We will only negotiate with Boko Haram from the position of strength – Presidency

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja said government would only negotiate with Boko Haram from the position of strength, not weakness.

Adesina, who was reacting to comments on interview he granted to a foreign media on the subject matter, said President Muhammadu Buhari was resolute and poised to win the war against insurgency.

He said that already, Federal Government and its allies had since put machinery in motion for the final onslaught on terrorist within and beyond Nigeria.

He, however, noted that if Boko Haram opted for negotiation, the government would not be averse to it.

According to him, most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table.

“Most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table.

“So, if Boko Haram opts for negotiation, the government will not be averse to it. Government will, however, not be negotiating from a position of weakness, but that of strength.

“The machinery put in place, and which will be set in motion soon, can only devastate and decapitate insurgency.

“It is multinational in nature, and relief is on the way for Nigeria and her neighbours.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is resolute. He has battled and won insurgency before; he is poised to win again.

“It is a promise he made to Nigerians, and he is a promise keeper.

“But I say again, if the insurgents want to negotiate, no decent government will be averse to such,” he said, adding,
“didn’t the Taliban and Americans also negotiate in Afghanistan?,’’ he concluded