ABUJA, Nigeria, March 8 (UPI) -- The Nigerian government approved a committee's recommendation that amnesty be offered to Boko Haram militants if they renounce violence.
The Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North East Zone, set up in September 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate the origins of the Boko Haram crisis, submitted a white paper to the government recommending amnesty for the group, whose name means "Western Education is Forbidden," if it agrees to negotiations and renounces violence, the Lagos Daily Champion reported.
The government Wednesday approved the recommendation after deliberations with the Federal Executive Council, Information Minister Labaran Maku said.
"The federal government should fundamentally consider the option of dialogue and negotiation, which should be contingent upon the renunciation of all forms of violence and surrender of arms to be followed by a rehabilitation program on the side of government," the report stated.
"The federal government should create an informal forum at the highest level, where Mr. President will discuss national security issues with governors and other stakeholders from time to time. Again, there is an urgent need for arranging an informal forum where Mr. President will grant audience to each state governor on one-to-one basis where issues on security could be addressed."
