In this interview with Ben Agande, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, speaks on why the Federal Government will not swap Boko Haram detainees with the Chibok schoolgirls abducted on April 14, some 50 days ago

As the number two man to a President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, widely regarded as dictatorial, Atiku had an overwhelming influence and relevance. So powerful was he that many state governors reportedly prevailed on him to run for presidency in 2003.

Because today has become yesterday’s tomorrow, good sense should compel every leader to sow good seeds today in the belief that when today becomes yesterday, people can look back and appreciate good deeds

But what this creates is a catch-22 situation whereby Jonathan, if seen to have been hounded out of power on account of this insurgency, would create a fresh life for another form of militancy, south of the Niger. The report would conclude that bad as things are today, Nigeria can ill-afford a country that may become discombobulate because of an insurgency from the North and fresh militancy affecting Nigeria’s crude production in the south.

“Already, our troops are smoking the terrorists out of their hiding places.

“For instance, one of their hideouts in Darazo, Bauchi State, has been bombed repeatedly and they are now on the run.

“The support we are also receiving from our foreign partners has upped the tempo and we are confident that soon, very soon, the parents would have their children back and, by God’s grace, in safe and sound health.

“We are closing-in on them. But there is a limit to what I can volunteer”.