– Seeks ‘Constructive Engagement’ of Boko Haram
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday constituted a Presidential Committee, to constructively engage key members of Boko Haram.
The committee is also to define comprehensive and workable framework for resolving insecurity in the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati disclosed this to State House correspondents at a press briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the 26-member amnesty committee will be chaired by the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, while a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will serve as Secretary.
Other members are, Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Col. Musa Shehu (rtd.), Sheik Abubakar Tureta, Dr Datti Ahmed and Sen. Abubakar Sodangi.
Also in the committee are, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Rep. Mohammed Matawalle, Mr Zakari Ibrahim, Mr Shehu Sani, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, Malam Adamu Ladan, Dr Joseph Golwa, AVM. A.I. Shehu and Mr R.I Nkemdirim.
Other members are, DIG P. I. Leha, Prof. Nura Alkali, Malam Salihu Abubakar, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Lugga, Mr Ibrahim Tahir, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sab, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Grp.-Capt. Bilal Bulama, Rtd and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi
Abati said the decision to set up the committee was sequel to the consideration of the report of the technical committee set up by the National Security Council on insecurity in the Northern part of the country.
He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include, developing a framework for the granting of amnesty and setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame.
Abati said the committee would also develop a comprehensive victims’ support programme, and mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences.
He said the president also constituted a Federal Government committee on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The constitution of the second committee, according to Abati, is in keeping with Nigeria’s pledge to work with the UN and other countries to stem “the worrisome proliferation of small arms and light weapons’’.
“The president said the use of such weapons was creating insecurity and instability in Nigeria and other developing nations.’’
The 17-member Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons is chaired by Mr Emmanuel Imohe, while the Director, Department of International Organisation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as Secretary.
Other members are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, Amb. T.D. Hart, Alhaji Ghali Umar, Mr M.G. Wakil and Mr Opelusi Olureti.
Others are a representative each from the Ministry of Interior, Office of the National Security Adviser, Office of the Director General, State Security Services and the National Intelligence Agency
Also on the committee are a representative each of the Federal Ministries of Justice and Defence; Defence Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Customs Services and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Abati said the president would formally inaugurate the committees on Wednesday, April 24, at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.