By Chris RICHARDS with agency Reports
Following her declaration as a wanted person by the Nigerian Army, Ms Aisha Wakil, one of the three persons declared wanted over their alleged roles in the Boko Haram activities in Nigeria has opened up saying she is available for interrogations. A lawyer by training, Wakil claims that the Nigerian army knows her very well right from former President, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration days as having links to Boko Haram elements, saying, “They know me very well. Right from [former President Goodluck] Jonathan’s time, I am not hiding,”. nationalTRAIL findings reveals that, Ms. Wakil was amongst some Nigerians earlier named as possible intercessors in negotiations with Boko Haram, and has played active roles in such negotiations especially on behalf of the Borno state Government. She along with the three individuals, including a journalist, Ahmad Salkida and Ahmed Bolori, a peace negotiator based in Maiduguri, were declared wanted on allegations that they had ties with the Boko Haram sect, especially in facilitating episionage activities. “I am Aisha Alkali Wakil”, she declared. I understand that the military declared me, Ahmed Salkida and Ahmed Bolori wanted for having links with Boko Haram. It’s interesting, now they believe me? I know the Boko Haram
boys. I have been in front fighting for peace long before Chibok girls were kidnapped. Nigerian security knows me too well, I’m not shady. Why declaring me wanted? “I have had meetings with Chief of Army staff and his people. I told them the way forward, to allow me come with some commanders of Boko Haram and discuss with them, present the release of CBGs but they chose to do things their own ways only and never gave considerations to any of my suggestions”, she added. “I want to inform the Nigerian people of my innocence and make them realise that I am in constant relation with the security personnel and they know where to find me but wonder why I had to be declared wanted on national news
even mentioning my husband’s name alongside. This has put my immediate and extended family under a lot of pressure and I do not deserve this from the Nigerian government.” According to her, “Though they may not appreciate all my efforts to proffer peaceful solutions to the menace of Boko Haram, my name should not be mud slinged nor my character defamed”, she was quoted to have said. Efforts to speak with the other two persons declared wanted along with Wakil, Messers Ahmed Salkida and Bolori were not successful, but sources said the duo may also come up with their defenses before turning themselves in to the military for interrogations.
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