by Rachel Ogbu

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, has urged the leaders of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram to see reasons in embracing dialogue, he also asked the government not to give in on its effort at resolving the security risks the Boko Haram problems had caused the nation over the years.

According to reports, he added that if things continued the way they were, Nigeria could plunge into another civil war. Ajibola, who is a retired Judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, reportedly went on to say:

“That is a prerequisite. During that dialogue, both parties must be allowed to air their views as to the reason for the grouse which resulted in the killings. Boko Haram members have killed a lot of people and government troops, JTF, has also killed a lot of people, especially on the Boko Haram side.

[READ: “To rescue Christianity from Boko Haram”: MEND announces plans to attack mosques and Islamic clerics [REPORT]]

“It is now time for them to sit on a table and discuss once and for all, and brainstorm on how they could handle the whole matter. They must do that, otherwise, the situation will continue to deteriorate and people will continue to be killed. During the Biafran war, there was the Aburi Accord which collapsed and the civil war started. The Civil War was on for about three years.

“At the end of the whole matter, it ended up being resolved in a peaceful way. We should not allow that kind of thing to happen again. We saw it coming even in the days of Bakassi and we tried our best to avoid it because, other powerful nations of the world were ready and prepared to team up with Cameroun against us. We cannot afford to see this thing lead us into Second Nigerian Civil War. We have had enough of that.”

Ajibola finally said the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN’s recent suggestion that Boko Haram’s aim was to Islamise the country was an unnecessary distraction.

[READ: Boko Haram members give Islam a bad name” – Ayo Oritsejafor]

“The Boko Haram will have no choice than to accept the olive branch offered by the government. Despite their rejection of it, government should still get both parties to the table. It may not be easy but it is important for the restoration of peace and stability. The government must look into their grievances and they must come to an understanding.

“Meanwhile, when we are taking the pains to see how we can solve a national problem that affects all of us, with due respect, I want to warn that people should stop making statements capable of diverting our attention. I am saying this because not only is it unconstitutional to Islamise or Christianise Nigeria but also, it is not possible to do that”.