SOKOTO, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents on the position of strength, saying he was ready to go anywhere and dialogue with any group if given the mandate by the authorities.
He also advised the new service chiefs to hit the ground running and do whatever it takes to restore peace in the North-east.
Speaking at a Ramadan dinner organised for journalists at his palace in Sokoto on Monday night, the monarch expressed concern at the wanton loss of lives in the country, saying dialogue was the key to achieving lasting peace in the country.
According to him, there is no price that is too much for Nigerians to consider in having peace.
“We are ready to go anywhere to talk to anybody as long as there is a formula of what to be done. We don’t have any legal authority to call for dialogue with any insurgent, the federal government must make the move.
“I have said it so many times that no amount of force can defeat insurgents. Dialogue is the best option but we must negotiate on the platform of strength so that there will be peace. You must be stronger than the person you are negotiating with and when the insurgent knows you are stronger, he will listen and agree to your terms and there will be peace.
“I have seen what happened during my stay in Pakistan for three years. I have seen what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even the United States of America is talking with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Even Pakistan after fighting Taliban for several years is following the path of dialogue. Why can’t we negotiate with Boko Haram and now release some prisoners for the Chibok girls?” he asked.
Credit: ThisDay (Nigeria)
