Sultan of Sokoto calls for dialogue

Speaking at an iftar dinner organised for journalists in his palace, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111, said dialogue is the key to resolving the Boko-Haram issue.

The Sultan said he was ready to represent the federal government in the negotiations, if appointed.

He said "We are ready to go anywhere to talk to anybody as long as there is a formula of what to be done. We don't have any legal authority to call for dialogue with any insurgent,  the federal government must make the move.”

Adding that "I have said it so many times that no amount of force can defeat insurgents. Dialogue is the best option but we must negotiate on the platform of strength so that there will be peace. You must be stronger than the person you are negotiating with and when the insurgent knows you are stronger, he will listen and agree to your terms and there will be peace.”

Citing examples from around the world, he said "I have seen what happened during my stay in Pakistan for three years. I have seen what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Even the United States of America is talking with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Even Pakistan after fighting Taliban for several years is following the path of dialogue. Why can't we negotiate with Boko Haram and now release some prisoners for the Chibok girls?"

Sultan Abubakar also stated that no price is too much to pay, to restore peace.