Boko Haram Amnesty Committee Meets Emir of Kano, Others

The Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, has appealed to the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North to advise the federal government on solutions that will bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.

Mr. Bayero noted that Boko Haram have sponsors and collaborators from within and outside Nigeria. He, however, insisted that only prayers for God’s intervention and a concerted effort by government and
Nigerians can bring an end to the violence.

While receiving the committee at his palace, Mr. Bayero criticised the government for its lukewarm attitude towards previous reports and recommendations by similar committees and hoped that this time around, government will be more serious with such issues.

The Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Turaki, told the emir that his team has been consulting with all stakeholders in order to tap from their wealth of experience.

“We are in your palace to interact with you and to take ideas from you. We want to understand it from your own perspective. We need your prayers and words of wisdom because the society holds you in high esteem,” Mr. Turaki told the Emir.

Mr. Turaki, who is also the Minister for Special Duties, further noted that, “Any good Muslim likes peace and will always do everything to ensure peace. Kano is one of the places that were attacked during this insurgency and we commend the state government and traditional institution for restoring peace and stability in the state.”

The committee also held a town hall meeting with Kano elders, political leaders and the ulamas (religious leaders) where they sampled opinions on the way forward.

The chairman of Kano Elders’ Forum, Magaji Dambatta, who hosted the committee said, “We recognize the importance of your duty because through it lies the chance of gaining peace, economic growth and respect for human life. Within the past years, the nation has witnessed wanton killings and destruction of property and we hope that this effort of yours will bring lasting solution to all these problems.”