President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate into the society Boko Haram insurgents who renounce violence.
“My government while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration into the broader society”, he said in a Democracy Day broadcast.
Explaining that he is determined to protect democracy, national unity and political stability by waging total war against terrorism, the President said: “I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorism on our soil. I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.”
At a youth forum to mark Democracy Day in Abuja, which was attended by the President and his wife, Dame Patience, Youth Development Minister Boni Haruna, who shed light on the broadcast, said the government has offered amnesty to Boko Haram members who drop their arms.
“A series of integration programmes have been lined up for members of the sect who surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme”, Haruna said.
The amnesty option indicates that the President has rejected the sect’s proposal to swap the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls with its detained members.
With this development, the government, analysts said last night, may call in troops to rescue the girls from where they are being held.
Alternatively, the sect may decide to release the girls in exchange for amnesty.
In the broadcast, the President said the unity and stability of the country and the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable.
He said the attacks by Boko Haram and other groups were threatening Nigeria’s unity and rubbing off the gains of democracy.
Jonathan said: “Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.
“Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.
“It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
“I have assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away, it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
“It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.”
He said the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls brought the brutality of the terrorists, who want to instigate anarchy and balkanise Nigeria, to the world’s awareness.
“In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
Friday, 30 May 2014
News: Jonathan Grants Amnesty To Boko Haram Members To Free Chibok Girls..
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate into the society Boko Haram insurgents who renounce violence.
“My government while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration into the broader society”, he said in a Democracy Day broadcast.
Explaining that he is determined to protect democracy, national unity and political stability by waging total war against terrorism, the President said: “I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorism on our soil. I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.”
At a youth forum to mark Democracy Day in Abuja, which was attended by the President and his wife, Dame Patience, Youth Development Minister Boni Haruna, who shed light on the broadcast, said the government has offered amnesty to Boko Haram members who drop their arms.
“A series of integration programmes have been lined up for members of the sect who surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme”, Haruna said.
The amnesty option indicates that the President has rejected the sect’s proposal to swap the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls with its detained members.
With this development, the government, analysts said last night, may call in troops to rescue the girls from where they are being held.
Alternatively, the sect may decide to release the girls in exchange for amnesty.
In the broadcast, the President said the unity and stability of the country and the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable.
He said the attacks by Boko Haram and other groups were threatening Nigeria’s unity and rubbing off the gains of democracy.
Jonathan said: “Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.
“Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.
“It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
“I have assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away, it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
“It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.”
He said the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls brought the brutality of the terrorists, who want to instigate anarchy and balkanise Nigeria, to the world’s awareness.
“In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
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