The elder statesmen have asked the federal government to oversee the rehabilitation of the freed suspects.

The deputy senate president in the second republic, Abubakar Dan-Musa has commended President Goodluck Jonathan‘s decision to release detained Boko Haram suspects, saying it is a welcome development.

Mr. Dan-Musa, however, urged Mr. Jonathan to ensure that the rehabilitation, resettlement and re-orientation of the released suspects would be the responsibility of the Federal Government.

“I welcome the decision but hope their rehabilitation, resettlement and re-orientation will be the responsibility of the federal government as was the case in the Niger-Delta situation because their states may not have the capabilities to shoulder such challenge.

“When released, they should be well taken care of, thought skills to be self reliant and given some money to operate small scale businesses. The states should play a supervisory role in the re-integration project. I think if this is done the country will see a change for better in our security situation,” the former lawmaker said.

Another northern leader, Bashir Tofa, a former presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention, NRC, commended the president’s decision as “the most practical and workable measure” in light of the endemic insecurity in the North.

“The strategy shows strength and magnanimity at the same time. I hope other innocent citizens who have been languishing in jails on mere suspicion will be immediately released in the interest of justice,” Mr. Tofa said.

He, however, pleaded with the leadership of the Boko Haram sect to reciprocate the gesture in a positive way so that peace can return in the North and the country at large.