Federal Government accepts Boko Haram’s offer of dialogue

The Federal Government has said it was prepared to dialogue with dreaded sect, Boko Haram.
The position of the Federal Government was stated by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Friday.
Abati said the position tallies with the earlier promise by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to dialogue with the sect once the offer is genuine.
Abati said: “I have seen the story in which the Boko Haram is reportedly declaring a ceasefire and the opening of dialogue.
“If what the proposed ceasefire is intended to achieve are the objectives of peace and security, then it is a welcome development.
“President Jonathan had made it clear that if the people behind Boko Haram are ready to come forward, and table their grievances, then government will be willing to listen.”
Boko Haram had on Thursday said it was prepared for dialogue with the government.
It named former Head of State, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, as the head of its proposed delegation to the talks.
It also demanded that the talks be held in Saudi Arabia.