The bloodletting Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram has declared its readiness for a dialogue with Federal Government of Nigeria to end the insurgency campaign, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) a non-governmental organisation disclosed on Tuesday.
CCC Executive Secretary, retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas disclosed in a press conference that some persons claiming to be Boko Haram members approached the centre to facilitate the dialogue to end insurgency in the country.
Anas, who did not reveal the identities of the persons, said the centre strongly believed in their renewed request for dialogue because of several telephone conversions with them and has started working on authenticating the proposal, as well as facilitating a meeting with relevant government agencies to finalise the process. “I can state here that we have received such calls and these people have indicated interest to dialogue with authorities on the possible end to this insurgency,’’ he said.
The centre commended the Muhammadu Buhari-led government for declaring its readiness to dialogue with the insurgents, describing it as good gesture. “The recent statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on government’s readiness to negotiate with credible members of the sect has rekindled the hope for dialogue. The centre views this gesture as a good one as it has opened a window of opportunity for dialogue for those insurgents that are willing and ready to lay down their arms,” he said.
Anas declared the centre was in support of dialogue that was genuine, comprehensive and result-oriented; adding that it has discovered that military options alone could not resolve the issue. “The centre, however, suggests that such dialogue should be done with every sense of caution and responsibility, bearing in mind disappointment in previous attempts at negotiations.
He suggest further: “Considering the unspeakable atrocities which the group has visited on Nigeria and Nigerians, this option is no doubt a hard sell. Nevertheless, the centre will continue to support and encourage all efforts toward bringing insurgency to an end in our country,” he said.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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