President Goodluck Jonathan arrived Maiduguri today for the first time since winning elections in 2011.
Jonathan landed in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state – considered the home base of Islamist extremists Boko Haram, and was received by Governor Kashim Shettima before he travelled on by helicopter to neighbouring Yobe state – another hot bed of the sect’s violent activities.
As earlier reported, security was water-tight, with soldiers stationed along roads and movement restricted. He is due to return to Maiduguri later Thursday for a visit that will extend into Friday.
After landing in Damaturu, Jonathan went into talks with Yobe governor Ibrahim Geidam and was due to help commission a number of government projects.
At a town hall meeting in Damaturu, Yobe state capital, Jonathan said his administration will not be granting amnesty to Boko Haram fighters until such a time the group comes out in the public to dialogue with the federal government.
It is honourable that President Jonathan is visiting Maiduguri and Gombe, but more dignifying if he resigns after the tour !