THE SEARCH FOR ABDUCTED CHIBOK SCHOOLGIRLS: MATTERS ARISING

Sen. John McCain, a US Senator and former presidential candidate was wrong to have said that the US has the right to send its military into Nigeria to rescue the over 200 Chibok Schoolgirls abducted by Islamist militant group Boko Haram, even if the Nigerian government disapproves.

In an interview with the Daily Beast newspaper, the senator committed diplomatic blunder by declaring that the US should feel no compunction to withhold sending special operations forces to find the kidnapped girls – especially in a country led by “some guy named Goodluck Jonathan”, just as he suggested last week in an interview with CNN. In his words:

“If they knew where they were, I certainly would send in US troops to rescue them, in a New York minute I would, without permission of the host country,” McCain said on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t be waiting for some kind of permission from some guy named Goodluck Jonathan,” he declared, in reference to our President. Thank God, McCain is not President of United States of America. By now, he would have instigated third world war. Besides, his confessions of not knowing the whereabouts of the abducted Chibok Schoolgirls expose his ignorance of the situation and handicap in matters of serious international concern like terrorism. That the entire world is worried and desirous to Bring Back Our Girls is no gainsaying. That the world must queue behind Nigeria in search and rescue of the Chibok Schoolgirls is undisputable. John McCain reasoning can be compared to that of John Adams, the greatest American Secretary of State, who eleven years before the declaration of independence captured America’s assumption that she has a redemptive mission not only in its own hemisphere but also throughout the world. In the words of Adams:

“I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of grand scene in Providence fir the illumination of the ignorant, and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth”.

On the other hand, Alexander Hamilton, who can be said to represent the minority opinion in the US cautions against exceptionalism, a theory that tries to see America as different from the other nations, a people selected to SAVE the world. According to Hamilton, “Idle theories which have amused us with promises of an exception from the imperfection, weakness and evils incident to society in every shape”.

The matter is that John McCain is overwhelmed by Adams’ postulation. The trouble also is that American foreign policy over the years has tended to act out Adams’ vision, though with limited success but maximum cost for America. Examples include Mexico, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Korea, Germany, and Iraq. There was Grenada and Afghanistan. Although, majority of Americans rejected Hamilton’s postulation and romanced with the Adams’ ideology, Herman Melville, a great American novelist was to warn that the vision of a world of possibilities was false, “Everything is impure, even America, and everything is limited, even American possibilities”. The limit of America possibilities was reflected in his statement, “If they knew where they were…? If we know where our girls are, do we need America and its allies to rescue them? If the Malaysian authority knows the whereabouts of the missing Malaysian plane will they have wasted time and efforts shouting to the world for help?   

Although, American foreign policy seems to tow the lines of the vision of Adams, McCain is unaware that it is currently haunted by the cautions of Hamilton and Melville. Agreed, the warning against the quest for perfection has never been part of rhetoric of American foreign policy, especially as it seems to be recording successes – the fall of colonialism, end to World War 11, free trade regime, the defeat of communism, victory over the Cold War, the exportation of democracy and now the maneuvering to rule the world as its President-General.

Like John McCain, many Americans think America is a special country with a special mission. But, the rest of the world knows that suspicion is the greatest deficit facing America. It supports and later attacks allies. China, Mexico, etc. are living examples. In Nigeria, America must act to restore credibility and prove it had acted so in the days of enmity, when the free-world was at war with communism.

Boko Haram warlord, Abubakar Shekau’s video claiming responsibility for the abduction of the Chibok Schoolgirls and threatening to sell them into slavery galvanized global concern and motivated united reaction. By directly touching on human trafficking in women, child marriage and the practice in some parts of the Islamic world to deny women equal educational opportunities, Shekau stepped on the toes of the free-world because these are the issues that the free-world cares passionately about.

The US, UK, France, China and Israel offer of assistance to search for and rescue our girls is welcomed. But, like the American public, Nigerians want to know the details of what the foreign allies are going to do, and what the US assistance will look like.

