Northern Christians Elders Forum wants FG to dialogue with Boko Haram

NOCEF chairman, Elder Phillip Olaiya, who dropped this hint in an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, stated that both genuine Christians and Muslims residence in the north are tired of the ongoing violence in the region and are eager to see that hostility is brought to end so that the average northern can go about with their normal life.
Though, he said the military intervention by the Federal Government was necessary as at the time it was constituted, but added that it may not bring peace to the area.
Elder Olaiya who dismissed the call by some group of persons for foreign intervention stated that the insecurity caused by the Boko Haram sect is a Nigerian problem that requires a holistic domestic solution.
According to him, there was the need for government to ensure equal access to opportunities across ethnic and religious lines.
“The Boko Haram issue has to become a Nigerian issue. It doesn’t matter what part of the country I live or my religion. I do not believe that any true Muslim believes that this is what should be happening. I believe that we should stand up to be counted.
“Military intervention can help if it is maintained and sustained to the level that it can contribute to a practical solution. We need to have an end goal. The military solution has to focus on getting Boko Haram to negotiate. As we are pushing military solution, we have to also dialogue; but not dialogue at all cost” he added.
He also advised the military to apply more restrain in the fight against Boko Haram so as to reduce collateral damages.
Elders Olaiya who was visibly worried by the frequent attacks on churches and schools stated that he want Nigerians to see the plight of Christians who now live in their home state with fear, sleeping with one eyes closed never knowing what would happen next.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) gave birth to NOCEF in the 19 northern states to carter for the need of Christians.
“We intend to articulate our stand and state our objectives very clearly. We intend to see how we can promote justice and equity and above all let there be a level playing field for all northerns because we are all Nigerians, Muslims and Christians” he said.
NOCEF chairman noted that the crisis in the north-eastern region might not be entire political as being alleged, saying that most of the attacks are targeted at Christians and the worship centres.
“How many Party Headquarters were attacked? How may politicians were attacked? Who do they refer to as an infidel? Boko Haram members believes that it is the Christians that are infidels. So if Christians are the ones considered as such does that not give you an idea of who they consider as an enemy.
“Muslims are also suffering from this. But we are saying it is lopsided; Christians are suffering more from this. How many Muslims have been the targets of the attacks? How many Muslims have been attacked on their way to the mosque on Friday? It seems as if it is an all-out attack on Christians.
“They try to make Christians believe they are in the minority in the North. And that is not so. All we need to do is to let everybody know that we are a voice that need to be heard.
“The percentage of Christians in the North that are in political leadership is very minute. Do Christians have the opportunity, like others, to build their places of worship? Do some of them sometimes have to change their names so that they can get some things?” he stated