1st February, 2012
Arewa Consulative Forum today told President Goodluck Jonathan to name those he said are Boko Haram members in his cabinet.
The group also assured Jonathan that once he named those in his government he said are members of the dreaded sect terrorising the northern part of the country, they are ready to deal with them accordingly.
ACF noted that ”government should uncover the true identity of the Boko Haram members in order to be able to determine their demands or grieviances as well as address those that may be genuine and in accordance with our laws.’’
Speaking at a press conference held at the Kaduna ACF Headquarters this afternoon, Chairman of the forum, Aliko Mohammed emphasised that ACF is not only worried about the spate of bomb attacks in the north but also the inability of the Jonathan-led administration to deal decisvely with those he said are perpetrators.
Meanwhile, he urged the Federal Government to protect members and leaders of Boko Haram when eventually they come out for dialogue.
While condemning the actions of the Boko Haram, Mohammed reiterated that it is also necessary to call upon the Federal Government and all leaders and those in authority to recall the 1963 UN resolution of 2010, which urges governments around the world to address underlying causes of civil unrest and social conflicts rather than resort to hard military power that rarely solve them.
He also said the federal and state governments should be seen to demontrate fairness and justice in dealing with all issues of insecurity and infringement of the laws of the country.
—Femi Adi/Kaduna