Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram - Politics - Nairaland
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| Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by Mrchippychappy(m): 7:11am On Apr 03, 2013 |
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/onaiyekan-consider-amnesty-for-boko-haram/#comment-381589 The calls for amnesty for extremist group, Boko Haram, received a boost yesterday. The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, implored the Federal Government to consider the possibility. Though the cleric gave some conditions that must be met before the amnesty is granted, he urged the government to address poverty and corruption before a meaningful turnaround can be achieved. He warned the government on the precarious nature of state pardon for some convicted persons. Onaiyekan, in his Easter message, said: “As regards the case of an offer of amnesty to Boko Haram, I believe that we should not discard the consideration of such amnesty. “Faced with an intractable problem, we have to explore all possible avenues of solution. “The security response in terms of arms, gadgets and trained personnel is useful and necessary, but obviously not enough on its own. “The Federal Government will do well to reach out to all political forces and currents, so that the nation can be on the same political page and jointly address this common menace. “Poverty and unemployment, which are cited as excuses, need to be addressed – and this boils down to the critical issue of good governance at all levels. “The call for amnesty would seem to me quite appropriate and even necessary. “I see the call of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, as an invitation to further discussion and dialogue among Nigerians to sharpen the focus of government action in this matter. “That discussion has started, for which we should thank the Sultan and his courageous proposal.” He listed dialogue as a condition to be met by the group. This, he said, include repentance and amendment. “Before it is eligible for any amnesty, Boko Haram must at least admit that it was wrong to kill innocent people, whatever may have been its grievances. “If this is not done, it could well continue to feel that it did the right thing and perhaps, it is the rest of us who ought to beg it for pardon. “As for amendment, it is impossible to bring back the dead. “But at least a gesture of repentance and apology goes a long way to assuage the sorrow, the hurt and wounds of those who have been hurt and bereaved. “In such a dialogue, government would be well advised to involve the right kind of people, across board. It should certainly include religious leaders. “Furthermore, we need not wait for every terrorist to surrender before engaging those who are ready to repent and reconcile,” he said. On state pardon for convicted persons, the cleric opined that it is an issue that must be carefully weighed by the government in such a way that the laws of the land would not be compromised. Moreover, he posited that to grant state pardon, some level of genuine repentance and sincere readiness to make amendments must be established. “Boko Haram may claim to have all kinds of grievances. But the fact is that it has killed innocent people. “How does the state forgive murderers? How can the government grant amnesty to people who have killed innocent citizens, some in their places of worship? “The pardon to politicians who have been convicted of criminal misuse of power and massive corruption raises the issue whether the state should pardon someone who has stolen public funds. “Obviously, the state must handle very carefully whatever powers it has to forgive criminals, otherwise the whole structure of law and order in the society will be seriously compromised. “There may be political considerations but these cannot be allowed to overthrow moral imperatives. “This does not mean that the state cannot forgive moral wrong doing. “It has been done in other countries that claim a high level of democratic culture. “But it seems to me that in order to do this, there must be at least two conditions, namely genuine repentance and a sincere effort to make amendments. “Let us see how this applies to the two cases under discussion.” |
| Re: Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by badmarket: 7:21am On Apr 03, 2013 |
Peace and oneness we seek. |
| Re: Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by Mrchippychappy(m): 7:21am On Apr 03, 2013 |
“As for amendment, it is impossible to bring back the dead. The thinking faculty of some of these neanderthals who parade themselves as leaders is astonishing . Can you imagine how stupid and selfish he sounds ? If this had happen to a close relative or one of his family member would he still be asking for the FG to grant amnesty (AKA give money) to the boko haram sect for murdering innocent civilians ? Some of these so called elders should keep shut if they don't know what to say . How would any person in his right mind call for the FG to pay boko haram for murdering innocent people . “As for amendment, it is impossible to bring back the dead. Just imagine the rude and reckless way a so called "Man of God" addressed the victims of the Boko haram sect , Utter disregard and no sympathy whatsoever for them . Na wa o!! “Before it is eligible for any amnesty, Boko Haram must at least admit that it was wrong to kill innocent people, whatever may have been its grievances. Ohhh and when boko haram "admit their wrongs" everyone would go home forget their family members that where murdered and leave happily ever after right ? Just how clueless is this Onaiyekan guy anyway ? Seriously , this guys interview is even worse than the infamous "oga at the top" interview. “Poverty and unemployment, which are cited as excuses, need to be addressed – and this boils down to the critical issue of good governance at all levels. Of course the good old "unemployment" excuse ! I see he is also one of those people who keep playing the good old "unemployment" card . Well i would advise Mr Onayeikan to visit the South east for a start and then the South west then the south south . FYI THERE ARE NO JOBS NATIONWIDE !!! But you don't see Southern youths bombing up the whole place . This "unemployment" excuse is played out and it just wouldn't work again , But of course Mr Onaiyekan wouldn't know that considering how clueless he is. |
| Re: Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by mike404(m): 7:32am On Apr 03, 2013 |
He should resign with immediate effect  |
| Re: Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by takedat(m): 7:34am On Apr 03, 2013 |
. |
| Re: Cardinal John Onaiyekan : Consider Amnesty For Boko Haram by Tigerhead: 7:39am On Apr 03, 2013 |
The result of not having sex for decades? This is why I never bother with clerics. Listen to the total insensitivity in this fools statement. 1 Like |
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