Speaking to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Buhari, he decried the effects of terrorism in the world and expressed solidarity with Nigeria in its fight against the scourge.
The UN scribe used the occasion to demand the unconditional release of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents nearly 500 days ago, stressing that “It is intolerable that their lives and schooling has been disrupted in this way.” He said that the whole world has been moved by the fate of the girls and assured that the UN will continue to collaborate with Nigeria in efforts to secure their release and the release of other girls and boys similarly kidnapped by the insurgents. “I once again call in the strongest possible terms on those responsible to unconditionally release these girls and the many other abducted children.
“Terrorism knows no bounds or boundaries. Today I laid a wreath in memory of the Nigerian and other victims.
“Now, more than ever, collaboration is indispensable in addressing this menace and in addressing these crimes. The President (Buhari) has led regional engagement efforts and I am hopeful for the rapid operationalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force.
“In his inaugural speech, President Buhari eloquently recognized that human rights are an important part of the counter-insurgency response and that operations would be conducted with full respect for human rights, humanitarian and refugee law.
“At the same time, we know that a military approach alone will not be sufficient,” he said.
While acknowledging the historic nature of Nigeria’s transition programme, he stressed that he was in the country in recognition of the great achievements so far recorded under the leadership of President Buhari.
“I salute the statesmanship and example of both President Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a sitting President peacefully ceded power to an opposition candidate in a democratic election.
“The election sent a strong global message of respect for democracy and the rule of law.
“President Buhari has embarked on an Agenda for Change and I commend him highly for prioritizing insecurity, anti-corruption and unemployment issues.
“My message is simple: The United Nations supports your efforts to advance hope, peace, sustainable development and human rights in a comprehensive way. I am convinced that when you change Nigeria, you also change Africa.”
President Buhari thanked the August visitor, pointing out that “We have discussed with him the difficult time Nigeria finds itself; the destruction of infrastructure, especially in the North East, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and the over 1.5 million internally displaced persons that have to be morally, physically and materially rehabilitated, and the efforts we think the UN Secretary General can convey to the UN so Nigeria can be helped in the identified problems that we have.”
The Secretary General held a meeting with State governors and laid a wreath in remembrance of those that died during the terrorist attack on the UN building in Abuja.
