The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant amnesty to Boko Haram and bandits in the North to foster national inclusivity.
The group, which premised its demands on what it called the “prosperous life now being lived by ex-agitators in the Niger Delta”, said granting its request would help foster a lasting peace across the vast swathes of the northern region.
In a press statement by its spokesperson, Sheriff Abubakar, the NDF said the only way the North will have a respite from incessant attacks from Boko Haram and bandits is for the Tinubu government to grant amnesty to the rebels just like President Umar Musa Yar’Adua did in 2009 for Niger-Delta militants.
The group further stated that for 15 years and counting, the Niger-Delta militants have enjoyed unprecedented patronage from the Nigerian government, leaving those in the North in abject poverty and deprivation.
It listed its demands for Boko Haram and bandits to include: Declaration of Amnesty; provision of scholarship; capacity building; and establishment of cooperative scheme.
Several Niger-Delta agitators were offered scholarships, management skills and federally-backed pensions.
The statement reads in full:
“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “We are writing you today as concerned citizens and advocate for justice and unity in our great nation.
Recent events have brought to light the urgent need for amnesty to be granted to Northern agitators popularly known as Boko Haram and bandits, paralleling the historic amnesty granted to Niger-Delta militants during the tenure of our late brother, President Umar Yar’adua ( Allah Yarhamuh).
“We strongly urge you to consider this proposal and take decisive action to promote peace, inclusivity, and national cohesion.