Boko Haram: Collapse of amnesty may lead to civil war – Bola Ajibola

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, has raised the alarm over the collapse of the ongoing amnesty plans for the Boko Haram sects, saying that it may result into another civil war.

Prince Ajibola, while speaking with journalists at the weekend, called on Boko Haram leadership to see reasons in embracing dialogue, urging the government not to relent on its effort at resolving the security risks the Boko Haram menace had posed to the nation over the years.

The retired Judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, who had always insisted that dialogue was catalyst to resolving conflict of any nature, lauded President Jonathan’s latest move to grant amnesty to the sect members but said that the President, in doing so, should ensure that such amnesty be preceded with dialogue.

He said, “That is a prerequisite. During that dialogue, both parties must be allowed to air their views as to the reason for the grouse which resulted in the killings. Boko Haram members have killed a lot of people and government troops, JTF, has also killed a lot of people, especially on the Boko Haram side.

“It is now time for them to sit on a table and discuss once and for all, and brainstorm on how they could handle the whole matter. They must do that, otherwise, the situation will continue to deteriorate and people will continue to be killed. During the Biafran war, there was the Aburi Accord which collapsed and the civil war started. The Civil War was on for about three years.

At the end of the whole matter, it ended up being resolved in a peaceful way. We should not allow that kind of thing to happen again. We saw it coming even in the days of Bakassi and we tried our best to avoid it because, other powerful nations of the world were ready and prepared to team up with Cameroun against us. We cannot afford to see this thing lead us into Second Nigerian Civil War. We have had enough of that.”

Speaking further, the respected lawyer cautioned the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, over its recent cry of Islamisation of the country through the Boko Haram, describing it as unnecessary distraction.

He assured the Christian community and other concerned Nigerians that the Boko Haram had no choice than to embrace the ongoing peace move by the government.

“The Boko Haram will have no choice than to accept the olive branch offered by the government. Despite their rejection of it, government should still get both parties to the table. It may not be easy but it is important for the restoration of peace and stability. The government must look into their grievances and they must come to an understanding.

“Meanwhile, when we are taking the pains to see how we can solve a national problem that affects all of us, with due respect, I want to warn that people should stop making statements capable of diverting our attention. I am saying this because not only is it unconstitutional to Islamise or Christianise Nigeria but also, it is not possible to do that”.