Date: 2013-04-03

THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has joined the call for consideration of amnesty programme for members of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, by the Federal Government as a way to bring about peace, which has eluded the North and gradually creeping into other parts of the country.

Speaking at the opening of the 2013 biennial continuing legal education retreat for members of the association in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Tuesday, chairman of Ilorin branch of the NBA, Mr Raufu Balogun, opined the amnesty should be granted if it would abate the wanton destruction of life and property occasioned by the sect.

“Whether the Boko Haram are faceless or unknown should not constitute a stumbling block to the settlement process. We need to get the killing of innocent Nigerians behind us as soon as possible,” he said.

The NBA leader, who said efforts of the Federal Government, through the Joint Task Force operations to curb the menace were yet to yield desired result, as he queried “why then can we not exploit other means, if it would bring a lasting peace to the region?”

Balogun charged political class to find solution to problems militating against growth and development of the country, come up with policies that would alleviate suffering among Nigerians, rather than being preoccupied with agenda on how to remain in power.

He also appealed to the Federal Government not to implement the purported plan of fuel price increase in the interest of the downtrodden of the country.

Balogun said the country was still battling with problems such as insecurity, unemployment, epileptic power supply and corruption, adding that SURE-P scheme was not transparent enough.