Today, the world is united against terrorism. Unfortunately, information reaching us from the Pentagon – that is, America military high command is that America will not share intelligence emanating from the search and rescue of Chibok Schoolgirls with Nigeria?

There is evidence that the US has deployed the Global Hawk, which flies at high attitude, and the manned MC-12, a turboprop plane heavily used in Afghanistan for the mission. It has also been confirmed that the US is using both manned and unmanned aerial ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) equipment in the search for the abducted Chibok Schoolgirls.

According to Colonel Steven Warren, “The unmanned Global Hawk designed to succeed the U-2 spy plane, can survey a vast area of about 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers) in a day with its sophisticated radar and sensors”.

Nigerians were of the expectation that the visit of the Commander of the US forces in Africa, General David Rodriguez to Nigeria will address this important issue. But, it was as diversionary as it was colonizing. The theory that Boko Haram has infiltrated the Nigeria military high command; and the fears that sensitive information could fall into an adversary’s hands are unacceptable excuses devised to deprive us of our secrets. The truth must be told, Nigeria did not contract America and its allies to search for and rescue our girls. America and other concern nations extended their hands to HELP Nigeria search for and rescue our girls, which we all appreciate. America should know that Nigeria is the leader in every aspect of this operation and therefore is entitled to have all the information emanating from the exercise. Intelligence information, surveillance information and reconnaissance information are too important information about a country to be scooped, gathered and exported without that country raising alarm.

This is not the first time America has moved to entangling Nigeria. During the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President George Bush furnished plans to deploy American troops to safeguard oil platforms in the Oil Producing Communities of the Niger Delta, advancing insecurity as the major motivating factor. Several protests were then staged and many objection letters were sent to President Olusegun Obasanjo and the National Assembly, including State Houses of Assembly by the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security under my leadership as the Director-General thereby convincing him to discontinuance the deployment plans which were hatched in the US and packaged in the UK.

President Barak Obama respects the sovereignty of nations but he is US President, guided by America dreams. It is our expectations that Senator John McCain will not be aggressive to Presidents of sovereign states, especially when they are confronted with difficult situations like the one Nigeria is facing now but, he is an American who believes that “only by (forcefully) interfering in the affairs of other nations could the US wage its campaign for self-determination for all people”.

The President of the most populous black nation and an emerging power is NOT “some guy named Goodluck Jonathan”. He is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He deserves international respect as a person and his efforts so far, deserve commendation not condemnation. His permission and express approval must be sought and gotten before any foreign operations can be carried out in any part of Nigeria.

One of the many embarrassments of Boko Haram apart from the condemnable senseless killings is the making of Nigeria to play into the hands of our good friend, America. It is very unfortunate that at last US troops are here courtesy Boko Haram, despite our resistance since 2003. Invasion of emerging powers by existing powers to bring them to their knees is part of human history. Today, our country’s sovereignty is being questioned and our privacy is being invaded. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is being referred to as “some guy named Goodluck Jonathan”. The Pentagon Conference in which decision to use the opportunity created by the kidnapping of Chibok Schoolgirls to invade Nigeria’s privacy, collect her secrets and share it between America and its allies was without recourse to Nigeria, the victim whose secret assets are to be so partitioned.

While our present predicaments make it difficult for us to differential between our friends and foes, we demand the following:

1. An apology from Senator John McCain.
2. Details of what the foreign allies are going to do to Bring Back Our Girls. That is, a proper definition of the ongoing and proposed roles of the foreign forces in the effort to search for and rescue the kidnapped Chibok Schoolgirls.
3. To know what the US assistance will look like, the limits of the assistance to be given to Nigeria and how.
4. That Nigeria is given unrestricted access to all ISR information and also to decide the intelligence to share and to keep, not the other way round.
5.  That the mission to “Bring Back Our Girls” is carried out within a specified period of time, say three months and then all the foreign forces are to leave Nigeria soil.
6. That Nigeria leads every aspects of the mission to Bring Back Our Girls.
7. That the Federal Government of Nigeria in desperation to Bring Back Our Girls watches out for those who intend to use this opportunity to pursue other dubious security goals.
8. That because crisis period offers opportunities to both friends and foes to explore to their own advantage, our security agencies should buckle up and always look their back, be more dedicated and patriotic, and not allow themselves to be instigated into destabilizing the country.

