I humbly wish to communicate the views of the majority of the citizen. The entire people of Northern Nigeria are crying for mercy and pleading with you. In my position being a Muslim, I must confess that we are totally disturbed and thrown into confusion; we all wish we have answers to most of the questions being asked! Therefore, we seldom speak for the fear of making unguarded comments publicly.
However, we are pleading with you in the Name of ALLAH, THE EXALTED, kindly listen to the voices of the helpless, kindly sheath your swords and allow peace to reign. None of us is happy with the whole situation from the beginning to this moment we are in today, we are frowning at the attitude of the authorities & also condemned the manner the issue if being handled. Though, you are also in a right position to understand our worries & cries.
The commitment you have shown for your believe leaves no one in doubt as to the sincerity towards achieving your mission. A mission which may resonates with many in northern Nigeria. We also appreciate the fact that you have been wronged severally by the law enforcement agents and politicians. The anger which these wrongs have generated is also understandable but we have to say disproportionate. However, we implore you, to kindly restraint a bit further, stop all attacks and offer again to the government as you did before, a cease fire and dialogue. We are also openly declaring here that the government acted in bad faith by breaking the terms as claimed by the Dr. Ahmed Dattis committee.
As you can see, glaringly, Arewa (the North) and her subjects are now being ridiculed, what an opportunity for the enemies!
May I relate that the level of panic & fear induced onto the citizens as a result of your activities is unimaginable! We lose concentration at places of worship because our minds are no more at peace. It has confirmed that statement that says the fear of Boko Haram is the beginning of wisdom. On this note, many of our youths that have agreed to join us to call the government to dialogue with your group, have all opted out for the fear of your attacks.
Finally, we sympathize with all the innocent souls that died at the course of your struggles & may the powerful words of ALLAH make pliable your minds & allow peace to reign.
BE PATIENT, BE PATIENT, BE PATIENT!
Ibrahim Garba Wala
President, Northern Summit Group,Abuja, Nigeria.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE, 30TH APRIL 2012:
