The village head of Shehuri in person of Alhaji Mohammed Gujja Abubakar has expressed his willingness to be part of a process set up by government to promote reconciliation reintegration and rehabilitation in the North East.
The traditional ruler stated this at the state consultation on promoting of reconciliation through Transitional Justice in Yobe State. He said although his biological son was killed among the students of Federal Government College Buni Yadi attack in 2014, an incident which is difficult for him to forget but he has made up his mind to forgive them saying “if the killer of my son appears today I will forgive him”.
While discouraging the idea of bringing the repentant insurgents directly into the community which according to him is an act bound to be rejected by members of the community, Alhaji Abubakar emphasised the need to adopt a system of reintegrating them through the traditional leaders who are also the custodians of culture and who also knows everything and every household in the community.
Alhaji Abubakar also reiterated the need to empower those victims who are directly affected by insurgency especially the ones that are living in abject poverty as a result of the unfortunate situation. This is a major way to win the heart of the oppressed towards forgiveness, he added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks at the occasion, the representative of the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Babangida Labaran who is also the Yobe State coordinator, stated that the project will foster human development and progress as well as accountability for human rights violations.
According to him, the successful implementation of the project will bring healing to communities and victims, especially those that have suffered losses. He further stated that the project will ensure the creation of permanent framework for transitional justice and reconciliation.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Yobe State, who is also the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Khadijah Mohammed Alkali, stated that the ministry will support the project in order to ensure its full implementation.
She also suggested that the dialogue with the communities and the repentant insurgents in the process of reintegration is key, adding that the surrendered insurgents should be protected from unnecessary intimidation and victimisation.
Barr. Baba Shehu Modu Legal Officer (Ministry of Religion Affairs) said the Ministry is in full support of promotion, reconciliation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram.
However, he expressed worries about the difficulties that may be encountered in the process. He also said the ministry will render all the necessary assistance needed as it has representatives in all communities and wards across the state. He assured that the representatives from the ministry will help disseminate the message of peace and also find the need to forgive each other as always.
Other participants at the occasion include representatives of CSOs, Women and youth leaders, religious leaders from the Muslim and Christian faith etc.
