Oritsejafor kicks against government’s dialogue with Boko Haram

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has kicked against any form of dialogue between the Federal Government and radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram. Mr Oritsejafor who also urged Nigerians to stop harbouring criminals who have been bombing and killing innocent people in the name of religion said that holding any form of dialogue with such groups as the Boko Haram could give room to the disintegration of the Nigeria. Addressing journalists shortly after delivering a sermon at the 46th annual convention of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria in Kaduna, Mr Oritsejafor said that for the continued corporate existence of the country the government should no longer condone any group threatening the security of lives and property of Nigerians. He enjoined all Nigerians to join hands with the government to ensure that those who have continued to kill innocent citizens and unleash violence on the people no longer have any hiding place from the arms of the law. The CAN President also restated his earlier calls asking Christians to defend themselves against any attack on them, insisting that there was nothing wrong in asking Christians to protect themselves from being killed by those he called “murderers.” PUNCH newspaper had earlier reported that the federal government have concluded plans to begin a “mediated dialogue” with the sect. The Federal Government’s decision is coming on the heels of a statement issued by the spokesman of Boko Haram, Abul Qaqa, on Wednesday, saying that the sect would no longer hold talks with the government. Mediated dialogue is a form of indirect talks between two hostile parties, facilitated by a third party. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for a series of bombings and attacks on public institutions and the uniformed services in the Northern part of the country.