An unlikely show of support for the call for amnesty for Boko Haram Islamist sect came on Thursday from the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who insisted that they are not ghosts as alleged by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Tinubu, who is the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, made this call in Kano when he went to commiserate with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero over the attack on him and his entourage in January this year.
He explained that the amnesty must be based on justice, particularly for those who have not been involved in the killings. He however said that those involved in criminal activities among them must be made to face justice.
He said, “For the innocent ones among them, there must be amnesty. We cannot fight a war in our own country against minor crimes and minor people. We would only end up multiplying these people by trying to use force against our own citizens.
“I therefore disagree with the President; they are not ghosts.
“Are those people in prison ghosts? If they are, why are prison officials looking after them? Are JTF operatives fighting ghosts, do they possess magic power to see ghosts?”
He also blamed security challenges in the country on the duplication of ministries related to police affairs, which he said could render the Inspector-General of Police, M.D. Abubakar incapable of taking firm control of security in the country.
At the Emir’s palace, Tinubu condemned the attack on the royal father, describing it as unfortunate.
The Emir, thanked Tinubu for the visit, describing him as a visionary and purposeful leader in every aspect of life by showing good example to the ordinary people.