According to Akande, APC is opposed to the government’s stand “because such a decision, if upheld, will amount to double failure on the part of the Federal Government and double jeopardy for the victims.
“In the first instance, the killings and maiming have occurred because the Federal Government failed in its most important task of ensuring the security of lives and property. Secondly, the same government that failed to live up to the main reason for its existence, which is the security and welfare of the citizenry, is now failing to provide succour for the victims of its own failure.
“This constitutes double irresponsibility on the part of the government and double jeopardy for the thousands of victims who have been killed and wounded by the insurgents.”
The APC chairman noted that “after the people were victimised by Boko Haram, they are now being victimised by their government. This is unacceptable and President Jonathan must have a rethink.
“The APC believes that the issue of compensation for victims of Boko Haram should not be subject to any debate. All victims of the Boko Haram insurgency must be compensated without delay. They must be given succour. They must be made to feel that their government cares for them.”
The former Osun State governor, who noted that compensation cannot bring back the thousands who have been killed, however, said “it can provide succour for the children, parents, brothers, sisters and other family members they left behind.
“Compensation cannot remove the scars on those who have lost limbs or become blinded due to the effect of gunshots or bombs, but it can help them to restart their lives and to know that they are not alone in their ordeal.
“These people cut across religions, ethnicity and gender. They include Christians and Muslims, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba and people of other ethnic groups, as well as men and women, the old and the young,” Akande said.
Source: Guardian
No comments:
Post a Comment