The efforts of the Nigerian government to free the abducted Chibok girls has been hailed by one of the negotiators involved in the discussions with the Boko Haram sect.
The negotiator, Shehu Sani who is President of Civil Rights Congress, said government was engaged in another round of talks with the sect but that he would not divulge more details due to some powerful Nigerians who were interested in sabotaging the negotiations for political gains.
Speaking to Punch, Sani said, “What I want to tell you is that something is being done about it but I’m not disposed to making it public. Most times, publicising these issues always lead to sabotage by those who do not want the girls freed. I will not mention the names of these Nigerians.
“However, I can tell you that real and genuine moves are going on, which I am a part of. The claim that the girls have been abandoned is not true. There are genuine efforts by government and some individuals, who are discreetly making efforts toward getting their (pupils’) safe return home.”
On efforts by foreign countries to rescue the girls, Sani said the pledges from countries like USA, UK, China, France and Israel to assist in successfully retrieving the girls had produced no result.
“I am not aware of any serious efforts made by any foreign country. I am not aware of what is happening on the side of the US forces. From the side of dialogue or negotiation, I have not seen any serious intervention or involvement of these countries.”
Punch also reported a member of the Northern Elders Forum, Dr. Junaid Mohammed confirming Sani’s claims.Mohammed said, ”Powerful forces have proceeded to stall the negotiation over certain political gains.”
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