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Minister of Women Affairs Paulen Tallen on Monday betrayed emotions and wept on live television over the continuous captivity of Leah Sharibu and over 100 Chibok girls.
The minister’s action took place after presenting the achievements of her ministry at the 13th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB)’ Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023) organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Responding to a question on what the government was doing to ensure the girls’ release from captivity Ms Tallen said President Muhammadu Buhari, the military and her ministry had never rested on their oars to secure their freedom.
Ms Tallen said she had photographs of her visits to Ms Sharibu’s parents at the Airforce Base in Yola, Adamawa State capital, due to insecurity.
She also said the visits were made possible with arrangements by the military.
“Anything I put forward to Mr President’s desk concerning them, he approves,” she said. “You can also see in one of the photographs the helicopter and the security personnel Mr President approved for me to go to Chibok, and I have gone there three times.”
The minister reiterated that the president was not unmindful of what the girls were going through and that the government was doing all it could to secure their release.
However, she advised that all hands must be on deck because security is not just the government’s affairs but everyone’s.
“I pray that Nigerians will be sincere enough to support our security with the right information for us to get these girls,” she said.
At this point, the minister, who could not hold her tears, wept as she continued, “I am touched as a mother, and I know that this is a season that we should show love to everyone, including those in captivity.
“Our prayers are with them, and I know that very soon, God will release these children,” Ms Tallen said.
Ms Sharibu was abducted by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram, along with 109 other girls, on February 19, 2018.
While the other girls were released, Ms Sharibu was held back for allegedly refusing to abandon her faith.
Also, about 100 girls are yet to be released of the 276 female students kidnapped in April 2014 by Boko Haram terrorists from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state.
(NAN)
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