“Jonathan did not promise Amnesty to Boko Haram” – Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, is refuting claims made by the Minister of Youth Development, Boni  Haruna that President Goodluck Jonathan has granted conditional amnesty to Boko Haram. 

Commenting on the president’s Democracy Day speech, from which Haruna apparently deduced that Amnesty was granted, Abati said the word “amnesty” was never used.

“…I don’t think the President used the word Amnesty.”

The President spoke about those who are willing to denounce terrorism, those who are ready to embrace peace, opportunities have been created for them through the presidential fact finding committee on dialogue and peace resolution of conflicts in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. So I will refer you basically to the speech by the President.

President in the democracy address explained that despite Federal Government’s disposition for possible reconciliation with any terrorist group, it would be on the condition that they are prepared to lay down arms.

For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace” Abati said.