The Federal Government has been asked by the World Institute for Peace not to pardon terrorists and criminals.
The warning comes as reports of bandit kingpins calling for amnesty in North-Western regions.
WIP Country Director Lamina Omotoyosi made the call during the institute’s International Peace Conference on Sunday that the government should use more resources to expel terrorists and outlaws from the nation rather than offering amnesty.
He stated:
“If we want this country to grow, the government shouldn’t say people will talk if we do this. Government should close their eyes and do what is right.
“The government must say that this is right and should be done.
“Recently, I heard that one of the former governors of Zamfara pleaded for the government to give amnesty to bandits. There were also reports on Sunday that the bandit kingpins in North-West states are clamouring for amnesty. On what basis? For what purpose?
“There should be no amnesty granted to bandits. On what basis would the government give amnesty to bandits? I plead with the Federal Government not to amnesty bandits.
“The Government should use the military. The military is capable of facing any security threat. The criminals want amnesty because of the military onslaught. They bandits cannot be trusted. Military operations against terrorists should be well funded.”
The government must end hunger, according to Ambassador Pradeep Sapkota, guest speaker at the conference, in order to effectively combat insecurity.
cc: Punch Ng
