Nigeria Commission to Meet Former Presidents

President Goodluck Jonathan’s special commission to help Nigeria move forward plans to meet Thursday with the nation’s former heads of state. Alhaji Maitama Sule, chairman of the commission, says his group will seek the counsel of the former leaders as part of an effort to resolve the country’s growing political, economic and internal security problems. “These former heads of state had their experience, they therefore know the problems of this country more than most people, and therefore if they can bring their experience, it will help a great deal,” Sule said. “We need their wisdom and above all, we need them to come together…because we expect a lot from them.” “We believe that if we can get together and get ourselves united, we will be able to offer solutions to the problems confronting us, and that is why we want to have this meeting,” Sule said. “If we can bring them [former leaders] together, I’m sure that we will be able to be strong enough to offer solutions to the problems facing the country, and the north in particular.” President Jonathan called on the commission to draw up measures

that would include granting amnesty to members of the militant group, Boko Haram. The group has been accused of carrying out violent attacks in an attempt to force the country to adopt strict Islamic law. Human Rights Watch says Boko Haram-related violence has killed an estimated 3,000 people since 2009, a toll that includes killings by security forces.           Sule, a former Nigerian diplomat, says members of the commission are encouraged by the support they received from Jonathan following the group’s first meeting. continued