President Goodluck Jonathan surprised Nigerians and members of the International Community who are avowed to moves to crush the Boko Haram Islamist terrorist sect by granting them amnesty on Thursday, May 29, 2014 as part of his Democracy Day largesse.
President Jonathan, who made the declaration at a special event organised to mark the 2014 Democracy Day at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, noted that terrorists couldn’t have succeeded without the support of the local people, adding that the fight against terrorism is a collective one.
While enjoining those who are respected by the leadership of the Boko Haram to talk to them to embrace peace in the interest of the nation.
“Terror succeeds with local support. It will be difficult for terror to thrive where people reject it. It is a major challenge to all of us.
“Military alone cannot stop terror or any radicalism. Terrorists have people they respect, they have community, traditional and opinion leaders they respect. All of us can de-radicalise them.
“We will through persuasive activities encourage people to shun violence,” Jonathan said.
The President who acknowledged the power of the youths, saying they constitute about 60 percent of the electorates, assured the youths that his administration would continue to support them to realise their dreams as well as play important roles in government.
The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, had earlier announced the gift at a special event which was attended by the First Lady, Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, former Head of the Interim Government, Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and Gen. Oladipo Diya among others.
The event which led to the granting of amnesty to the faceless insurgents who have killed and maimed several thousands of innocent Nigerians, especially Christians was tagged ‘A Day With Young Leaders of Nigeria’.
The Youth Minister who urged the sect members to key into the amnesty programme, assured the insurgents that several programmes would be lined up to fully reintegrate the members into the society, just as he eplained that similar gesture to the Niger Delta militants has been largely successful with over 30, 000 beneficiaries so far.
He therefore, urged them to embrace peace and surrender their arms and ammunition, declaring that “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.
“Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme,” the Minister said.
