News: Jonathan Declares Amnesty for Boko Haram Members- Minister of Youth Development

Before you read this, please note that a source at the Nigerian Presidency has denied this story. All the same, local media reports have quoted the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, on Thursday as saying that President Goodluck Jonathan has announced amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect as parts of his administration’s youths-friendly programmes and policies.

Haruna reportedly disclosed this at a special event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” to mark the nation’s Democracy Day in Abuja. The minister said:

 “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 into the amnesty programme.”

But journalist Fidelis says he spoke to a source at the Nigeria presidency who has refuted reports of the amnesty offer to Boko Haram. Abati, Reno Omokri are yet to say anything.

Fidelis