Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, slammed President Goodluck Jonathan, describing the virulent sect, Boko Haram, as a creation of the present administration.
President Jonathan, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe had on Tuesday challenged General Buhari to persuade members of the sect to accept dialogue as a means of ending the orgy of violence in the North.
General Buhari, who apparently was angered by the Presidency’s attempt to link him with the sect, asked Jonathan to leave him alone and find ways of resolving the Boko Haram crisis, which he said, was borne out of the failure of his government.
He also faulted Okupe, for referring to Buhari’s presidential ambition as inordinate, saying that the attack was ill-motivated.
Fashakin said: “It is unfortunate that a presidential aide referred to the legitimate desire of a statesman as inordinate. Away from the uncouth posturing of Dr Okupe, it is apparent that this fellow is conflating two unrelated issues and scenarios.
“If the people that initiated and executed the Niger Delta problem decided to resolve it, what can anyone do about it? The Niger Delta problem is totally different from the Boko Haram palaver.
“General Muhammadu Buhari has consistently asserted that the political Boko Haram, the most virulent variant of the menace, is a creation of Jonathan’s regime. So why should a Buhari that did not understand the genesis of the funding and operation of this lethal unit of the PDP-led federal government, now join in appeasing them?
“That explains why the Jonathan regime cannot talk about amnesty for Boko Haram because it is akin to appeasing self. As a party, we strongly advise the Federal Government to come clean to the Nigerian people. The political Boko Haram is all about the Jonathan regime and no amount of carefully-woven spin can hoodwink discerning Nigerians,” the CPC spokesman declared.
Buhari’s statement followed Tuesday’s call on him by Jonathan’s spokesman, Doyin Okupe, to lead the talks with Boko Haram to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as a means of ending the raging violence in the north, which has claimed many lives and property.
Okupe had also asked Buhari to emulate the role Jonathan played by going to meet militants in their vast hideouts in the Niger Delta to plead with them to lay down their arms and accept the general amnesty granted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on June 25, 2009.
Meanwhile, reactions have trailed the statements issued by both the Presidency and General Buhari.
It’s a ridiculous request —Musa
A Second Republic Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa described the president’s appeal to Buhari as an insult. The former governor said “this is an insult. How can Buhari ask Boko Haram to cease fire? Is Buhari responsible for Boko Haram? Is he the president of Nigeria? This is a ridiculous request and it amounts to some kind of insult. A security issue of this magnitude is being turned into a light matter.”
Request meant to entrap Buhari—Sagay
For constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, the request by the president is meant to entrap the former Head of State. Sagay, said: “Is Buhari their representative? Is he the one sponsoring them? I don’t think that is fair. There is no indication whatsoever that Buhari has a link with Boko Haram. The request is meant to entrap Buhari and so, I don’t think it is fair.”
Jonathan should be tolerant— Afenifere
On its part, Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere enjoined President Jonathan to be tolerant. In a telephone chat with Vanguard, National Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “It is for us to appreciate that the nation is faced with a serious crisis that may consume everybody and therefore, we must find a way to solve the problem.
Jonathan should vacate office if… — Junaid Mohammed
In his reaction to the face-off, SecondRepublic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed, said if the President cannot stand the heat, he should vacate office. Mohammed, in a telephone chat said: “As far as I am concerned, the truth should not be subordinate to anybody’s view and people must surely express their views and opinion on daily basis. So if Mr President cannot stand the heat, he should throw in the towel because whether he likes it or not, he should expect to be criticised.”
Boko Haram not Jonathan’s creation –Austin Opara
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Austin Opara said: “It is wrong for General Buhari to say Boko Haram is the creation of President Jonathan’s government. It is absolutely wrong for Buhari to accuse Mr President because we all live in this country and we all know Boko Haram did not start with this government.”
FG will offer amnesty if… — Maku
In a related development, Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku said the amnesty being canvassed for Boko Haram could only be considered when the group opens up for dialogue and negotiation, insisting that amnesty could not be the first option when nobody had come out to discuss with the Federal Government.Mr. Maku who stated this in a live programme on Channels Television explained that amnesty is usually an outcome of discussions and negotiations, whereby those being offered amnesty would accept it in principle with conditions attached.
