Payus Ikponmwen, Forex trader
I don’t think there is any reason for the president to invite them over to discuss anything, he already knows what they want, and he knows the reason for their agitation.
The best thing for him to do is to solve the already existing problems, which is inequality in the country.
Once this part of the county is not being marginalised, I don’t think Sunday and Kanu will be here today, even though they are now, at least, the inequality should be stopped before even calling them. If that is not addressed, then I think the best option or solution is for everybody to find their square roots.
There will be rest of mind and, at least maybe, the killings and the terrorism will stop and even if they continue, those in that region will find a solution to their problems.
Muhammad Hassan, HMD, Medical student
The Buhari Presidency had on several occasions stated that “Nigeria will not negotiate with a terrorist”. They believe that negotiating with such groups implies their face recognition. This makes the choice of a roundtable discussion with the likes of Nnmadi and Igboho more intricate to be considered.
For that reason, their activities have been tagged unlawful and their syndicates declared terrorist organisations by the United Nations.
My opinion on the government’s justification and whether this decision was apt will be a discussion for another day. Hitherto, among all the multifaceted approaches to solving this problem, a non-violent resolution will be the most appreciated option, considering the bitterness of Nigeria now and metastatic character of hostilities being experienced across various edges of the country. Yes, peaceful negotiation has proved effective in quenching similar problems in the country before.
A notable example is President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s amnesty for MEND’s menace in the Niger Delta, with amnesty as a product of the roundtable for peace to reign in the region. However, I will oppose the idea of President Buhari dining with such individuals, first, for the likes of Kanu. He must never be seen rewarded, choosing to use violence, civil disobedience, hate speech and rebellion to driving home their agenda, instead of other peaceful, diplomatic and democratic devices available.
As a recognised threat to national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria, any attempt to legitimise their approach will undermine other actors who have pursued political change through peaceful means.
Secondly, talking with such organization, makes the country appear weak and intimidated by their threat of violence, it can unpredictably destabilize the negotiating governments’ political atmosphere, and set a dangerous precedent.
Nigeria is experiencing hyperinflation – Akinlolu, tax expert
Peter Kamba, Teacher
Well, as for me I don’t think that is necessary to do that. The President knows what they are agitating for, hence they should check the reasons for their agitation and check where they have gone wrong. But that still that doesn’t mean they should not be held responsible for their actions because they have led many youths astray and some people must have died as a result to this. So, I think they should face the law accordingly, so as not to produce such kind of people in the society again. If measures are not taken, I am assured more of such will occur, which will be bad for the society. All we should pray for is peace, harmony, and for God to bless our leaders with wisdom to address such sensitive issues.
Monday Enejo (retd.)Police Officer
The President may invite these two men for discussion. There is nothing like peace. The President is the father of all, and it is not a bad idea for a father to call two of his children and ask them the reason they want to be on their own and why do they want to leave. I see no harm in that. In fact, that should be the first thing the President would have done before escalating to this extent.
Inequality, unfairness might have led to what they are demanding for. If the President is the father of all and not the father of sectional part of the country, he should invite them and there is nothing too big for peace to reign. No sacrifice is too big for peace, because the country is better and would be better when we are together. But there should fairness and equality. To me, even though I’m from the North, there is injustice, there is imbalance with some parts of this country.
Josh Chiwar Lecturer
No! The Federal Government shouldn’t give such people amnesty. They should be in confinement for rehabilitation. I do not think giving them amnesty consideration is the best option now. Amnesty should not be the talk of the day. How are we sure that these people have truly repented? The Federal Government should make effort for these individuals to be investigated. I still insist that the best bet for them remains rehabilitation. This is to enable them know the weight of what they have done. Some of these people have been brainwashed, they have to be told the truth.
Patrick Sunday, Security personnel
Our leaders are truly the cause of our present situation in this country. They are responsible for all the troubles we are experiencing, so, they should be able to amend it because they are our leaders and it is part of their responsibility to fix the problem. Their decisions and policies are not compatible with those of the citizens. They don’t make good decisions and they don’t have good advisers. So, this is the time they have to make things right, and whatever or whichever way they have to go, they should, and do the best they can.
