Nigeria: Intrigues Over Obasanjo's Boko Haram Peace Deal

Daily Trust
22 October 2011

Nigeria: Intrigues Over Obasanjo's Boko Haram Peace Deal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has drafted what insiders say is a comprehensive plan aimed at providing lasting solution to the Boko Haram crisis, but he is facing stiff opposition from rejectionists at the top echelon of the government, sources involved in the matter told Weekly Trust.

Obasanjo's peace deal, which he wants President Goodluck Jonathan to implement, includes offer of amnesty to Boko Haram followers; compensation to families of killed sect leaders and other victims of the sect's violence; rebuilding of destroyed homes of sect followers; as well as special fund allocations to some states to tackle poverty and unemployment.

However, there are indications that the proposals, especially as regards dialogue and granting amnesty to the sect members, have set the former president at loggerheads with top-notch government men who feel the sect does not deserve any kid-gloves approach. Indeed, the former president is said to be angry with Jonathan, who initially appeared to have bought into the proposals only to back out later without explanations.