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| Mallam Nuhu Ribadu |
FORMER Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, appealed to the Islamist fundamentalist, Boko Haram sect, to accept the amnesty offer by the Federal Government “in the name of God.”
Ribadu, who was accompanied by former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Aliyu Moddibo, to the Ikenne home of the Awolowo’s, on a condolence visit to the family, noted that the dreadful activities of the sect had caused the nation misfortunes.
The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated this while fielding questions from journalists, adding that the Federal Government should not be deterred in its peace moves, despite stumbling blocks.
He explained that dialoguing with those involved in the dreadful acts would bring the desired hope of stopping the carnage.
“I was very sad when I heard that the Boko Haram sect rejected the amnesty offer. But that does not mean that government should totally relent on its moves. Personally, my view from the onset is that we should pursue the direction of dialogue and not closing any door against peace,” he added.
Ribadu noted that the Islamist sect was not doing the nation any good by shedding blood of innocent Nigerians, saying the act of terrorism would not be accepted in the country.
“From now, the feelers and body language of the sect is not encouraging, but that does not mean that we should give up. We should pursue the direction of peace.
“I urge the Federal Government to continue in the line and direction of looking for a way of addressing and stopping this carnage and bloodbath.
Even if it means pursuing dialogue, even if there are stumbling blocks on the way, the answer is not to give up,” he added.
Ribadu also urged the sect to know that nothing meaningful could be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of peace and tranquility, and that the sect was doing no one any good by the killing and maiming.
He maintained that the act of terrorism would not thrive in Nigeria, asking those involved in it to toe the path of peace.
The former EFCC boss said, “I am also making a direct appeal to those who are involved to know that they are destroying their own people. They must understand that it has not worked anywhere in the world and it will not work in Nigeria. What do they want to gain from this senseless killing?
In the name of God, let them stop.”
He described the death of the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo as a painful loss and urged the family to accept his death as an act of God.
Fani-Kayode, in the condolence register, wrote that “the emotions that are flowing through me now are beyond words. I have not just lost a brother, but someone that was closer and kinder than the very best of friends. He was a kind, loving soul that would never hurt a fly; that brought joy to so many.”
Also, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa described the late Awolowo as a great democrat who contributed immensely to the unity of Nigeria and sustenance of democracy.
Source: Tribune
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