The People’s Democratic Party’s Presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that if he is elected president, no terrorist will be released.
The former Vice President said this while criticising President Buhari over his policy of releasing Boko Haram members who were considered rehabilitated.
Atiku noted that this was not effective as the likelihood of recidivism is quite high.
In a statement prepared by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said that he was on the side of the Borno Elders Forum who are also against this policy.
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“Any right thinking person can see that the escalation of the war on Nigeria by Boko Haram/ Islamic State’s West Africa Province, coincides with the introduction of this repugnant policy by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.” the statement said.
“Buhari should cast his mind back to the testimony of Abba Umar, a Boko Haram commander, who after his arrest, boasted that he would return to join the sect in Sambisa if he was ever released.
“Buhari should show a single-minded resolve and commitment to defeating the common enemies of our nation and to do so without betraying any weakness, as this will only embolden the terrorists.”
Atiku was also quite clear that if he is to take office, such a thing will not happen. He said that under his leadership, such acts such as terrorism would be severely punished and that he would be loathe to let any criminal profit off their repulsive actions.