by Rachel Ogbu

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak has said the Presidency knew nothing about an ongoing dialogue between members Boko Haram, and a delegation of the Northern State Governors’ Forum.

In an interview on Thursday with Punch reporters, Gulak said nobody had informed or approached the Federal Government of any negotiation and the terrorists remained faceless.

However, there have been statements reportedly from Sheikh Muhammad Abdul’aziz of Boko Haram saying contrary to President Jonathan’s denial, they had been in dialogue and consultation with the Borno State Government and a delegation of the Northern State Governors’ Forum.

Boko Haram members were said to have taken exception to President Jonathan’s statement during his recent state visit to Yobe and Borno states that members of the sect were “ghosts” and so he could not grant them amnesty.

Gulak challenged any governor currently talking with members of the sect to approach Jonathan and brief him on the ongoing talks.

“The President is not aware of any governor either from the North, South, East or West negotiating with Boko Haram.

“Let any governor that is negotiating with the sect come to the President and tell him that he is representing them and that he wants amnesty for them.

“As it is now, no governor has come forward to say that, so it is just a speculation and the President cannot work on mere speculation,” he said.