Don’t Use Excessive Force On Boko Haram, Kerry Warns Nigeria Military

Kerry, made the disclosure in the northern city of Sokoto at the Sultan’s palace as part of his two day visit to Nigeria, where he delivered a speech entitled:” The importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.”

The SecState further congratulated the military on its recent successes in the fight against Boko Haram, as it has reclaimed swathes of territory from the extremist group, freeing thousands of hostages.

Nigeria has made “important progress”, Kerry said. “Nigeria and its neighbours are degrading Boko Haram’s capabilities.

“In the wake of terrorist activity, some are tempted to crack down on anyone and everyone.

“But extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear. Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence but contempt, it creates terrorists.”

He appealed to Nigerians to practise equality and tolerance to “overcome deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions.”

Amnesty International have constantly accused the Nigerian military of excessive force and extra-judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram insurgents, Shiite Muslims and pro-Biafra protestors. The military always denied the charges.

Mr. Kerry further said corruption costs the world over $2.6 billion annually.

He said the money being lost to corruption across the world was enough to provide decent livelihood for people.

“This is money that can be used to improve the living standard and provide decent livelihoods for them.

”Corruption is not only a crime, but very dangerous and it must be tamed.”

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption in Nigeria, as he described corrupt officials, anywhere in the world as crooks.

According to him, president Buhari understood the danger of corruption in a country, and that Nigeria was already a regional leader in the fight against corruption.

“Nigeria is already a regional leader in the fight against corruption. The country‎ is also a role model in the ongoing global efforts to fight corruption”, he pointed out as he acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Buhari to entrench morality, transparency, honesty and good governance in public life.

Mr. Kerry urged all government institutions, including military, other security agencies and the judiciary, to support the anti-corruption campaign, while he commended Federal Government’s effort in recovering stolen funds.

“U.S. is also fully committed to fighting corruption and the entrenchment of good governance globally.

“One of Nigeria’s strength is diversity of culture and religious tolerance.

“The former leaders of the defunct Sokoto caliphate and others like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello had stood by the virtues of peace, unity and tolerance,” he added.

This is John Kerry’s third visit to Nigeria in less than two years. He met with traditional and religious leaders, including Sokoto Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and he is expected to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari later today, at the State House, Abuja.