Corruption Must Be Fought Globally To End Violent Extremism – John Kerry

The U.S. Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, on Tuesday said the fight against corruption has to be a global security of the first order In order to bring to an end violent extremism in the world.

 Mr Kerry was speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit on the Sultan at his palace in Sokoto.

Delivering a speech on Resilient Communities and Religious Tolerance in Countering Violent Extremism, Mr. Kerry said extremists do not only kill people but also turn the most vulnerable among the society into killers.

Secretary Kerry told northern religious leaders, tertiary and secondary schools students that terrorism can be eliminated if the society put hands together.

He maintained that Nigerians must do more than just denounce Boko Haram, maintaining  that they also must act right from the grassroots level.

According Mr. Kerry, youths join terrorist organizations because they cannot find meaning or opportunities in their daily lives, thereby believing Boko Haram will give them a sense of identity.

"We also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we must do.

"Building public trust in government also requires cooperation from the military and law enforcement. Extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear", he said.

Other issues identified by Secretary Kerry as major factors leading to terrorism and violent extremism include poverty, integrity and bad governance among others.

Mr. Kerry, who commended the Nigerian Army for taking over most territories controlled by Boko Haram, also said President Muhammadu Buhari, now fully understands the situation and the United States government will continue to support Nigeria and the rest of the world in the fight against terrorism.