Tour Of North East: We Cannot Meet Your Conditions- FG Tells #BBOG Group
The Federal has said it cannot meet conditions set by the #BringBackOurGirls group for a meeting before touring North East.
Information minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in response letter to the convener of the #BBOG, Oby Ezekwesili it will not postpone its scheduled trip, stressing that “planning and preparation” were underway.
Lai Mohammed explained to the group that its conditions to be part of the trip cannot be met because the need to proceed with the trip on Monday is dependent on the narrow window to have good weather on that day.
“The payment for the satellite downlink streaming of the mission has been made for that Monday and shifting the date will require another round of booking to secure such a slot.
The minister who prayed the group drops its conditions, said the request of a meeting with top government officials, and the “purported remark made by the Chief of Army staff” are tangential to the invitation extended to the group on the search mission to the North-East.
He also reminded the group that the invitation was as a result of its commitment to the safe release of the abducted Chibok school girls still in Boko Haram’s captivity and the continued welfare of those who have been released.
The minister said Federal Government has noted the conditions of a pre-tour meeting with top government officials.
It also noted the retraction and apology by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Buratai for allegedly referring to the group as one that engages in “social advocacy terrorism”.
Apart from the #BBOG members, local and international journalists have been invited for the trip, while much preparation has been made by Nigerian military,” he added.
