Dreaded sect, Boko Haram, says it is no longer interest in engaging in dialogue with the government.
Rather, the sect has declared a war on the government.
Boko Haram’s spokesperson, Abu Qaqa, said this on Tuesday during a teleconference with newsmen in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Qaqa said: “Not long ago, President Goodluck Jonathan made a public statement urging us to come forward for dialogue. He also said we should make our demands clear with a view to resolving the protracted problem in the country.
“The first condition we gave was the unconditional release of all our members. There was initial meeting between us and the government and in the process, one of our members, Abu Dardaa, was arrested in Kaduna.
“Since then, we never trusted the government. However, following endless pleas by some notable Nigerians, whom we have enormous respect for, we resolved to give dialogue another chance.
“These people said they would intercede between us and the government. they said they had the capacity and we trusted them. Unfortunately, however, the opportunity was messed up.
“In fact, we have closed all possible doors of negotiation. We would never listen to any call for negotiations. Let the government forces do whatever they feel they can do, while we also use our wherewithal to do what we can.
“If the government thinks arresting our members will discourage us from launching onslaught, then let them continue arresting and killing our members.
“We strongly believe that Almighty Allah will give us the power to catch and prosecute government forces. We are optimistic that we would dismantle this government and establish Islamic government in Nigeria.
“Let the Federal Government and its agents do what they can and we in return would also do what we can. The noble prophet Mohammed was also tried and tested during the war of Uhud. He persevered and at the end of the day, he emerged victorious.
“The fact is that we don’t have an element of doubt in our minds that one day, we would surely emerge victorious from this onerous encounter.
“The white man killed prominent Islamic clerics and emirs, and also replaced the white Islamic flag with the Union Jack. We want all our people to come together and restore our lost glory.
“Journalists should not to be deterred. Journalists must adhere to the ethics of their professional calling because all over the world, everybody knows the role of a journalist. Journalists must remain courageous.”