Former Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has called on the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram to sheathe its sword during the Ramadan season and embrace dialogue with the Federal Government.
Tukur made the plea in Abuja on Sunday night when Islamic clerics led by Uztaz Abdulrahman Yelwa paid him in a visit to break the fast.
Tukur said, “Islam, according to the Holy Qur’an is a religion of peace. We can only propagate the religion through committed evangelism to unbelievers as demonstrated by the great prophets who served Allah diligently and truthfully.
“I appeal to our brothers who are aggrieved to stop killing in the name of Islam. Their sponsors too should avoid Allah’s judgment on the last day on the raging art of killing. It is not too late for them to sheathe swords. This is the month of Ramadan; the killings must stop from now.”
He said President Jonathan stood ready to dialogue with the insurgents should they express a desire to table their grievances through the appropriate channels.
“We have all been eager for dialogue with them. I have personally been emphasising that dialogue can end the spate of insurgency in this country if allowed to happen. I think the ball is now in the court of the aggrieved insurgents to take the initiative, and the government will be there as always.’’
“If we are to dialogue, we must know who and who to dialogue with. President Jonathan who I know, will offer any rational sacrifice to end the problem of insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. So let the leaders come out to talk with the government,” he said.