NIGERIA: LIVING ON LOANS

NIGERIA: LIVING ON LOANS?
The Federal Government has again concluded plans to secure another $3 billion loan from China. The loans to Nigeria include $500 million to build airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano; and over $700 million to build a hydroelectric power plant in Niger State. It also includes $600 million to build a light railway in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, most of which has already been invested on a project due to be completed early next year.

Although, lending at below market rates to fund infrastructure projects using Chinese firms has enabled Beijing to cement relationships in Africa while subsidising its construction industry, Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi warned African Governments in March this year that China’s pursuit of raw materials and markets for its manufactured goods on the Africa Continent carried “a whiff of colonialism” similar to that introduced by Europeans in centuries past. An advised which the Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala vehemently dismissed stressing that she is “not of the school that says ‘look this is colonialism’ … We should be open to whoever wants to invest and help us finance our needs.”
The loans are part of a $7.9 billion external borrowing plan approved by the Nigeria’s National Assembly last year as the Federal Government seeks cheaper external borrowing and limit domestic debt.
Perhaps, top on the list of aims of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his entourage’s visit to China is to seal the loans deal. According to Okonjo-Iweala, “They (Chinese) want more oil and gas … we have something they want now and they have something we want, so you have grounds for negotiations.” That ground is for the delegation travelling to China on July 7 to discuss China’s interest in our oil and gas on one hand and for us to secure $3 billion loans on the other hand.

Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the State Governments and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) obtained loans totaling $4.8 billion, $3.39 billion and $1.5 billion respectively in order to finance welfare and development of the country. Those loans were secured at the time of high crude oil prices which made majority of Nigerians to question the basis of the bourgeoning debts in their name. Besides, investigations also revealed that the authorities concern secured the loans before going to the National Assembly to seek approval. Perhaps, this, accounted for the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt headed by Ehigie Uzamere warning against the reckless borrowing of money which would enslave future generations of Nigerians.
What has President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration done with all the loans taken so far, as it appears that majority of Nigerians cannot point to any on-going projects to justify the mountains of debts being stacked up in their name?
Conversely, it is not the loan that worries; it is how the money is going to be spent if they are actually needed? Can they be utilized for the purpose advanced? We have a government which is as reckless in its public spending as it is shameless in its silence over some of the financial scandals already exposed to the Nigerian public. It threw away more that N2 trillion fuel subsidy scam last year and the N4.4 trillion collected by the MDAs between 2006 and 2009 which was not remitted into the Federation Account has remained shrouded in mystery. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) also reported that oil companies failed to pay into the Federation Account about $10 billion from 1999 to 2008. The Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue and Special Task Force revealed that the nation was short-charged to the tune of almost $100 billion. What happened to all these monies? Are all the people indicted in the case of Siemens, Halliburton, pension scheme, ghost workers and other scandals not walking freely? The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which was involved in the illegal withholding of the N4.4 trillion diverted from the Federation Account by the MDAs is daily cooking up issues such as sacking 50% of civil servants, banning all socio-cultural and religious organizations and so on to divert attention of Nigerians. All are frantic efforts to cover up the role of the apex bank in the illegal release of N2.3 trillion for fuel subsidy in 2011, when actually N245 billion was appropriated. What an illegality?
Yet the Federal Government wants N1.8 trillion loans from array of sources including China, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. Apart from its conflicting figures we were told that only a meager N29 billion oil subsidy scam was recovered. The revenue from the privatization and commercialization processes have not only remain unaccounted for by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) but our moribund refineries, the steel industry, transport and energy facilities have continued to be drain pipes on the nation’s economy in the hands of corrupt government officials. The $12.4 billion gulf war oil windfall was public money used to fill the pockets of individuals. What a shame?
The reckless manner in which the Excess Crude-Oil Account (ECA) is being managed also call for caution. The governors are not only demanding for the release of the $1billion ECA funds, a week after the three-thiers of government shared about N567.70 billion from the same account. The speed with which the Federal Government withdrawn $1 billion from the same ECA account in December to pay subsidy to oil marketers even when the dust raised by oil subsidy scams is still high in the air leaves more to be desired. What happened to the N161 billion supplementary appropriation that was approved by the National Assembly late last year for the government to take care of the shortfall in the fuel subsidy budget? If NNPC owes major foreign oil traders, including Glencore and Mercuria about $3.5 billion is the $1.5 billion loan and the mortgaged 150,000 barrels of crude oil daily (as long as the debt lasts?) meant to offset this “pointless” debt? Who is fooling who?
Again, if according to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the approved external borrowing of $7.9 billion in the 2012 budget covered expenditure over a three-year period ending in 2014, why is the PDP-led government asking for more loans (payable in 40 years) with the intention of rising Nigeria’s loan profile now?
It is not enough for the Senate to merely warn against creating debt burden for future generations of Nigerians but to ensure that they stop the excessive borrowing. We are aware that during the President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s IMF loan debate Nigerians chorus a louder NO to the loan abracadabra but the government nodded silently and went behind to collect the loan at the detriment of Nigerians. Nigeria exited the Paris and London Club at great pains in 2005. Why dragging Nigeria back to that unfortunate economic era when Nigeria groaned under the debt burden? Must we always live on credit? Is Nigeria cursed to live on loans? As representatives of the people, the National Assembly must act decisively to check this frivolous but wicked borrowing. A borrowing ceiling should be pegged by appropriate legislation and enforced, and any breach thereof (without necessary amendment) be made impeachable offence. This is the only way to check the excesses of our leaders who are bent on amazing wealth at the expense of the nation.
Those outside the country who may get to know how reckless our leaders are will certainly hesitate to give the money except those interested in enslaving this and future generations of this country; or, the kill-and-divide-cabals who would not mind milking a dead cow to satisfy their greed. The political leaders of China and other countries to whom we may be looking for help do not live in luxury as do our political leaders in Nigeria. What rights have we then to call on them to help? How can we convince them that we really need the money when we show that we live in extravagance?

Nigeria is a country blessed with tremendous human and natural resources, but corruption, lack of good governance has left the nation impoverished so that currently Nigeria ranks as the 13th poorest nation in the world. This ugly trend can be reversed with good governance, transparency and integrity on the part of Nigerian politicians and top government officials.
The National Assembly, traditional rulers, religions leaders, leaders of thought, women and youths organizations, students and the general public should rise up to say NO to more senseless loans. The issue should be seen as very serious matter of State. They border on good governance, accountability, transparency, and diligent management of State resources and national development. This is an opportunity to properly place these matters. Let us not miss it. We must stop this borrowing jamboree! Apart from the economic implications of debt burden, our leaders should as a matter of urgency consider both the immediate and remote security implications of living on loans. Colonialism has no relations. Colonialism has no human face.

We say No to any plan to return this country to pre-Paris and London Club days. Stop committing Nigerians to debt. Enough is enough!

