The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army Maiduguri, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, says that repentant Boko Haram fighters stand a chance of attaining the Office of the President of Nigeria.
Biu, who is the Sector Commander (Sector 1) Operation Lafiya Dole, stated this while speaking to newsmen today.
He urged the insurgents to lay down their arms unconditionally and bring an end to the 10-year insurgency in North East Nigeria, adding that there could never be development where there is no peace.
A video of Biu’s statement is currently trending on social media.
Biu said, “For those of them that will listen to the words of wisdom; that will listen and think as a true Nigerian, the best for them is to lay their arms.
“It is the only way that we can move forward.
“But as a professional soldier, we’ll continue to do what we know best, and that is to continue to project our effort…
“We’ll continue to do that and we will not be distracted by some of the activities of our detractors and collaborators.
“Nigeria deserves peace. North East deserves peace. The people of Borno deserve peace, because it is only when there is peace that there’ll be development.
“And it is time now and that’s why I capped it out that there’s time for everything.
“If we’ve been in times of difficulties for the past 8 years, it is time now for us to celebrate peace.
“For everyone, you need to come onboard.”
Read Also: Man gets bashed for claiming late ex-governor’s wife married husband’s PA
Biu reiterated that Boko Haram should lay their arms unconditionally and Nigerians must be ready to accept them in the community.
“Opportunities are out there for them. They can be rehabilitated,” the GOC added.
“An ex-Boko Haram, having laid his arms, turns his way from his negativity, stands to be a president of this country.
“He stands to aspire to any position in this country.
“Why is he wasting his time while he cannot even deliver?
“We have appealed to them (Boko Haram), including their collaborators, to see reason to as fast as possible quickly drop their arms so that we can once again reoccupy our peaceful position in Nigeria and Borno State.”
Watch video:
Read Also: Provide evidence of 20-year history with us – Busari, CNN Africa boss, tackles Kemi Olunloyo