As President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration draws to a close, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are calling on the Nigerian Government to fulfill its promise of releasing Leah Sharibu and other kidnapped Chibok girls. CSOs have criticised the administration for not doing enough to rescue the girls kidnapped by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014, noting that Buhari used the Chibok girls’ situation to gain votes during his presidential campaign. With just days left of the administration, they are calling upon the media to intensify reportage on the tragedy. They have urged the incoming administration of President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to prioritise the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls as a matter of urgency.
Speaking at a media screening of “Nine Years Life after Chibok Abduction” hosted by Women Radio 91.7FM, the CEO of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, reminded the media that they “set the tones for governance and for engagement” and urged them not to relent in their reportage of the Chibok girls’ kidnapping. He noted that media coverage of the issue could put pressure on the incoming administration to continue efforts to rescue the remaining captives.
Bukky Sonibare, a member of #BringBackOurGirls, also called on the media to focus on nine anchor points in their reportage, specifically communication with the parents and relatives of the girls, accountability in terms of money allocated and policies made, the return of the girls themselves, and the three areas of concentration for their healing, namely rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation. She also stressed the importance of the missing persons register and the victim support fund.
With the new administration set to take over the reins, the CSOs hope to use this opportunity to set an agenda for them and to renew their call for the safe rescue of all kidnap victims.
