The Federal government is not ruling out a political solution to the cases involving self-determination agitators namely Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami said on Wednesday.
Although no such proposal has been brought to the Federal government, Malami however said government is not averse to considering it if proposed by anybody or group.
Igboho – the Yoruba nation promoter – escaped being arrested by security operatives from his Ibadan home and fled to the Republic of Benin, where is being detained.
Kanu, who was accused of engaging in activities capable of destabilising the country, has been charged with terrorism and treasonable felony.
His trial on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court Abuja, and therefore adjourned to January 19, next year.
Malami said: “Well, as far as securities situation is concerned, as far as governance is concerned, and administration, you cannot rule out all possibilities.
“But crime is a crime. When there are criminal under tones associated with certain conduct, you cannot take away the right of the government to take steps with particular regard to ensuring that the people that are in one way or the other operating in breach are brought to book.”
The AGF, who spoke in Abuja, said the issue of pardon is not limited to repentant Boko Haram members, but could be extended to deserving cases.
He said: “Generally speaking, that is why I am telling you that no possibility is ruled out. But then, there has to be an approach for the government to consider.
“So, I cannot be pre-emptive in telling you clearly and out-rightly that reconciliation perhaps, is being considered without an approach to be made.
“It is the approach to be made. If at all any is made, that we will look into for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good fate associated with it, and then perhaps bring about the considerable factors related to the negotiations or otherwise.
“So, it is not a conclusion that one can outright make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation.
“You cannot operate a conciliatory approach in the blues. It is never one sided. There has to be an approach and then a counter concentration.
“So, no approach in that respect is on the table for consideration yet. So, we will cross the bridge when eventually we get to that; when perhaps a type of request is made, we will consider it.”
– Media Report