Pleading For Amnesty

It is interesting to know that northern leaders are now seeking for an end to the protracted atrocious actions of the Islamic fundamental group, Boko Haram.

Recently, prominent citizens from the north demanded for unconditional official pardon for Boko Haram sect as a pre-condition for halting insecurity in the north. During a town hall meeting that was organised by Yobe State Government to commemorate  President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Damaturu, Yobe State, one of the states worst hit by terror attacks, some of the participants asked for amnesty for Boko Haram members. That was sequel to earlier calls by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Northern, States Gover-nors Forum (NSGF). The NSGF through its committee on reconci-liation, healing and security, and some other leaders of Nigeria Muslims called for total amnesty for members of the terrorist group.

The NSGF Committee headed by Ambassador Zakan Ibrahim, in its report among other requests, urged the president to “order the immediate release of detainees against who there is no established case of criminal involvement, and the immediate prosecution of those against whom there is evidence of criminal involvement before courts of competent jurisdiction”.

The committee further “called on the government, “especially Mr. President to see how he can declare total amnesty for all combatants (Boko Haram) without thinking twice. That will make any other person who picks up arms to be termed criminal”.

The Northern  leaders’ desire to put an end to the insurgency in the north and bring about peace is highly commendable. However, the question is, how realistic is their demand? Could the actions of the sect be curbed through blanket amnesty for its unrepentant faceless members rightly described as ‘ghost’ by President Jonathan?

Speaking during the town hall meeting at Damaturu, President Jonathan said granting amnesty to Boko Haram members was unlikely for now because members of the group have remained “ghosts” with no one coming forward to admit membership of the sect.

“You cannot declare amnesty for ghosts. Boko Haram still operates like ghosts. So you can’t talk about amnesty for Boko Haram now until you see the people you are discussing with. When you call the Niger Delta militants, they will come; but nobody has agreed that he is Boko Haram; no one has come forward. If amnesty can solve the situation, then no problem, but nobody has come forward to make himself visible” he said.

Condemning the amnesty call by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’d, the leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasonrati, said, “The Sultan’s call for amnesty for Boko Haram is outrageous and highly unfortunate. It is an express approval of the caliphate for the mass killings, devastation and destructive activities of the dreaded sect over the years”.

Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria condemned in strong terms the north’s call for amnesty.

Experts posit that in granting amnesty, government has a duty to look at the grievances and pursuit of any such group, and be sure that the ground for amnesty is understood by all.

The Niger Delta militants for instance, had well spelt out reasons for their agitation. They wanted a fair share of the resources from their land. Years of oil exploration had rendered their land and waters unproductive, yet there was nothing to show for the massive wealth being derived from the place by the Federal Government.

Members of Boko Haram on the other hand, have no known realistic aim other than to Islamise Nigeria and abolish Western education.

So, I think it’s high time the northern leaders played the roles expected of them as leaders. From their recent comments, it is obvious they know members of Boko Haram, contrary to the earlier claim that nobody knew who they were. These boys are their subjects, so they should be able to call them to order. I think they should make them realise the damage they are coursing their States and the country. They should drop their arms and show some form of repentance as the President said.

The fight against terrorism in Nigeria is not that of the President Jonathan alone, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professional bodies and youths, have roles to play. We should help the security agencies to fish them out and bring them to justice. Covering them up or keeping silent or pampering them with amnesty will not help the matter.

As the Senate President, David Mark once told the northern leaders, “silence in the face of anarchy and wanton destruction is conspiratorial. Everybody must speak up against this festering cancer of violence. All our leaders across the country must speak in one voice and rise against this ugly trend”.

This, the Northern leaders should do by calling spade a spade instead of politicing the issue.

Calista Ezeaku