Contrary to the claim by the minister of youth development, Boni Haruna that President Goodluck Jonathan had granted conditional amnesty to members of the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, the Presidency said yesterday that the President did not make such promise.
Boni Haruna
Haruna had in a speech at an event tagged ”a day with young leaders of Nigeria” in commemoration of Democracy Day Thursday, disclosed that Jonathan offered amnesty to the sect with a view to ending the insurgency in the north-eastern states.
The minister had said, “President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect, who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.”
But fielding questions from State House correspondents, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, disclosed that Jonathan did not mention amnesty in his Democracy Day broadcast.
He said, “I think I will refer you to the speech by the President, if you read it line by line, you will see that it contains the very message that the President wants to put across.
“And in that speech, if you look at it, I don’t think the President used the word ‘amnesty’.
“The President spoke about those who are willing to denounce terrorism, those who are ready to embarce peace, opportunities have been created for them through the presidential fact-finding committee on dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the nort-eastern part of Nigeria. So I will refer you basically to the speech by the President.
“The President in the democracy address explained that despite Federal Government’s disposition for possible reconciliation with any terrorist group, it would be on the condition that they are prepared to lay down arms.
“For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.”
On the killing of the Emir of Gwoza in Borno State, Abati said Jonathan felt a deep sadness at the news.
Abati added that it implied that the terrorists threatening peace and stability in Nigeria were desperate.
According to Abati, “Mr. President made it clear in his Democracy Day broadcast – that was his main message to Nigerians – that at the end of the day it is the people of Nigeria that will prevail.
“No matter how desperate terrorists may be, this country is determined to rid the country of terrorism and the support, the solidarity, the cooperation, the expression of partnership that we are receiving from our neighbouring countries – the whole of the West African sub-region, Africa and the entire world- shows that this is a battle that the whole world is prepared to fight.
“So, the days of peace, as the president said in his speech is assured because this battle will not end until it is won and sustainable peace and development are truly guaranteed.”
