BY OKEY NDIRIBE
ABUJA—The Federal Government yesterday,  initiated  moves to hold talks  with the dreaded Da’awatis Jihad group, also known as “Boko Haram”.  The FG inaugurated  an  eight  man panel to commence  the peace talks.

Among the committee members are three Ministers including, Chief  Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and  Productivity; Bala Muhammed, Federal Capital Territory and Bello  Mohammed, Minister of Defence.

Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume  is also on  the list, but the committee is headed  by Amb Usman Gaji Galtimari. Other members  are Col Musa Shehu (Rtd), Joe Kyari Gadzama and Abdullahi Shehu from office of the SGF who was  appointed to serve as secretary.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim inaugurated the committee in Abuja,  with a charge to the members to review all issues of security challenges in the zone and proffer solutions/recommendations which would bring a speedy resolution to the crisis.

Anyim told the team to liase with the National Security Adviser to ensure that the security services discharge their respective assignments with optimal professionalism.

They were also urged to ascertain the true state of affairs as well as consult with relevant stakeholders where the need arises.

The committee is expected to complete the assignment and report back to the Federal Government with its recommendations by August 16th, 2011.

Despite calls from various interest groups urging the presidency not to open talks with the Islamic sect as there was no basis for their demand, government for the first time declared intentions to dialogue with the group last week.