Peoples Daily

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

The Jama’atu Ahlil Sunna lid Da’awati Wal Jihad, popularly called Boko Haram  said it has foreclosed any form of dialogue with the Federal Government even as it confirmed having preliminary talks with Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad,  Chairman of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), before he backed out last week.

Speaking to newsmen in a joint telephone press conference in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital yesterday, a man who claimed to be spokesman of the group, Abul Qaqa, vowed that members of the sect would continue with their violent campaigns against government and its security agencies.

Qaqa who made the teleconference in Hausa yesterday said the supposed government-Boko Haram mediator had to back out due to insincerity on the side of the Federal Government.

His words: “This is an important message on the issue that occupied the media in respect of negotiations between our group and the government. Not long ago, President Goodluck Jonathan made a public statement urging us to come forward for dialogue. He also said we should make our demands clear with a view to resolving the protracted problem in the country.

“The first condition we gave was the need for unconditional release of all our members. There was initial meeting between us and the government and in the process, one of our members, Abu Dardaa was arrested in Kaduna. Since then, we never trusted the government”, he stressed.

According to him, following endless pleas by some notable Nigerians, whom they have enormous respect for, the sect resolved to give another chance, with Dr. Ahmad’s group offering to be mediators between them and the authorities.

The sect, he added, agreed to accept the proposed peace deal based on the trust they have on them, saying unfortunately however, the opportunity was bungled.

“Almighty God has told us repeatedly that the unbelievers will never respect the promises they made. As such, henceforth, we would never respect any proposal for dialogue.

“In fact, we have closed all possible doors of negotiation. We would never listen to any call for negotiations. Let the government forces do whatever they feel they can do and we too would use all the wherewithal at our disposal and do what we can. If the government thinks arresting our members will discourage us from launching onslaught, then let them continue arresting and killing our members”, the spokesman charged.

Qaqa also expressed strong believe “that Almighty Allah” would empower the sect “to catch and prosecute government forces”, saying “we are optimistic that we would dismantle this government and establish Islamic system of governance in Nigeria.

“Let the Federal Government and its agents do what they can; and we in turn, would also do what we can. The noble Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) was also tried and tested during the war of Uhud, he persevered and at the end of the day, he emerged victorious”, he said.

He reiterated their optimism that the sect would emerge victorious and called “on all Muslims in this part of the world to accept the clarion call and fight for the restoration of the Caliphate of Usman Danfodio which the whiteman fought and fragmented.

“The whiteman killed prominent Islamic clerics and emirs and also replaced the white Islamic flag with the Union Jack. We want all our people to come together and restore our lost glory”, he concluded.

He also elaborated the sect’s positions in a question and answer session with newsmen during the teleconference thus:

Are you aware of the moves made by Dr Datti Ahmed?

Yes, Datti Ahmad and his people have intimated us that they would make attempt and find a platform on which we would meet with government agents and find solution to the crisis. Datti also assured that he will get back to us on what transpired between his group and the government. We gave him our conditions.

A journalist was threatened, what is your position?

We are following unfolding events. Some people threatened a journalist and he was frightened. The truth is that, the same journalist was the very person that created a link between us and the Datti Ahmad group. We want to advice him and all journalists not to be deterred by the threat. Journalists must also adhere to the ethics of their professional calling because, all over the world, everybody knows the role of the journalist. Journalists must remain courageous and upright.

The issue of Boko Haram is now a global phenomenon. Some people said government was hesitant by the move by Datti Ahmad because there was no assurance that the move was true?

We are really involved in the moves made by Dr. Datti Ahmad because they gave us adequate assurance that they have the capacity to deliver. However, they (Datti and co.) have seen how deceitful the Federal Government is. As far as we are concerned, we know that the Federal Government will not live up to its responsibility. A true believer will not allow himself to be cheated twice.

What do you think the FG did that prompted you to back out?

The truth is that we have been doubtful on the seriousness and purposeful commitment of the government. It was the Datti group that thought the Federal Government could be trusted and they have been disappointed.

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