A Nigerian journalist, and an activist who have been involved in several negotiations with extremist sect, Boko Haram, have expressed doubt over reports Friday that the Nigerian military and Boko Haram agreed a ceasefire.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, an Air Chief Marshal, announced the ceasefire deal Friday and ordered all field officers to comply with the agreement.
Reports say the deal was reached at a meeting involving the Principal Secretary to the President Goodluck Jonathan, Hassana Tukur, a representative of Boko Haram, Danladi Ahmadu, and a representative of the Chadian government.
The reports also said the deal was reached in Ndjamena, the capital of Chad republic.
Journalist, Ahmad Salkida, and activist, Shehu Sani, are known for their access to the Boko Haram group.
Mr. Salkida expressed doubts about the deal with Boko Haram in several tweets Friday.
I guess Nigerians r tired & at such, any news tht offers respite on this protracted war between Nigeria & #BokoHaram is alwys welcomed. 1/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
Sadly anybody tht demised such good news becomes Nigeria’s enemy. But d leadership of #BH r said to be miffed tht a nation of d profile 2/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
and magnitude of Nigeria, wt high level of intelligent pple is being easily encased in deceit & nobody seems to be askng tough questns. 3/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
What is most worrying here is, govt at d highest level & d intelligence formations in #Nigeria has embraced this ‘good news,’ 4/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
this shows lack of understnding of d reality tht this is an ideology tht can only be neutralised after long hardwork tht is yet to start 5/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
this shows lack of understnding of d reality tht this is an ideology tht can only be neutralised after long hardwork tht is yet to start 5/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
It also appears that govt is more interested in shadows and bubbles, than in substance and clear headed engagement wt d #BH ideology 6/6
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
May God help #Nigeria
— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) October 17, 2014
Ahmadu not known to Boko Haram members
On his part, Mr. Sani said his contacts told him Boko Haram members have denied knowing any Mr. Ahmadu as their representative.
“All my attempts to confirm the ceasefire deal did not produce any result. My sources are telling me that they don’t know who that person is,” Mr. Sani said.
He also said for Boko Haram to reach any ceasefire, such information must come from the leader of the group.
“Any statement that is not coming from the leader of the group cannot be said to be credible and will not be complied with by the group members,” he said.
Obviously referring to Abubakar Shekau whom the Nigerian Armed forces said is dead, Mr. Sani said “the leader is the only person they respect and listen to”.
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