The Federal Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, has unveiled the carrot aspect of President Goodluck Jonathan’s move to stop Boko Haram in its tracks.
Haruna said the Federal Government would abstain from extending punitive measures to former members of the sect but would instead seek to rehabilitate those that laid down their arms and embraced peace and respect for democratic principles.
The minister said, “President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.
“Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.
“Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme.”
Haruna also disclosed that President Jonathan did not believe in only military force to combat the insurgency.
The President said, “Terror succeeds with local support. It will be difficult for terror to thrive where people reject it. It is a major challenge to all of us.
“Military alone cannot stop terror or any radicalism. Terrorists have people they respect, they have community, traditional and opinion leaders they respect. All of us can deradicalise them.
“We will through persuasive activities encourage people to shun violence.”
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