Boko Haram ceasefire: Gowon urges Buhari to take mediator offer

by Isi Esene

Several prominent Nigerians have called on former military president of the country, Muhammad Buhari, not to ignore the call of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to act as a mediator in proposed talks between it and the Federal Government.

The group had on Thursday reportedly named “trusted Nigerians” who it believes can mediate in talks to bring lasting peace to the country.

It named Buhari as lead mediator to be supported by other individuals like Dr. Shettima Monguno; a former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari; and Aisha Alkali Wakil, and her husband, Alkali.

Boko Haram also reportedly demanded the arrest and prosecution of former Borno governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, as a pre-condition for the talks.

Among other conditions, the militant group also allegedly asked for  compensation for families of its members killed in the course of its terrorist activities and the rebuilding of its mosques by theFederal Government as its conditions for a ceasefire.

Noting Buhari’s uncooperative body language to the request, former Nigerian president and convener of the Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu Gowon initiative urged him to accept the offer.

Gowon reportedly said, “If Buhari leading the talks would lead to lasting peace, we should give him the chance. People should not misconstrue the intention by saying that Buhari knows them or their leaders. That I think, may not be the intention.”

While toeing the same line of argument, speaker of the Federal House of Assembly, Aminu Tambuwal said, “If the sect is now accepting that there should be a kind of peace pact with the Federal Government, I am sure the House will encourage that.”

Tambuwal who spoke at Ila-Orangun, Osun State, continued, saying, “There will be a dialogue and it may not necessarily have to be all the conditions given will be met. I think government should be engaged, and see how best the issues can be resolved.’’

Former minister for information, Prof. Jerry Gana said, “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should take this matter very seriously because the most important way to have peace is through dialogue and resolution. Every crisis is not solved by violence; it is finally solved by a resolution.

“If there are good proposals that have been put forward for peace, we pray that they should be given very serious consideration and we pray that God will give the leadership the wisdom to resolve how to move Nigeria forward. If there are good suggestions, they shouldn’t be thrown away; they should be considered because you never know what key may open the door.”

The federal government has shown it readiness to go into dialogue with the Islamic militant sect so as to restore peace and amicably put a halt to the violence.

Comments (27)

  1. Gen. Buhari p/s don't accept this offer it is a clear trap someone else should go.

  2. ….and if Buhari is not the mastermind behind sponsoring BH then the Just God should punish all those involved in trying to tarnish his name directly or indirectly. Say ameeen!

  3. It is rather dangerous and indecent Buhari accepts the offer. This country is complex and difficult to please on an issue of this nature because nobody would remember that he was persuaded to accept the offer in the future in the event that the agreement breaks down. Buhari will in fact be blamed for everything and anything that may eventually go wrong with the agreement. My sincere advice to the General is just that the one who is wanted to be roasted does not go near fire.

  4. Thank you, my brothers.

  5. if at all d meant wt d mean its true then d should be allowed to chose who d want to represent em.Behold u knew who GMB is to d oppressed n d poor.

  6. I will not advice any body who has an integry to accept any offer from any group or persons under this administration. Ribadu's recent case is enough.

  7. The exact reaction that is expected from gullible Nigerians. That's how Buhari is on a tight rope.
    Innocent or not his adversaries are laughing all the way. They have again got him on the defensive.
    If any have any reason to think Buhari could be connected to BH, then, we should be united in asking the FG to bring him to book, for the FG has the mandate to protect all of us.
    Speculation will not solve the problem – evidence, proof and justice, that's what we should we should be asking.

  8. If really Gen. Buhari has been a mastermind behind sponsoring of boko haram in Nigera, then for sure the rock of God's will surely punish him when his cup is filled up at the right hour. May the souls of the innocent people killed by boko haram rest to the glory of God.

  9. We dont wanna buhari enter dis why cant they ask their leader 4rm PDP

  10. Fellow Nigerians, what matters must in this country is not throwing blames on our leaders. Particularly those that has the country and it's citizens at heart. I solemly belief that all the problem we are in now resulted from corruption, indiscipline and injustice attitude of our leadership. And I am sure no true and honest Nigerian today and the generation un-born can point a finger at Buhari or Gowon with a negative statement. They are true leaders who have set the record straight. Please let's stop the bastard attitude of not calling a spade a spade. Let's be sincere in our judgement. I believe our great country will be great again. That is if and only if we are ready to make it great. Are all ready? Then let's be realistic please.

  11. I think d Gen should consider d plight n faith of most citizens that are directly or indirectly affected.let him forget about d past and concentrate about d feature of our dear nation n region.lets be taking abt developement not security in d region.

    1. I believe the general should not agree to such a clearly treacherous offer which will only tarnish his image and reputation. It is a trap to bastardize his fame. Why him? Why not ibb or abdussalam or even atiku?

    2. I believe the general should not agree to such a clearly treacherous offer which will only tarnish his image and reputation. It is a trap to bastardize his fame. Why him? Why not ibb or abdussalam or even atiku?

  12. Hmmmm, tight rope, Buhari is in a fix, if he refuses, he will be seen as one not wanting to make contribution in this matter, and even before he accepts CAN is crying foul. But if his position is a moderator and if the FG also trusts him in the matter, he should accept, what will be said should not discourage him in mediating in a dialogue which can bring about peace and save lives.

    1. These people(PDP) want to hoodwink Buhari and send a Judas to make a none sense of the man, like they attempted to o to Ribadu. Le Namadi Sambo lead the negotiation both for hgovernment and for BH.

    2. Nothing can be hidden under the sky. I don't care who is involve. God will surely expose them one by one.

  13. I think before they mention Buhari for mediator they supposed to have met or agree wit him first. U can not ask one who knows nothing about them to mediate for them. If he did not agree, let others go or they should come out in a person like Assari dokubo did.

  14. I think before they mention Buhari for mediator they supposed have metor agree wit him first. U can not ask one who knows nothing about them to mediate for them. If he did not agree, let others go or they should come out in a person like Assari dokubo did.

  15. Why won't gowon, cuz gowon is one of the must trusted figure in nigeria?

  16. Buhari should not take offer, plz genaral I am urging u not to accept such stupid offer, cuz federal govt wants to inplicate u, beside it will cripple ur ambition for 2015 presidency pllllllllllzzzzzzzz

  17. Please leave Buhari alone, Boko haram should seek for a PDP Stalwat to mediate.

  18. Why not plead with Buhari than present him as a member of the Boko Haram sect earlier? Gowon can as well mediate for the good people of this country he has longed to keep as one.

  19. Why not plead with Buhari than present him as a member of the Boko Haram sect earlier? Gowon can as well mediate for the good people of this country he has longed to keep as one.

  20. Why not plead with Buhari than present him as a member of the Boko Haram sect earlier? Gowon can as well mediate for the good people of this country he has longed to keep as one.

  21. Why not plead with Buhari than present him as a member of the Boko Haram sect earlier? Gowon can as well mediate for the good people of this country he has longed to keep as one.

  22. Why not plead with Buhari than present him as a member of the Boko Haram sect earlier? Gowon can as well mediate for the good people of this country he has longed to keep as one.

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