Popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, Aisha Wakil, a Nigerian lawyer, one of the three persons declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on Sunday over their roles in the Boko haram activities in Nigeria has opened up.
Ms Wakil said she is available for interrogations as the Nigerian army knows her very well right from former President, Goodluck Jonathan's administration.
“They know me very well. Right from [former President Goodluck] Jonathan’s time. I am not hiding,” Ms. Wakil said.
Ms. Wakil was amongst the three individuals, including journalist, Ahmad Salkida and Ahmed Bolori, a peace negotiator based in Maiduguri, declared wanted on allegations that they had ties to the Boko Haram sect.
Her words:
"I am Aisha Alkali Wakil.
I understand that the military declared me, Ahmed Silkida 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 & 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.
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.
Though they may not appreciate all my efforts to profer peaceful solutions to the menace of bh, my name should not be mudslinged nor my character defamed.
Thank you
Aisha Alkali Wakil"