A Pan-African students body, Progressive Students Movement (PSM),has appealed to United States President, Donald Trump to reconsider any plan of launching a military action in Nigeria, urging him to rather assist Nigeria in fighting terrorism.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National President Comrade (Amb.) Bestman Okereafor, and made available to Newsmen in Enugu on Friday.
According to the statement, the United States government should support Nigeria by providing digital security systems and sophisticated weapons to help the military track and eliminate terrorists and bandits.
It said that the PSM wanted religious leaders to speak strongly against the idea of Nigeria being used as a “testing ground for world powers”.
The statement noted that national unity and resilience were needed to overcome insecurity collectively by the Nigerian people.
“PSM is calling on the Federal Government to suspend its rehabilitation programme for “repentant” Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters under the Operation Safe Corridor Initiative.
“Many Nigerians doubt the sincerity of ex-militants going through the de-radicalisation process.
“Some, who pass through the de-radicalisation process, may return to terror groups if their personal expectations are not met.
“Over 120,000 terrorists have reportedly surrendered, and thousands have been killed, yet insurgency persists.
“The government must stop prioritising perpetrators over survivors,” it said.
The statement noted that PSM had warned against negotiating with bandits, insisting that such actions “embolden violent groups” and “discourage the morale of soldiers” at the frontline.
“The organisation maintained that both Christians and Muslims remain victims of terrorism in Nigeria and that the conflict must not be framed as a religious war.
“We appreciate the intentions of the United States Government and People to help combat terrorism.
“However, terrorism affects everyone regardless of faith. We are appealing for world peace and not war,” it added.
