Ahmad Salkida, the Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram's latest video, on Monday said he had commenced preparations to return to country to honour the invitation.
We
had earlier reported that in a statement signed by Colonel Sani K. Usman, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army, yesterday, August 14, declared the trio of Ahmed Salkida, Ahmed U. Bolori and Aisha Wakil wanted because they are in possession of information on the conditions and the exact location of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
In a statement released on Monday, Ahmad Salkida, the Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram’s latest video, said he had commenced preparations to return to country to honour the invitation, adding that his journey home would be quickened if the government could fund his trip.
Below is his full statement;
RE NIGERIAN ARMY DECLARES AHMAD SALKIDA, (AMBASSADOR) AHMED U BOLORI AND AISHA WAKIL WANTED
My attention has been drawn to a public notice put out by the Nigerian Army and signed by Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations. The statement declaring me wanted seeks culpable grounds to punish me on account of “last two videos released by Boko Haram terrorists and other findings…” by the Army.
Clearly, my status as a Nigerian journalist who has reported extensively, painstakingly and consistently on the Boko Haram menace in the country since 2006 is an open book known to Nigerians and the international community. Equally, my total allegiance and sacrifice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria is self evident. I have stayed within the creed of professional journalism in my work.
As a testimony to the credible and professional values of my access, since May 2015, l have been to Nigeria three times on the invitation of Federal Government agencies. I made personal sacrifices for the release of our Chibok daughters.
Finally, the Army is aware that I am not in Nigeria presently. In the coming days I will seek to get a flight to Abuja and avail myself to the Army authorities. Indeed, my return will be hastened if the Military sends me a ticket.
Thank you.
Ahmad Salkida.