GEJ To Reshuffle Cabinet

GEJ To Reshuffle Cabinet

There are speculations that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will reshuffle his cabinet as the administration approaches its second anniversary. The move aimed at dropping some ministers, switching others and bringing in new hands results from Mr. President independent reviewing of the performances of the different ministries of recent, especially with regards to the Performance Bond the ministers signed last year.
Government sources confirmed the fact that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who is not used to frequent changes in the running of his Government had allowed them time to improve in the performance of their assignments so as to ensure stability. It is the belief in Government that with frequent changes, there would arise the complaint of instability and that such could affect performance.
“There is a popular opinion that only a number of ministers are working and projecting the administration in positive light, while some are merely warming the chairs,” a top Government source said, adding that those who had been found below expectation would soon be relieved of their appointments.
Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings had also been devoted to assessing the performance of the ministers, with some of the appointees merely rolling out submissions made to them by the bureaucrats.
A source close to the Government said though most of the submissions had been applauded at the FEC meetings, Mr. President had his own independent assessment strategies.
It was reliably confirmed, however, that two camps had emerged in the running up to the expected cabinet reshuffle.
The source also revealed that while Mr. President was still compiling the list of those to be dropped, some forces in Government have started parading the names of some performing ministers, in order to create tension in the system.
Our source reiterated that while some ministers might be reassigned, no fewer than 10 would be sacked.

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE AFFECTED STATES OF THE FEDERATION

MAY 14, 2013

Dear compatriots,

1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

2. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

3. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

5. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

6. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.

8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.

9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.

10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

12. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

15. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

16. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

18. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

20.I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

GEJ Set to Declare State of Emergency in Northern Nigeria

There are strong indications that the Federal Government is considering to declare state of emergency in the five northern states of Benue, Borno, Nassarawa and Yobe in efforts to check the rising killings and insecurity.

The hints emerged on Friday after an emergency meeting held by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan with security chiefs and some other top government officials in his bid to address the problem of rising insecurity in many parts of the country, with the latest being the killing of 47 policemen and 10 State Security Service operatives and the destruction of nine patrol vans by the Ombatse militia in Alakyo forest in Nasarawa State on Tuesday.

It could be recalled that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan cut short his trip to South Africa late on Thursday to review reports from the security chiefs on recent violence in Baga and Bama in Borno State; Alakyo Village in Nasarawa State; and Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The meeting which lasted several hours was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’id; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Alex Badeh; Director-General of State Security Service, Ita Ekpenyong; representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Bassey; and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar who wore a black arm band to the meeting as a sign of mourning for the slain policemen.

Others at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.); Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd.); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.

Midway into the meeting, Olubolade, Anyim and Oghiadomhe left the meeting wearing gloomy looks while President Jonathan and the security chiefs continued with the discussions.

At the close of the meeting, none of the government or security officials was willing to speak with journalists. Although the inspector general of Police, Mohammed Abubakar described the killing of the policemen as “a sad development”, he was shielded from journalists who sought an interview with him on the recent killing of policemen.    

A reliable source at the meeting however described it as “a stormy session”, with far-reaching decisions, some of which would soon be made public and others kept under wraps for security reasons taken.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd.), who was moved to tears, managed to answer reporters’ questions on the murder of policemen.

On the speculations that the Federal Government was considering the imposition of a state of emergency in some states in northern Nigeria, he said, “That is not within my purview. They (security chiefs) have the right to call for whatever they want. At the end of the day, the President will take a decision.

“It was an emergency security meeting at the instance of Mr. President. He had to cut his journey short because of insecurity and loss of lives; he was supposed to have been in Namibia. So, he summoned the security agencies to have a quick meeting with us and as you can see, they are still there. The Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs are still with him.

“He is looking at how we can put an end to all these troubles we are having and I think that at the end of that deliberation, you will get to know the outcome.”

Olubolade advised policemen against revenge, stressing that such actions would not help the nation. In his words, “The security agencies particularly the police will not want to go and revenge. It is not going to help us because they are supposed to protect lives and property. Going to revenge will not douse tension. It will bring about a lack of confidence in the system. So, we will strictly discourage that”.

Concerning the allegation that policemen killed nine of the Ombatse cult members in Nasarawa State first before they retaliated, the minister said, “I wouldn’t know what is true about that. All I know is that the police have a duty to perform and as such, they must not be afraid, they must be equipped, they must be trained, they must do their job because they are under instructions. The police will not just wake up and pick their leaders if nothing has gone wrong.

“The populace must know that anybody can be brought in by the police for interrogation depending on the intelligence the police get; and that is what happens elsewhere.”

