Boko Haram: Patience calls for support for Nigerian Army

Abuja - The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday called for support for the Nigerian Army in its fight against Boko Haram. Jonathan made the appeal when she hosted children during the National Children's Day Celebration at the State House in Abuja. She also appealed to the members of Boko Haram to release the abducted Chibok schoolgirls safe. "This is the time for Nigerians to put our differences aside and with unity of purpose, fight terrorism. "We should encourage our soldiers who are in the front line to rescue our beloved daughters. "Our men are defending you and I; we should pray for them and encourage them. Jonathan also urged the children to pray for the release of the abducted girls because it was their right to be educated. Jonathan urged the children to be ambassadors of peace and pledged her continued commitment to ensure that peace reigned in the country. The highlight of the event was a session by members of the children's parliament on the security situation in the country with special focus on the abducted girls. The parliament said the demand by the insurgents for the exchange of the abducted girls for their members in prison custody was unacceptable. Also, the members presented the first lady with a banner with the inscription: "Boko Haram Release Our Sisters". - NAN