Chibok Girls: Negotiate With Boko Haram, Tambuwal Urges FG

SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, (THEWILL) - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Tuesday, advised the Federal Government to negotiate with the Boko Haram if it would lead to the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

Tambuwal stated this when he received leaders of the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners led by former Education mMinister, Oby Ezekwesili.

He said if the government negotiates with the Boko Haram sect, it does not mean submission, stressing that it is only a strategy towards fighting insurgency in the country.

“Like I have advocated for negotiation with the Boko Haram, and if negotiation is what will bring back the Chibok girls, let's negotiate with them. Israel is currently negotiating. It doesn't mean you're submitting yourself, but it is a strategy,” he said.

While urging the campaigners to remain resolute in their pursuit, Tambuwal also declared support for them, saying he would rather stand on the side of Nigerians on this issue.

The speaker apologised to the campaigners for the unpleasant reception giving them by security agents on their way to the National Assembly, assuring that the lawmakers were doing their best to support the government in its fight against insurgency.

“I want to commend your resilience on the campaigns so far. You brought the attention of the world to this issue. As leaders, I believe we should be more accommodating. I see no reason why you should be called names. If you're not running a secret cult in government, then you should be open to questioning from the citizens,” he added.

He said as lawmakers, they had their limitations as they lack the powers to deploy security agents to areas of insecurity, adding “we approve security expenditure as a parliament so that nobody will accuse us of frustrating their efforts.”

Earlier in her remarks, leader of the group, Ezekwesili said they were at the Speaker's office to express their concern on the abducted schoolgirls as the Number Four citizen.

She said they were disturbed that 92 days after the girls were abducted, government has been indifferent on the matter. She said they would not stop their campaigns until the girls are released.

SAINT MUGAGA, ABUJA