#BringBackOurGirls: President Goodluck Jonathan Seeks $1 Billion Loan To Fight Insurgency

Determined to bring the activities of the Boko Haram sect to an end, President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, 16th July, forwarded a letter to the National Assembly, asking the lawmakers to approve a $1billion external loan for the Federal Government to battle the insurgents.

Jonathan said this is to enable the Federal Government effectively fight the Boko Haram insurgency, especially in the North Eastern part of the country. In a letter read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Jonathan said the money would be used to upgrade the equipment of the armed forces.
The letter, dated July 15, 2014, entitled, “Tackling Ongoing Security Challenges: Need for Urgent Action”, reads in part,
“You are no doubt cognisant of the ongoing and serious security challenges which the nation is facing, as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat. This is an issue that we have discussed at various times.
“I would like to bring to your attention the urgent need to upgrade the equipment, training and logistics of our Armed Forces and Security Services to enable them more forcefully to confront this serious threat.
“For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1bn, including government to government arrangements for this upgrade.
“While counting on the steadfast support of the distinguish members of the senate as always, please accept my warm regards.”