Gov Aliyu Seeks Support For Amnesty Plan For Boko Haram

Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger has called on the speakers of the 19 Northern states to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed amnesty programme for members of the Boko Haram sect.

He made the call on Saturday in Minna, at the 24th Forum of Speakers of the 19 Northern States.

“The President needs to be supported and encouraged by all Nigerians to succeed in the effort aimed at finding solution to the insecurity challenges bedevilling the nation,“ the governor said.

He said amnesty was a good step toward resolving the insecurity and stressed the need to explore other avenues.

The governor said there might be international dimensions to the issues of Boko Haram and urged the relevant authorities to look into that aspect.

Aliyu identified child abuse as a major problem in the north, adding that the almajiri education must be integrated into? formal school system.

He urged the speakers to go back to their various constituencies and articulate development plans for education, security, agriculture and health services.

Alhaji Adamu Usman, Speaker, Niger House of? Assembly, urged his colleagues to give priority to passage of bills that would boost development. (NAN)