It was not a happy moment for the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee (formally known as Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in North) when the members came face-to-face with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

CAN, which has been resolute in opposing any form of dialogue with the Islamic insurgents, pointedly told the 28-member committee that it is wasting its time. Newly re-elected CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, went ahead to inform the committee that Christians would not accept any recommendations they may make at the end of their ongoing dialogue with Boko Haram.

Before the bombshell from Oritsejafor, chairman of the committee, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, had explained that they were visiting CAN as a critical stakeholder in the peace process and solicited for the association’s support.

“We are not only soliciting for your understanding; we are only soliciting for your support and that of the Christian community in Nigeria; we are not only soliciting for your advice and suggestions on how to go about the work of this committee, we most fundamentally sir, seeking for your cooperation and that of the Christian community in Nigeria,” Turaki had said.

Turaki, who is also Nigeria’s Minister of Special Duties, said that the meeting was called to get CAN’s views on the peace process with a view to reflecting them in the committee’s recommendations to the Federal Government.

However, Oritsejafor in his response declared that Nigerian Christians have no confidence in the composition of the committee or its mission and would not accept any recommendation from it. His words:

“Having regards to the terms of reference of your committee in dealing with issues of national security and in accordance with section 10 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and in view of the constitutional provision for Federal Character, we consider the composition of this committee lopsided and unacceptable

‘We further note that Boko Haram, having been declared a terrorist organisation and proscribed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the work of your committee has been overtaken by events

“From the aforementioned, it is our belief that any report emanating from your committee will not be credible and acceptable to the Christian community.”

Other CAN top shots who attended the meeting include the newly elected Vice-President, Rev. Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle, who is also Head of the Baptist Convention; CAN General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake; Primate of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Heads of Blocs of CAN, National Directors, Executive members of Christian Lawyers Fellowship and other national and state officers of the association.

•Photo shows CAN President Oritsejafor.

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