Atiku urges Buhari to reconsider his policy of releasing repentant Boko Haram terrorists

FORMER vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against the current practise of releasing repentant terrorists saying it is utopian to think that such men can be de-radicalised so easily.

Under a government amnesty programme, terrorists who lay down their arms are granted a pardon and retrained under a scheme to enable them integrate back into society. However, Alhaji Abubakar has called on the government, to review its policy of releasing so-called repentant terrorists.

He bemoaned the level of insecurity in the country, adding that both Muslim and Christian clerics now officiate funerals more than marriages and child dedications.  Alhaji Abubakar called on the federal government to take bold steps to end unnecessary deaths, because he was tired of issuing condolences following such loss of life.

Alhaji Abubakar added: “I have been travelling all over Nigeria and I meet with both Muslim and Christian clerics who tell me that in the northeast and Middle Belt, they now officiate over more funerals than they do marriages and child dedications. This is heartbreaking and we must do something immediately to change the situation.

“Apart from funding, I advise the federal government to review its policy of releasing so-called repentant terrorists. To think that the government can de-radicalise these individuals in so short a time is wishful thinking.

“Many people, myself included, think that the upsurge in terror activities coming after the release of such detainees is not coincidental. Finally, I urge the National Assembly to take action to appropriate funds for our military on a fast-track basis, as these are desperate times for Nigeria and desperate times call for dedication to duty of all concerned.

“I am tired of issuing condolences for unnecessary deaths. I prefer to make a difference and prevent unnecessary deaths amongst the gallant men and women of our armed forces and the civilian population they took an oath to protect.”