THE Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-East Zone, which was set up following the bomb attacks by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, yesterday submitted its final report, asking President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the grant of amnesty to members of the sect wishing to surrender their arms to the Federal government.

The committee submitted its report on a day the security agencies commenced manhunt for suspected Boko Haram members who may have sneaked into Abuja to carry out suicide bomb attack on a national asset to dent the nation’s 51st Independence anniversary celebrations.

The Federal Government panel headed by Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, recommended that “the Federal Government should fundamentally, consider the option of dialogue and negotiation which should be contingent upon the renunciation of all forms of violence and surrender of arms to be followed by rehabilitation”.

The committee also told Vice President Namadi Sambo, who received the final report on behalf of President Jonathan that the Jaamatus Ahlus Sunnah Lid Daawatis Wal Jihad, aka Boko Haram, has nominated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III or his representative; the Emir of Bauchi and Sheik Abubakar Gero Argungu, as its representatives in any federal government team that will negotiate with its members.

Source - http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/boko-haram-fg-panel-calls-for-amnesty/