Boroh advocates peace subjects in schools, establishment of amnesty programmes

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd)has urged state governments to establish their own amnesty programmes in order to engender peace in the face of different crises in parts of the country.

In a press statement issued in Abuja, he said different parts of the country have up till now, experienced conflicts, urging state governments to emulate the government of Benue State, which has granted amnesty to agitators in the state.

He commended the Federal Government for keeping the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme on track, and for the “iron clad determination to exterminate terrorism in the country, particularly by the Boko Haram sect.”

He also implored Nigerians, as well as the international community to spare a thought for internally displaced persons in the North East, and help government in rebuilding the region.

“Let me state that peace is not given and must not be taken for granted; it is like crops that need to be planted, watered and cultured with care before they can germinate and be harvested; I urge all Nigerians to work for peace by sowing its seeds all over the country.

“There are armed groups in some states willing to disarm and I appeal to the governments of such states to emulate the Benue State government that has in place, a comprehensive amnesty programme. The Federal Government alone cannot carry out such a programme in every part of the country,” he explained.

Boroh also advised that schools should inculcate the spirit of peaceful resolution of issues in children; and that tertiary institutions should have courses in peace building, conflict prevention and resolution.

“On a general level, it is in the interest of humanity to resolve conflicts and build peace because, like the refugee crises and the tidal waves of immigrants falling on European shores have shown, crisis in one part of the world, has implications for peace in all parts of the world. All human beings should be peace advocates and fight collectively for a world at peace with nature and itself,” he said.