Is this the Way Forward? Jonathan Declares Amnesty for Boko Haram

Boni Haruna, the Minister of Youth Development, made an announcement today Thursday 29th May 2014 that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has declared amnesty for members of Islamist militant sect Boko Haram as part of his administration’s “youths-friendly programmes and policies”.

Punch reports that it was disclosed at an event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” in Abuja, and the minister asks us to embrace the government’s gesture.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme.” he said.

Are we now negotiating with this terrorist group? BellaNaijarians, is this truly the way forward?