By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senate President Ahmad Lawan says Boko Haram members surrendering to Nigerian troops should be encouraged even as others argue that the murderers simply turn themselves in to become spies for their fellows and to kidnap people for ransom.
Lawan bared his mind at the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri during a condolence visit over the death of his elder brother.
He was accompanied by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; his Deputy, Umar Kadafur, and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Lawan gave an assurance that Abuja would continue to work with the state authorities to restore peace and stability in the North East.
Said he: “The federal government of Nigeria will continue to work with the Borno State government to ensure that there is restoration of peace and stability in this state and in this part of the country.
“The recent surrender by Boko Haram elements is a good development for the security of this country.
“Personally, I believe that the federal government must work with the Borno State government and other states in this part of the country to ensure that those that have been received are appropriately processed.
“Those that have no issues to answer are sanitised and taken back to their communities.
“Those that may have issues to answer should be taken through the legal processes but we must ensure that we encourage Boko Haram elements and those they have taken by force to come out to surrender so that this unnecessary insurgency placed on us comes to an end.
“And I want to assure you, your royal highness, that the National Assembly [NASS] and particularly the Senate will work very closely with the Borno State government in this respect.
“I believe there is no need for any controversy over what we need to do with people who surrendered.
“In any war, in every war, surrender is the ultimate, and if we can achieve it, we should do everything and anything possible to encourage more and more to come out so that we are able to come to the end of this unnecessary insurgency that has taken our states back for so many years in term of development.
“I want to also commend you, your royal highness, for the leadership and fatherly role you have been giving in this state and in this part of the country and the country at large ….
“I want to also commend [Zulum], our brother and friend who has shown so much commitment, dedication and leadership in ensuring that Borno State, as much as possible, is safe and the people of this state are protected from insurgency.
“The federal government is devoting so much resources for our security agencies to fight and bring insecurity to an end.
“Recently, the National Assembly approved over N800 billion for our security agencies in a supplementary budget and Mr President has assured us that he will bring more request for more resources for our security agencies in the 2022 appropriation bill which may be presented at the end of September by the Grace of God.
“We pray Almighty God to continue to guide our leaders at all levels, to protect our leaders at all levels and of course, to protect the people of this country.”.
El-Kanemi said his people have “seriously suffered as a result of Boko Haram crisis” but they are “lucky” to have the Buhari government which changed the tide.
According to him, all the councils under the control of Boko Haram have been taken back and normal business activities have returned.
News that Boko Haram elements are surrendering “is a welcome development”, he stressed, because “Borno is a home of peace and we are for peace.”
