President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday gave a surprise Democracy Day gift to members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram by granting them amnesty.
The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, announced the gift at a special event organised to mark the 2014 Democracy Day at the international Conference Centre, Abuja.
The colourful 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, was tagged ‘A Day With Young Leaders of Nigeria’.
While giving an overview of youth’s position in the present administration’s transformation agenda, the Youth Minister enjoined the sect members to key into the amnesty programme. He did not however give details.
Haruna assured the insurgents that several programmes would be lined up to fully reintegrate the members into the society.
He also reminded them that similar gesture to the Niger Delta militants has been largely successful with over 30, 000 beneficiaries so far.
The Minister therefore, urged them to embrace peace and surrender their arms and ammunition.
“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.
President Jonathan while speaking at the event noted that terrorists couldn’t have succeeded without the support of the local people, adding that the fight against terrorism is a collective one.
He used the occasion to enjoin 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.
He assured the youths that his administration would continue to support them to realise their dreams as well as play important roles in government.
The President acknowledged the power of the youths, saying they constitute about 60 percent of the electorates.
