Accept Amnesty Plan, Borno Urges Boko Haram

SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, (THEWILL) - The Borno State Government has called on members of the Boko Haram sect to accept the amnesty plan of the Federal Government.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, who made the call, Friday in Maiduguri, said it is time for members of the group to come out of the trenches and embrace peace.

Maintaining that the Federal Government had moved away from its initial stand on amnesty to consider pardon for the insurgents, he said the group must appreciate this by not rejecting the offer outrightly.

Lawan however advised the Federal Government to show more commitment to the amnesty agenda so as not to be mistaken for a bait to lure the sect out for punishment.

The commissioner also lamented that Borno State has lost several people to the Boko Haram crisis and the people of the state could no longer wait for a return of peace.

Lawan noted that the state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has consistently called for amnesty and would be the happiest Nigerian if the presently plan of the Federal Government is allowed to work.

"The Boko Haram sect should reconsider its position on the rejection of amnesty. I still appeal to the sect to reconsider their position in the interest of peace and dialogue with Federal Government,” he said.

He also advised Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau , to accept the amnesty being announced by the Federal Government so that millions of people who are living in fear can be allowed to live harmoniously.