A video has re-emerged on social media showing the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, saying that repentant Boko Haram terrorists can become Nigerian president, a day after Presidency’s defence of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, over his past radical pro-Taliban comments.
The army commander stated this on July 21, 2019 during an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
“Boko Haram should lay their arms unconditionally and be accepted. Opportunities are out there for them, they can be rehabilitated.
“An ex Boko Haram having laid his arms and turned away from his negativity, stands to be a president of this country; he stands to aspire to any position in this country. Why is he wasting his time when he cannot even deliver?” Biu had said.
The video which was obtained from Channels Television website, has resurfaced online following a statement by presidential aide, Garba Shehu, on Thursday that the Muhammadu Buhari administration stands with Pantami.
WITHIN NIGERIA earlier reported the Presidency reaction to Pantami’s alleged link to terrorism. The statement reads: “Today, there is an unfortunate fashion in public discourse that makes leaders in politics, religion, and civil society liable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later rejected them.