Following the recent attacks across the country, the presidency has come out to defend President Muhammadu Buhari’s intention to travel abroad.
Despite the attacks, Buhari is scheduled to travel to Dakar, the Senegal capital, to participate in the International Development Association (IDA) for Africa summit. This decision has drawn criticism as it comes shortly after terrorists stormed the Kuje prison in the federal capital territory (FCT) and freed over 500 inmates, including Boko Haram insurgents. Additionally, it follows an attack on the president’s advance team convoy by terrorists in Katsina state.
Speaking at the conclusion of the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday July 6, presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina emphasized that the president should not be deterred from fulfilling international obligations due to the terrorist attacks in the country.
Adesina stressed that yielding to the terrorists by canceling the trip would be unacceptable, stating:
“Yes, the president should go because there’s an international conference meant for heads of states and presidents. He should attend. You should never give in to terrorists.
“The moment terrorists begin to stop you from doing things, then we might as well throw up our hands in surrender. The president should go ahead. It is an international obligation.”