Following the inability of the Police and SSS to dislodge members of the Ombatse cult from their hideout in Alakyo forest in Nasarawa State, the Federal Government was considering military option to accomplish the task.

Meanwhile the death toll of policemen and SSS officers now stands at about 60 bodies recovered from the forest with another 30 still missing.

 

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the constitution of a 26-member Presidential Committee to “constructively engage key members of Boko Haram and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the country.”

 

Announcing the setting up of the Presidential Committee, Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in a statement said that the committee’s terms of reference include:

 

• Developing a framework for the granting of amnesty.
• Setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame.
• Development of a comprehensive victims’ support programme.
• Development of mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences.

 

Membership of the committee christened, “Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North” is made up of the following Nigerians:

1. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Minister of Special Duties – Chairman

2. Sheik Ahmed Lemu – Member

3. Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed – Member

4. Col. Musa Shehu, (rtd.) – Member

5. Sheik Abubakar Tureta – Member

6. Dr. Datti Ahmed – Member

7. Senator Sodangi Abubakar – Member

8. Senator Ahmed Makarfi – Member

9. Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle – Member

10. Amb. Zakari Ibrahim – Member

11. Comrade Shehu Sani – Member

12. Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed – Member

13. Mallam Adamu S. Ladan – Member

14. Dr. Joseph Golwa – Member

15. AVM A. I. Shehu – Member

16. Mr. R. I. Nkemdirim – Member

17. DIG P. I. Leha – Member

18. Prof. Nur Alkali – Member

19. Malam Salihu Abubakar – Member

20. Alhaji Abubakar Sani Lugga – Member

21. Barrister Ibrahim Tahir – Member

22. Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo – Member

23. Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda – Member

24. Group Capt. Bilal Bulama,Rtd. – Member

25. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi – Member

26. Representative of OSGF – Secretary

 

The constitution of the Presidential Committee is coming after the National Security Council on Wednesday, considered a report by the technical committee it set up to review modalities for addressing security challenges in the north.

 

In the same vein, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has also approved the constitution of a Federal Government Committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in keeping with his pledge that Nigeria will work with the United Nations and other countries to stem the worrisome proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and their use in creating insecurity and instability in Nigeria and other developing nations.

 

Membership of the “Committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons” are:

1. Amb. Emmanuel Imohe – (Chairman)

2. Amb. Martin I. Uhomoibhi – Member

3. Amb. T. D. Hart – Member

4. Amb.Ghali Umar – Member

5. Amb. B.G. Wakil – Member

6. Mr. Opelusi Olureti – Member

7. Representative of Ministry of Interior – Member

8. Representative of NSA – Member

9. Representative of DG (SSS) – Member

10. Representative of NIA – Member

11. Representative of Federal Ministry of Justice – Member

12. Representative of Ministry of Defence – Member

13. Representative of DIA – Member

14. Representative of the Nigeria Police Force – Member

15. Representative of the Nigerian Customs Service – Member

16. Representative of OSGF – Member

17. Director, International Organisations Dept (MFA) – Secretary

 

The two Committees will be formally inaugurated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by 10am at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Federal Government Constitutes Amnesty Committee for Boko Haram

The Federal Government of Nigeria has resolved to setup a committee that will be saddled with the responsibility of administering the amnesty being planned for members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

The decision to constitute the Amnesty Committee for Boko Haram was taken at a meeting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had with security chiefs on Tuesday on the lingering insecurity in northern part of the country.

A source in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the meeting took place, explained that the decision was based on the recommendation of the technical committee earlier set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the various calls for amnesty and its feasibility.

The Committee headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) which was constituted two weeks ago presented its report during the Tuesday meeting which presided over by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The Sambo Dasuki’s Committee which had its members drawn from the security chiefs and ministers who form the security council and saddled with the responsibility of coming up with a framework that might include the conditions the Boko Haram sect members have to meet in order to enjoy the amnesty was said to have advised that the Federal Government should yield to the calls for amnesty for members of the sect in order for peace to reign in the country.