According to him, nowhere in the world was amnesty offered unconditionally to a group that did not even come out to negotiate with the government.
“Amnesty could be part of the solution but can only come out of the process of dialogue and negotiations but offering it unconditionally is not known. How does the President and Commander-in-Chief announce amnesty without prior conversation, without prior negotiation, without agreeing on anything, what it would mean is that the President has given up and that’s a complete abdication,” he said.
He called on Nigerians, especially the political class not to politicize the call for amnesty but to treat it as an urgent matter of national security.
“Nigerians should not over-politicize this issue. People continue to compare it with the Niger-Delta. We must not forget that amnesty in the Niger-Delta came after a series of discussions and negotiations led by leaders of the Niger Delta Region and the combatants in the creeks.
“It was after negotiations reached a certain point and there were commitments that the issue of amnesty came up. It was not just offered without condition and negotiation, so I think politicians should allow this matter to be taken as a security and national issue and those looking for votes in 2015 should not unduly over-politicize this issue of amnesty,” he stated.
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Even a lay man understands that northern leaders have hand in this boko haram issue. How did buhari and his group wants the federal govt to grant them armesty without proper negotiation and agreement. Who are the boko haram? They should come out for talks. I know why buhari is talking about amnesty for them because he don't have much money again to take care of them. Wicked man buhari, did you forget anything in aso rock? Tell your brother the V.P. to bring it for you.
ReplyDeleteWhere did Buhari canvas amnesty? All you see is Buhari? Don't be naïve. Sultan of sokoto, archbishop john onayikãn, Matthew kuka and a host of others are canvassing for amnesty for those animals but you can't see that! All you see is Buhari. He must be a dementor in your life. Get a job or take a sit.
DeleteIs really unfurtunate,that our government of the day has decided to dance naked. Every reasonable person will agree with me that No government led by a northerner will tolerate all this.
ReplyDeleteTalking of BH, we all know that Buhari is hot tempered N uses words without regard (he is old let him go N sit down) But to be Sincear with Nigerians Buhari is not the founder of BH, let's not forget what late Gen.Azazi said which might even be the reasons behind his death.
He said ''the reason behind BH is as a result of PDP aggrieved members'' Who are this people ??
Atiku,Adamu Ciroma,IBB, this people also threaten this nation,Why is Buhari now the target ??
And if Buhari is a suspect why are they giving us all this shameless debate ? He should be detain,Nobody should be above the nation,we have lost so many innocent blood (running to 4,000) Nobody is a demy god.
For those Who think the death of any Nigerian can lead to civil war,they should have a rethink. Not even assassination of the president,it will only trigger crisis N will be resolved,while the vice president will take Over.
Not even the death of the Sultan,Buhari,IBB or anyman is worth the life of over 4,000 innocent Nigerians that hav died in the hand of BH.
We are d one dat are passing through dis tin,any one of u dat is doing dis HELL is his home and nothing Can save him.if u believe shout amen.........
ReplyDeleteWhy are you defending Buhari who said in 2011 election that if he looses, he will make the country ungovernable. True to his words he called his supporters to go after Christians and southerners and many youth corpers where killed. till now he has not apologise but rather defended his action and his men by saying they are fighting for their right. Uhuru Kanyatta did it in kenya and he is facing trial for gynoside in the world Court. Buhari, you are the Boko Haram sponsor. BH came from Borno, the state govern by ANPP since 1999 till date and that was your former party where you Buhari was the leaader.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing is for us as a nation to tell ourselves the TRUTH rather than shy away from it because of pilitics. It will be nice for those asking for amnesty for BHT to tell us what they have done to tell the BHT to stop these killings and listen to the voice of reason. As the northern leaders are advising President Jonathan on the amnesty option, it will nice for them, incldung Elder Stateman Buhari (who should know better) to pacify their sons and kinsmen to stop this bloodshed. They cannot say they do not know who the BHT are.Let the truth be told.THERE IS NO AMNESTY TO TERRORISTS ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD.
