The Nigerian journalist, Ahmad Salkida, declared wanted on Sunday by the Nigerian Army said he cannot be held culpable for any act of terror perpetrated by the terror group, Boko Haram, while stating his readiness to present himself to “Army authorities.”
Salkida was declared wanted in connection with the latest video showing the Chibok Girls who were kidnapped from their school on April 14, 2014. The video was published on Youtube by Boko Haram. But Salkida claimed on Twitter on Saturday that he had obtained the video ‘exclusively’ from the terror group before it was posted online.
In a statement posted on his personal website, Salkida said he has practised as a journalist, staying within the ambit of professional ethics and has not violated any Nigerian law.
“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,” he said in the statement.
“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.”
Salkida the Nigerian Army was aware that he was not in Nigeria and said his journey to the country could be fast-tracked if the Nigerian military could fund his trip.
He said, “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.”
