe counterpart, Inuwa Yahaya, for his unparalleled commitment to his people and exemplary leadership. 

He also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for support in the area of coordination of humanitarian actors and the UNDP regional stabilization facility, which is providing support in the area of security and the rule of law. 

Members of the Presidential Committee on the Extradition, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East include the Ministers of Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development; Interior; Foreign Affairs and Defense.