BBOG: GROUP COUNSELS FG ON EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, BEGINS GLOBAL WEEK OF ACTION TODAY

The #BringBackOurGirls(BBOG) group has called on the government to ensure that there is proper channel of communication between it and the parents of the abducted Chibok girls.

In an official statement signed and released by the leaders of the group - Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Aisha Yesufu and Hadiza Bala Usman, the group urged government to see that the parents are reached with any information concerning the Chibok girls ahead of the media following te recent arrest of two female suicide bombers who claimed to be the abducted Chibok girls in Limani, Cameroon.


“The present communication channel between the government and the parents of our Chibok girls is unrepresentative of the sensitivity of the issue. Proper exchanges hardly happen. It explains the frustration of the parents and their perception of the absence of empathy from government at both the state and federal level. Promises and assurances of concern are not enough. Provisions of welfare support when made available cannot be final and conclusive. There is a gapping need for constant and regular interactions.

“Having them read about developments like what happened in Limani in the media like everybody else, without reaching out to them, potentially can worsen their trauma and deepen their psychological imbalance.

“Among the MNJTF partner countries, a protocol of communication should be put in place for such irregular development as was witnessed in Limani, Cameroon. The protocol shall provide for systematic release of such information, to augment existing systems.

“Where the development occurs in a non-MNJTF country, same protocol of communication should be deployed for use of Nigerian embassies or high commissions,” the statement read in part.

While calling for timely response on issues of the adopted girls, the group called on government to adopt the BBOG-developed Verification, Authentication, and Reintegration System (VARS); or develop or adopt an operational framework for identification, verification, authentication, re-unification and re-integration of Nigerian citizens, Leadership reports.

“The framework will help ease identification processes and authenticate claims of citizens faster. The hows of their reintegration into the country and reunification with their families will be clear and all administrative players will be sure of their briefs.

“Prepare potential actors in the chain of government operations for eventualities through a simulative training and use of the adopted or developed framework.

“Establish without ambiguity Task Bearers in the event of a similar occurrence like one witnessed in Limani and, recently, across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states as our military liberates community after community,” it said.

Meanwhile, the group will today, kick-start the Global Week Of Action aimed at commemorating the two years abduction of the 219 Chibok girls will begin with Islamic prayers.

Share this

Anonymous