We Are Open To Negotiations With Boko Haram – Presidency

The Presidency has said that it is open to negotiations with the Boko Haram members all in a bid to find a lasting solution to current security situation bedevilling the nation, should the sect shows their willingness.

Speaking in an interview yesterday with BBC network Femi Adesina who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said; “These were very vicious attacks. People were killed in scores and it’s so sad.”

The President had during his inauguration speech said he had launched a strategy to deal with the sect by relocating the military headquarters to Maiduguri, Borno State.

When enquired if the issue of negotiation will work, Adesina said;  “This is going to work. There are machineries being put in place. It’s going to work. The recent killings by the sect were meant to break our resolve, to weaken it, but that will stop. It remains a priority to him (Buhari) to deal with the group.”

“You will notice that his first two weeks of administration were dedicated to tackling the insurgency. He visited Chad and Niger Republics and the following week, the Presidents of those countries also visited him in Abuja. The President of Benin Republic and the Defence Minister of Cameroon visited him; machinery is being put in place and once we’re through, we will see the end of the group. The target time for the deployment of the multinational force is July ending; that is in a couple of weeks,” Adesina said.

On the issue whether the Nigerian government is willing for negotiations with the insurgents he has this to say; “If they are willing, why not? You know attempts have been made for negotiations in the past and they didn’t work. Every reasonable person would want to see the end to this insurgency. So if they are willing, why not? You can’t rule that out.”