Breaking News: President Jonathan Talks Tough In Borno

** Says No To Calls For Withdrawal of JTF

** Tells Borno Elders To Stop Playing To The Gallery And Condemn Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan a few minutes ago said categorical NO to requests for withdrawal of JTF from the streets of Borno. The president made the proclamation during a town hall meeting in Maiduguri, Borno state.

Some Borno elders had on several occasions requested for withdrawal of JTF from Borno, claiming the solders hinder movement and engage in torture and extra-judicial killing of innocent citizens.

Speaking during the town hall meeting today, some Borno elders, including party leaders pleaded with the president to pull the solders out of Borno. Some spoke in tones that gives an impression of celebration of killing of solders by Boko Haram.

In response, the president accused the elders of playing to the gallery. He said the govt is not happy spending funds that ought to be used for developmental purposes to pay daily allowances of solders on the streets of Borno. But that it is a necessity to ensure protection of lives and property, declaring that JTF will not stay a day longer than necessary.

The president however challenged the elders that if they could sign an agreement with him today to take responsibility for lose of any life, he would pull out the JTF immediately.

The president also blasted the people for what appeared like celebration of the death of some solders in Borno. He said the solders are human beings with families and they go through lots of inconveniences to ensure the safety of all. He declared that his govt will go to any lenght to ensure the safety of solders serving in any part of the country. The president admonished the people of Borno to condemn the activities of Boko Haram and work with the security agencies to restore peace in the state. 

On a lighter note, the president called the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammad Yusuf, a friend of the former governor of Borno state, Ali Modu Sheriff. The president while trying to recall the name of Muhammed Yusuf, said "emmm! Ali Modu Sheriff's friend". The hall erupted in laughter.