The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said the Federal Government was not ruling out the possibility of a political solution to the cases involving Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra. (IPOB) and Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho).
Malami said although no such proposal was currently before the Federal Government, the government would consider it if any body or group comes up with such a proposal.
“Well, as far as securities situation is concerned, as far as governance is concerned, and administration, you cannot rule out all possibilities.
“But crime is a crime. When there are criminal under tones associated with certain conduct, you cannot take away the right of the government to take steps with particular regard to ensuring that the people that are in one way or the other operating in breach are brought to book,” Malami said.
Malami, who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, said the issue of pardon was not limited to repentant Boko Haram members but could be extended to deserving cases.
“Generally speaking, that is why I am telling you that no possibility is ruled out. But then there has to be an approach for the government to consider.
“So, I cannot be pre-emptive in telling you clearly and outrightly that reconciliation perhaps is being considered without an approach to be made.
“It is the approach to be made. If at all any is made that we will look into for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good fate associated with it, and then perhaps bring about the considerable factors related to the negotiations or otherwise.
“So it is not a conclusion that one can outrightly make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation.
“You cannot operate a conciliatory approach in the blues. It is never one sided. There has to be an approach and then a counter concentration.
“So, no approach in that respect is on the table for consideration yet. So we will cross the bridge when eventually we get to that; when a perhaps a type of request is made, we will consider it,” Malami said.
On why the Mambila Power Project was still being held down, Malami said the remaining obstacle to the project has been removed.
He said the arbitration commenced against Nigeria by Sunrise Power Transmission Company of Nigeria Ltd has been discontinued.
