FG to Galtimari panel:No talks with Boko Haram

Written by Francis Okeke Wednesday, 03 August 2011 05:06

The 7-member Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-east zone led by Alhaji Usman Gaji Galtimari does not have the mandate to negotiate with members of the Jamatul Ahlan Sunna Lid dawati wal Jihad better known as Boko Haram, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said in Abuja yesterday. The committee was inaugurated by the SGF in his conference room. Galtimari had earlier assured Boko Haram leaders of their safety if they appear before the committee.

Saying the rights and privileges of the sect members would be respected, Galtimari added that there would be “no harassment or molestation in any form” and “they are free to come out and speak to us.”

He said, “The problem we are facing is not insurmountable if all of us show sincerity of purpose and bring to bear our wealth of experience into our deliberations and conduct. Though very difficult as it may seem, I am optimistic that we can get to the roots of the crisis and arrive at a just and all inclusive solution which would usher in a new era of peace in our country.

“Now that the Federal Government has taken the initiative to reach out to the leadership and adherents of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad also known as Boko Haram, I would like to plead and call on the sect to embrace this dialogue process.

“I assure them that all their genuine grievances will be addressed by the committee and appropriate recommendations made. I want them to accept this peace process which would not only translate into peaceful co-existence of all of us but also enable them to freely come out and settle down to practice their religion and carry out other lawful activities like any other Nigerian.”

Alhaji Gaji Galtimari also asked for more time to conclude the assignment, considering the terms of reference. He said “with Ramadan just starting, some individuals the committee may want to dialogue with could have gone to Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj (Umra). That will inevitably cause some delay. Therefore I suggest for a reasonable extension of time.”

The Committee is required to complete its assignment and submit a final Report to Government on or before 16th August, 2011.

However, the SGF Senator Anyim explained to the committee that it does not have the mandate to negotiate with the Boko Haram sect. He said there have been erroneous misrepresentations in the media that the panel was constituted to negotiate with Boko Haram, but that such would rather be the second leg of the peace initiative of government.

He said, “You cannot negotiate with people you don’t know, or people you have not seen. The reason for this committee is to provide the forum for suggestions, information or opinion from people, and if possible identify them (members of the sect). It is when you synthesise the information gathered and make recommendations that we will then implement.”

The SGF further told the panel that if negotiation was part of its recommendations based on its findings, the federal government would consider it and act accordingly.

He said the committee was set up as a consequence of a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and elders from Borno State and the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum.

“You may also recall that the meeting was as a consequence of the press conference which the elders of Borno State held calling for adjustment in the handling of security situation in Borno State. One of the issues agreed at the meeting was the need to create a forum that will give the elders and the general public a role in finding a lasting solution to the security situation in Borno State and some parts of the North.

“In line with the belief of Mr. President that security of the country should be the concern of every Nigerian, he has decided to set up this committee as a way of involving all the key stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges in Borno State and other parts of the North.

“The central purpose of setting up this committee is to create a forum whereby every person who has suggestions on a way forward will without restriction reach out to the committee with ease,” Senator Anyim said.

Terms of reference of the committee are “to review all the issues of security challenges in the zone and proffer solutions/recommendations which would bring a speedy resolution of the crisis; to serve as a liaison between the Federal Government and the State Governments where necessary and to liaise with National Security Adviser (NSA) to ensure that the security services discharge their respective assignments with optimal professionalism.”

The committee will also “consult with stakeholders from time to time for suggestions and to ascertain the true state of affairs; and to consider any other initiatives that will serve to engender enduring peace and security in the area.”

Members of the committee are Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mr. Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN, retired Col. Musa Shehu, FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister of Defence Dr. Bello H. Mohammed and Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu. Abdullahi B. Shehu, of the SGF’s office is the committee’s secretary.

SOURCE: Daily Trust Newspaper, 3 August 2011. www.dailytrust.com