The Nigerian government has indicated that it is open to all kinds of solutions, including a political solution in order to resolve the crisis surrounding separatist agitations in the south east and south west parts of the country.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN on Wednesday in Abuja gave the indication in a chat with some journalists.
The AGF who noted that criminal conducts would never go unpunished, however, remarked that the government has been using the amnesty policy to tackle some security challenges in the country and as such, the possibility of a political solution cannot be ruled out.
Malami spoke on other issues including the current controversy between the federal government and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the international arbitration involving Nigeria and Process and Industrial Development (P& ID) company on one hand and Sunflower firm over the Mambila power projects on the other.
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When asked whether the federal government is not disposed to a political solution to the cases of Kanu and Igboho, as being canvassed by some leaders and other stakeholders in the country, Malami noted that although such consideration is not yet on the table, but would not mind taking a shot at it once there is an approach on how to go about it.
‘As far as security situation is concerned and as far as governance and this administration is concerned, you cannot rule out all possibilities’, he said, adding that, “But then there has to be an approach for government to consider.’
He, however, explained that he cannot be pre-emotive this stage by stating clearly and outrightly that reconciliation is being considered without an approach being made.
According to him, it is the approach if at all any was made that the government ‘will look into for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good faith associated with it and then bring about the considerable factors relating to the negotiations or otherwise.
‘So it is not a conclusion that one can outrightly make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation. There has to be an approach and then a counter consideration.’
Malami added that no approach in that respect is on the table for consideration yet, but it is something the government may take a shot at when it gets to that stage.
‘So no approach in that respect is on table for consideration yet. So we’ll cross the bridge when eventually we get to that; when perhaps a type of request is made, we’ll consider,’ he said.
While the federal government has been involved in legal battle with Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria, it is battling to extradite Igboho from Benin Republic to face criminal charges.
However, both Kanu and Igboho have been in the forefront of agitations for breakaway from Nigeria.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
