Boko Haram fighters told they can become president of Nigeria if they lay down their arms

BOKO Haram militants who lay down their arms and embrace peace can be elected president of Nigeria if they chose to according to the general officer commanding the Seventh Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army Major General Abdulmalik Biu.

Speaking in Maiduguri yesterday, Major-General Biu, urged the militants to have a rethink and be patriotic Nigerians by laying down their arms. He pointed out that the insurgents stood to gain a lot if they surrendered, including opportunities to take up leadership positions in the country

General Biu added: “Boko Haram should lay their arms unconditionally and be accepted, as there are opportunities are out there for them, they can be rehabilitated. An ex Boko Haram fighter having laid his arms and turned away from his negativity, stands to be a president of this country, he stands to aspire to any position in this country.

“Why is he wasting his time when he cannot even deliver? As a professional soldier we would continue to do what we know best and that is to project our determined effort.

"We would not be distracted by some of the activities of our detractors and some of the collaborators. Nigeria deserves peace, the northeast deserves peace and the people of Borno deserve peace because it is only when there is peace there will be development.”