Military Operation, Not Solution To Boko Haram – Gov Aliyu

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu has advocated dialogue instead of military operation in tackling the Boko Haram insurgents in the northern part of the country.

“‘Boko Haram is beyond military operation. It should be looked at in its proper context. We must communicate with the people to solve their local problems,’’ Aliyu said.

The governor made the remark on Saturday in Minna at the opening of the First Muazu Babangida Aliyu National Literary Colloquium, with the theme “Building Intellectual Power to Fix Nigeria’’.

He however warned Muslims engaging in suicide bombing to desist from it.

“Islam forbids anyone taking another person’s life for an unjust cause, and bombers will be adjudged to have taken their lives deliberately, and will therefore go to hell,’’ Aliyu said.

He told members of the Boko Haram sect that all disputes should be resolved in a peaceful manner.

“This will be better than embarking on unreligious acts which can also have negative effects on the country’s unity,’’ the governor said.

Aliyu noted that Christianity and Islam were against the act of taking innocent lives and shedding of blood.

“Islam in particular does not condone suicide bombing,’’ he said.

The governor then called on the writers who gathered for the colloquium to educate Nigerians to join the crusade against all forms of terrorism and the breakdown of law and order.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Odia Ofeimum, urged the governors in the country to back down on their support for the federal government’s plan to remove fuel subsidy.

“This will be in the interest of ordinary Nigerians,’’ he said.

Ofeimum made a case for the use of local languages to galvanise the socio-economic and industrial development of the country.

“This is what the Asian countries have done, and it has resulted in the tremendous advancement of their countries,’’ he said.

The lecturer also kicked against the Sovereign Wealth Fund set up by the federal government, and noted that it would further impoverish Nigerians.