Islamic sect Boko Haram yesterday opted for dialogue with
the Federal Government, picking former military leader Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as
mediator.
Buhari contested last
year’s presidential election on the platform of Congress for Progressive Change
(CPC) against President Goodluck Jonathan.
Boko Haram also
proposed Saudi Arabia for the talks, which the government had for long
suggested to ascertain the sect’s grievances.
Others, it suggested
as mediators are Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim,
Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, Mrs Aisha Alkali Wakil and her husband Alkali Wakil.
Boko Haram named Abu
Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, said to be the next in command to its leader, Abubakar
Shekau, as leader of its team to the talks. He will be joined by Abu Abbas,
Sheik Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheik Sani, Kantagora and the detained Mamman Nur.
Ibn Abdulaziz, who
spoke in a tele-conference with reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State, also
called for the arrest of former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, but gave no reason
for the demand.
He also asked for
compensation for families of killed Boko Haram members and the release of those
in detention.
In a swift reaction,
the Presidency welcomed Boko Haram’s change in position, reiterating its
commitment to peace and Justice.
A statement last night
by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati reads: “Yes, I have seen the story in
which the Boko Haram is reportedly declaring a ceasefire and the opening of
dialogue. I think it is important to restate the position of government in this
matter.
“The Federal
Government is committed to peace and security for the benefit of all Nigerians.
If what the proposed ceasefire is intended to achieve are the objectives of
peace and security, then it is a welcome development.
“Don’t forget that
President Jonathan had made it clear that if the people behind Boko Haram are
ready to come forward, and table their grievances, then government will be
willing to listen to those grievances.
“There have been
attempts before now, by concerned persons to reach out to the Boko Haram
through back channels, in response to government’s call that all efforts should
be made to resolve the problem. I suspect that this latest development may be
related to that.
“Definitely,
government is determined to ensure peace, peace, and peace, and protect the
rule of law, and at the same time, see that justice is done where wrongs have
been committed.”
Despite a shift in its
hardline position, Boko Haram’s command and control structure remains a
mystery.
Abdulaziz, who spoke
on its behalf yesterday is unknown to the media.
Ibn Abdulaziz said:
“We are not actually challenging the state, as people are saying, but the
security (forces) who are killing our members, children and wives.”
“We are highly
offended but if this government is sincere, everything (the attacks) will come
to an end. We want to dialogue but government must show sincerity in its
handling of the situation.”
The call came through
the channels that Boko Haram usually communicates with reporters, but not from
its spokesman who uses the nom de guerre Abul Qaqa in such calls. Ibn
Abdulaziz, who claimed to speak on Shekau’s behalf, did not call for the
implementation of Shariah law across Nigeria, a long-term demand of the sect.