Nigerian governors consider talks with bandits, other criminals
- Criminals might have the opportunity to dialogue with Nigerian governors
- Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state gave this indication during their visit to Niger state
- Fayemi said the government may not have a choice but to explore alternative means in solving the issue of insecurity
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In a move that will surprise many Nigerians, governors are considering dialogue as the best way to combat insecurity in the country.
According to Punch Newspaper, there are indications that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum might opt for dialogue with bandits and people affected by their atrocities.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state who is the chairman of the NGF was reported to have given this indication in Niger state.
Source: Twitter
The governor who led some members of the forum on a solidarity visit to the Niger governor, Sani Bello, in Minna, the state capital, disclosed that there is a need to explore other avenues even if it means engaging in dialogue.
He said:
“We also need to explore other avenues side by side with whatever the security institutions are doing if that means engaging in dialogue We may not have a choice. We may have to do that, anything to help us to deal with this immediate crisis and then to begin to address on a much more longer time basis, the root causes of this social dislocation responsible for what we are witnessing, all around us.”
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that in what will continue to amaze many Nigerians, Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has advocated for bandits.
In his defence of the criminals, the cleric described them as militants who are fighting “an ethnic war”.
In a separate report, the federal government was urged to extend blanket amnesty to Fulanis involved in kidnappings as well as everyone carrying a gun in the south.
Sheikh Gumi gave the advice in an interview on Sunday, February 21. According to the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, the bandits involved in kidnappings are Nigerians and not foreigners.
Legit.ng reported that days after the abduction of some students of the Government Science College, Kagara, Niger state, Sheikh Gumi said the kidnapped children might be released on Sunday, February 21.
Speaking on Saturday, February 20, he said there was a possibility that the abductees might regain freedom, given ongoing talks between the government and the bandits.
Gumi, who recently held a parley with some bandits noted that the negotiation for the release of the schoolchildren and members of staff was slowed down due to logistics, adding that the negotiation does not involve payment of ransom.
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Aanu Adegun is a politics and current affairs content editor at Legit.ng with over 7 years of experience in both digital and traditional media. A graduate of English Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo state, Aanu started his journalism career as a features writer. Aanu, who is also a creative writer has written books and children magazines. He once anchored some specialised pages of a national newspaper. Aanu is also a satirist.
Source: Legit.ng
