Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised the Federal Government’s continued negotiations and what he described as the appeasement of bandits and terrorists, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security.
In a statement, Adeyanju argued that the practice of negotiating, paying, forgiving, or accommodating armed groups amounted to indirect sponsorship of terrorism and undermines the rule of law.
He maintained that terrorism was not a misunderstanding that could be resolved through dialogue but a grave criminal offence that should be met with arrests, prosecution, and imprisonment.
According to him, “hosting or rewarding terrorists with concessions sends the wrong signal to society and sets a dangerous precedent for the country.
“The idea of forgiving terrorists is alien to any serious state. It sends the message that picking up arms, killing citizens, and destabilising the nation is profitable,” the human rights lawyer said.
Adeyanju added that such a policy would only embolden more individuals to resort to violence, with the expectation of eventual negotiations, amnesty, or compensation.
The Abuja-based legal professional further noted that the crimes committed by terrorists were far more grievous than those attributed to some individuals currently facing prosecution, citing the case of Nnamdi Kanu as an example.
He argued that while Kanu is accused of incitement, he has not physically killed anyone, unlike terrorists who have allegedly slaughtered thousands of Nigerians but are now being courted by the government. [Radio Nigeria]
