Ideological
Perspectives to Boko Haram’s Amnesty
The first group is those calling for
unconditional amnesty for Boko Haram without an in-depth analysis of the
demands of Boko Haram visa vice what amnesty is expected to achieve in the
Nigeria situational dictate.
The second group comprises those who think that Boko
Haram members, considering the damage they have done to the country and
atrocities they have committed against humanity deserve no amnesty but the full
wrath of the law.
The third group includes those who are agitating
for unconditional amnesty for Boko Haram jihadists as their own humble
contributions towards the ongoing jihad
aimed at establishing Islamic nation or Umman
in Nigeria. They are covertly supporting the cause with their funds through
Zakat and Sadaqat and morale, and are also overtly lobbying the Federal
Government to grant amnesty to the executors of the holy war as well as allowing them to keep their weapons for use during
the next jihad because according to Abubakar
Shekau, “Muslims don’t lay down arms,
they merely keep it aside”.
The fourth group consists of those who are
resolute that Boko Haram, as it stand now, do not deserve amnesty. This
rational group is of the opinion that Boko Haram sect must meet the minimum
standard required for the granting of amnesty before they will be afforded the
opportunity. To this group belong President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN), Professor Wole Soyinka and majority of Nigerians.
It is based on this premises that on Monday, 18th February, 2013 the
Federal Government of Nigeria expressed its readiness to offer amnesty to
members of Boko Haram, if their leader, Abubakar
Shekau gives up himself. This condition by the Federal government is in
place because Shekau is one of three members of the group on United States of
America’s terror list.
Amnesty
for Boko Haram Sect is Already on Offer
But, come to think of it, recently that the National
Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Sarkin-Yaki Bello
(rtd) announced the readiness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to
accommodate members of the Boko Haram sect in a rehabilitation programme. Why
is it that the apostles of Boko Haram’s unconditional amnesty are not
responding to this disclosure which was made at an interactive session with top
United States military (Capstone Course) personnel led by Admiral Henry Chiles
(rtd) at the National Defence College, Abuja? In the words of Major-General
Bello, “Government is also working to ensure that an opportunity will be
created to embrace extremists who
renounce terrorism to come forward for rehabilitation.” (Emphasis is mine).
He added that government is prepared to meet the
demands put forward by the group which included the release of its members in
detention; the rebuilding of its mosque (Markas) which was destroyed by
military operations in Maiduguri in 2009 and allowing sect members to practice
their religion freely.
Bello said government would adopt some
socio-economic measures to address extremism in the north, hence members of the
sect who renounce violence will be granted amnesty.
“The Federal Government in conjunction with state
governments will soon officially launch a coordinated programme aimed at
addressing unemployment in the region.”
Conclusion
Irrespective of the group of thought we belong,
let us swallow our pride, keep our righteousness to ourselves, imbibe religious
tolerance, eschew violence in all its ramifications and follow the path of Mr.
President. Rationality holds the key. You don’t discuss peace with someone
holding a loaded AK47 rifle behind him.
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