ReplyDeleteIt will be good if Nigerians of all tribe and creed could unite and say NO MORE to all these who are ruling and who wants to be ruled . It is very glaring that they do not care about the lives of those who are wasted every day . Unfortunately Buhari have not shown any level of concern for those who are killed every day by BH and the Government as well have not shown the will required to take care of this --- not suggesting amnesty in any way . This is a hopeless situation and methinks our lives and security are in our hands . What a shame !
ReplyDeleteIs a pity we have people like Fashakin in this country! Why is it that the North is only interested in AMNESTY? Why are the north not calling the Boko haran to come out for negotiations that will lead to the amnesty? The North wants to rubish the image of Nigeria by demanding for amnesty for a group that is killing Nigerians and who does not hide their hatred for their country men and women and who has refuse to come out for any negotiation. The North should be ready for what they are looking for!
ReplyDeleteThe US should should have given Osama Binladin amnesty
ReplyDeleteIf Buhari is a statesman & a national leader as they call him, he should preach peace in d country. Must he b d president 4 us 2 enjoy peace ? Must he impose himself on us ? Can't he advice d govt of d day on d way forward if he meant well 4 d nation ? We ve not 4got his promise 2 make d country ungovernable . Thus, he is guilty as charged !!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is true that militant in niger-delta were given amnesty but not the one with bomb. The terrorist among them (Henry Okah and others) are now in jail. Boko haram cannot by different. they are terrorists and no country grant amnesty to terrorist.
ReplyDeleteLet all Nigerians turn to God for we ALL have come short of HIS glory, and must be punished if not repented.
ReplyDeleteOnly JESUS can save us - The time is now, so believe it or not it does not matter whether Christain or Moslem
Though BUHARI never canvassed for amnesty for BH but if amnesty works and the menace stopped then i am totally disappointed in the whole leaders of the north. so somebody can decide to destroy itself to this level knowing fully the perpetrators just to siphon money from the FED GOVT at the end call it amnesty or whatever. This is totally anti-ISLAM. The holy QURAN says he who killed shall be killed not pardon nor amnesty. Concerned youth from the North.
ReplyDeleteWhat did Buhari really mean when he said he will make the nation ungovernnable if he wasn't declared president? I think what he planned originally is playing out now, maybe the seed they planted has grown beyond their control. Reasonable people don't make unguided statements. For someone aspiring to lead the nation, he shot himself on the foot by that statement, and it will be better for him to remain in his cocoon. As for amnesty, the people whose interests Boko Haram were serving are the ones asking for amnesty for the terrorist group. If you grant amnesty today, another group will spring up and start bombing mosques and later beg for amnesty. Anyway, I believe the president and his advisers can differentiate between terrorist groups and pressure groups.
ReplyDeleteWe are being led by a confused weakling. The government has to be positive to win the confidence and trust of these people. Their leaders were extrajudicially murdered in a police cell and hundred others gunned down by army. The president said he knew their leaders but he doesn't have the guts to take action against them. Jonathan is being advised by drunkards and enemies of the north.He accused northern leaders as sponsors of book haram and he now want to cajole and blackmail Buhari into risking his all. Better wake up as not only your office but the entire democracy is on the line.
ReplyDeleteWere the military to take over I'll jubilate.
Nobody is trying to cajole Buhari into anything, when the sect chose him as their spokesman in their proposed conditional negotiations with the government at Saudi Arabia, he showed his acceptance by his actions and otherwise at the time, until his colleagues who felt they were smarter started talking on his behalf. Read the handwriting on the wall, he has either been with them or has love for them and their wicked acts.
ReplyDeleteBuhari has said from the onset that he wil make this country ungovernable if he lose the election. the first we saw after loosing the election was the riot in the wt placas of Buhari images to show he is behind it. This is sonofabitch aspiring to rule again this country some day. Now he has graduated from rioting to terrorism. Since his pocket has dried up he is now calling for amnesty for the bloody idiots. BH is the brain child of Buhari, IBB, Atiku and Ciroma.
ReplyDeleteFor the innocent souls dat has been wasted so far God will require their blood from their hands. Evil shall slay the wicked and they that hate the righteeous shall be desolate.