Obasanjo's Talks with Boko Haram Revealed by Gumi

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric, disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo engaged in discussions with Boko Haram representatives in Maiduguri, Borno State, during which the insurgents expressed a willingness to surrender their weapons. Gumi claimed that the initiative collapsed due to the government's failure to act on the commitments made during these talks.

He stated that Obasanjo personally informed him about his involvement in these early negotiations with Boko Haram, expressing disappointment over the government's reluctance to take action afterward. Gumi advocated for dialogue with armed groups, questioning why such negotiations are deemed unacceptable in Nigeria when they have been utilized in resolving conflicts globally.

He urged the Federal Government to create a security strategy tailored to Nigeria's unique circumstances rather than conforming to international expectations, suggesting a six-month amnesty window for insurgents to lay down their arms if he were in a presidential position.