Former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents once specifically nominated former President Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in peace talks with the Federal Government.
Speaking on Friday at the public presentation of Scars a book by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), in Abuja, Jonathan revealed that his administration had established several committees to explore dialogue with the insurgents.
He explained that during one of these initiatives, Boko Haram identified Buhari as their preferred negotiator with the government, a selection that Jonathan felt might have facilitated an earlier resolution when Buhari later assumed the presidency. However, the insurgency has continued despite this.
Jonathan said, “One of the committees we set up then, Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government. So, I felt that if they had chosen Buhari to represent them at the time and to discuss with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easier path to negotiation, and they might have surrendered their arms. Yet, the insurgency remains.”
He emphasized the complexity of the Boko Haram crisis, pointing out that the inability to eliminate the insurgents under Buhari’s administration illustrates the multifaceted nature of the conflict.
Jonathan called for a fresh perspective on addressing Boko Haram, urging military and political leaders to reconsider more nuanced strategies beyond conventional military action. He also expressed hope that leaders from Boko Haram might eventually document their motives and actions to provide clearer insight into the insurgency.
