Contrary to the position of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Boko Haram’s proposed dialogue with the Federal government in Saudi Arabia, the Federal government has accepted to dialogue with the group in Saudi Arabia as the group rightly proposed.
It was gathered that after due consultations in the past 48 hours with different stakeholders in government, the Federal Government has accepted to go with the condition of the sect members to dialogue with the government in the Holy land.
In a related development, sources have affirmed that the Federal government would be making new commitment regarding the proposed negotiation by the Boko Haram militants as soon as the leaders they have listed to negotiate on their behalf accept the mediating role.
However, with the killing of Major General Muhammed Shuwa by suspected Boko Haram militants few days after they had proposed for a dialogue, it is not likely that the Federal Government’s Joint Task Force will be withdrawn from Maiduguri and other Boko Haram heated states . This is also part of the conditions given by the group for a peaceful talk to be possible.
DailyPost had gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan and other government personalities have gone into serious consultations on the matter since the group made the announcement, putting all the conditions given by the sect members into serious assessment and examination.
It was also gathered that the Government is now ready to dialogue with the group, but the only source of concern is those selected to mediate for the group. Government doubts if the selected mediators would be willing to stand in for the group. Government has equally said that the acceptance of the Boko Haram mediators would be a major breakthrough towards ending the Boko Haram menace. Aside this, the government will be giving the group the opportunity to constitute a more reliable committee that can stand for them ,since Nigerians have lost fate in some of the names selected to negotiate on behalf of them.
A top government source said: “In principle, we agreed that there is nothing wrong with dialogue. After all, even in war you still find time to come back to the table to negotiate peace.
“What has been a major challenge borders on the criticisms and protestations that greeted some of those nominated by the sect to lead the peace talks. Some people (mostly outside the government) are uncomfortable with Buhari because he had been threatening violence.
“A few others faulted Bukar Abba Ibrahim for having not done much to address unemployment (as a three-term governor) which is one of the factors behind the violence in the North-East.
“Although Amb. Galtimari once headed a panel on the crisis some stakeholders in the North-East still begrudge him in one way or the other. I think so far, no one has raised any eyebrow against Zanna Wakil who appears to be the most acceptable. His wife was once targeted by the sect.
“The attitude of President Jonathan is that those selected are first and foremost Nigerians who should be supported to facilitate the proposed dialogue with Boko Haram. He has adopted a large heart attitude to this offer. During consultations, he believes members of the sect are Nigerians who should be encouraged to make the dialogue work.
“So, the Federal Government is looking beyond sentiments or personal scores in holding talks with Boko Haram.
“The government believes that Boko Haram has its reasons for choosing these eminent Nigerians.”
On the possible approach towards a fruitful and impactful dialogue, the source affirmed: “We have accepted the choice of Saudi Arabia as convenient for the sect. In dialogue, you choose the most secured and safe place. We have good ties with Saudi Arabia too.
“But the government is looking forward to Boko Haram to inaugurate its committee, led by ex-Head of State, Gen. Buhari, as a sign of its readiness for the dialogue. Once these eminent Nigerians accept this onerous role, the Federal Government will also define a course for the dialogue.
“We are really watching whether these facilitators would be ready to serve or not. Their acceptance will be a major breakthrough and a defining moment.”
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