Nigeria to negotiate with Boko Haram soon

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, has urged Nigerians not to thwart
the ongoing peace negotiation between the Federal Government and the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
Omeri’s call is coming at a time the Islamist sect in a recent statement obtained by the Voice of America (VOA) in Mecca, said it decided to initiate the peace moves in response to numerous public appeals for peace in the country.
Consequently, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said: “We welcome the statement by the Jamā’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lādda’awatih wal-Jihad, acknowledging that they have been in contact with the Federal Government through its representatives and have started negotiations with the objective of reaching a final solution to this crisis.” Omeri, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Abuja, said the negotiation was what the NOA called for early in the
year and also offered to mediate in the search for peace.
He told the Islamist sect that what is happening now is good for Nigerians and everybody, saying in an atmosphere of peace, we understand each other.
Omeri further said now that this is coming after so many efforts by various government’s agencies, religious leaders
and institutions where the last Ramadan provided an ample opportunity for Nigerians to know that Nigerians are their brothers’ keepers, Nigerians are good neighbors, they have shared in the breaking of fast, they have sought for one
another and extended solidarity both ways, the call for dialogue at this hour is just a manifestation of the efforts that we have been making. “And I want to appeal to Nigerians now from all shields of opinions, whether you are a Christian of unbeliever, or whichever side of the divide you belong to, guide your comments, work towards peace and say only those positive things that will lead us to finding lasting peace and brotherhood as one nation once again,” Omeri said.
While wishing Nigerians a fruitful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, Omeri prayed that Nigeria witness a new era of peace, happiness, prosperity and progress in our dear country, and also prayed that a positive attitude will pervade in all the
things we do.(Thisday)