GEJ WARNS BOKO HARAM: LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS NOW AND GET AMNESTY

Following the declaration of state of emergency in some North East states,and the recent airstrike by the Nigerian military, the president has offered the Boko Haram group to surrender and get amnesty.

Hinting that the option of dialogue was still open to the Boko Haram insurgents, President Jonathan asked them, yesterday, to surrender.

“Those (insurgents) who are willing to dialogue and lay down their weapons can approach the National Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution on the Security Challenges in Northern Nigeria. The work of that Committee remains significant and relevant, and it is bound to be impactful”, the president, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Abati, said that He declared that “there can be no illusion of simplicity where the fight against terrorism is involved.”

Jonathan noted  that “terrorists strike at will with deadly cruelty”, adding, “The overriding consideration (in imposing emergency rule) is the peace, security and stability of Nigeria. While the option of dialogue and peaceful resolution is being pursued, government will also not condone impunity of any sort, or the obvious attempt by terrorists to create and run  an enclave within the Nigerian state.
“If anyone is in doubt, the Commander in Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces has made it clear: this government will not tolerate any attempt to violate the sovereignty of Nigeria. Those who are willing to dialogue and lay down their weapons can approach the National Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution on the Security Challenges in Northern Nigeria. The work of that Committee remains significant and relevant, and it is bound to be impactful.”