Ekweremadu Seeks ECOWAS Support In Tackling Boko Haram

The Deputy Senate President and Speaker of Economic of West African States ECOWAS, Parliament, Ike Ekweremadu, has hinted that Nigeria will work with the African Union, AU, and ECOWAS, in tackling the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Senator Ekweremadu stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he played host to a special team from the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs on Humanitarian Activities, led by Magherita Boniver in his office.

The Deputy Senate President who expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome the challenge of Boko Haram just as it dealt with militancy and kidnapping in the recent past, decried the porous state of the nation’s borders and advocated for the adoption of regional approach in tackling the sect.

He added that the allocation for security in the 2012 budget security would help in building the structure to combat terrorism.

Ekweremadu, who described the terrorism as new to the country, also sought for support and patience of the international community while Nigeria deals with the challenge.

On her part, the leader of the Italian team, Mrs. Boniver stated that the purpose of her visit was to strengthen bi-lateral ties along lines of combating terrorism, human trafficking, poverty, inter-religious strife and human rights.

By Desmond Utomwen/Abuja