The new committee will be an enlarged one with both relevant government officials and people outside of government as members. Its responsibility will be to administer the amnesty by identifying the sect members, supervising their disarmament and coordinating their rehabilitation on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, or his nominee was being considered to head the new committee.

The source said that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would make an announcement on the new committee and its members; stressing that the announcement might be a bit delayed because of the need for Federal Government to first contact those being considered for the assignment.

The source revealved that, “I can confirm to you that the technical committee submitted its report today (Tuesday) and the government has decided to set up a larger amnesty committee whose membership will be announced by the Office of the SGF soon. Immediately after consultation is completed, the names would be announced.”

The latest meeting of security chiefs with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan came less than 12 hours after Mr. President met traditional rulers from the northern part of the country on the same issue of insecurity.

The northern traditional leaders had called on Mr. President to go ahead with the move to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram Islamic sect despite its recent rejection.

The monarchs also called on Mr. President to adopt dialogue as one of the ways to resolve the crisis.

The heads the Army, Police, Navy, State Security Service and the National Intelligence Agency, the Tuesday meeting was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuk i(rtd).

But as the meeting rose, reactions have continued to trail the planned amnesty for the Boko Haram Islamic sect. The trio of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Dr. Paul Unongo welcome amnesty for Boko Haram discreibing it as a recipe for peace in the country.

Meanwhile, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has restated its opposition to amnesty for the sect. The association said that Christians were the sole targets of Boko Haram Islamic sect and not Muslims as claimed by Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI).

It added that over 200 churches had been burnt and 1,250 Christians killed in the last three years by the sect.

CAN also pointed out that Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Dr. Paul Unongo could not speak on its behalf because their opinions on amnesty did not reflect the plight of the brutalized victims of attacks by the violent Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Speaking through its General Secretary, Dr. Musa Asake, at a press briefing in Abuja, CAN frowned at the utterances of JNI which portrayed CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and his executive as enemies of Nigeria.

He stated that, “For the JNI to twist ongoing history so early, that it is the major victim of Boko Haram, is to incur a huge debt on its integrity and credibility as concerns its present crop of leaders. There is no doubt that some moderate Muslims who oppose the violent doctrines of Boko Haram, have fallen under its swords. And some Emirs, who have had the courage to speak against the evil of Boko Haram, have also been attacked.

“But CAN cannot recall if the numbers are more than what the JNI has named above. But the truth remains that Christians are the major and main, if not sole targets of Boko Haram.
“Indeed, statistics released by International agencies show that more Christians were killed in Nigeria in the year 2012 alone, for their faith than the rest of the world combined.

“In last three years, besides the isolated bombings in Abuja, Boko Haram has bombed over 200 churches and killed over 1,250 Christians worshipping in their churches, burnt and destroyed whole villages, targeted specific communities/individuals and has made good every threat it published at inception, to wit the elimination of all Christians from Northern Nigeria and the total Islamisation of the North by imposition of strict sharia rule.”

Reacting to Kukah and Onaiyekan’s support for amnesty, CAN said, “The two men do not have any moral or institutional authority to speak for Nigerian Christians. Their position remains very unpopular among the persecuted church in the North. Only CAN is vested with such powers, notwithstanding the constitutional rights of the two men to air their opinions on any national issues.

“Therefore, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Bishop Matthew Kukah do not speak for Nigerian Christians, not even for CAN in any of the 19 Northern states. What they are saying is their personal opinion that does not take into consideration the plight of the victims.

“The JNI must begin to query the change in its value system; a system that now makes them spokesperson of a murderous and bloodthirsty group without being sensitive to the victims of the sect, a system that allows for the slaughtering of human beings like cows without any remorse.”
CAN therefore called on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan “to as a matter of urgency, dismiss the whole idea of amnesty for an unrepentant group, because it would be a panacea for confusion in the country.”

The Christians body advised that the issue of victims of the Boko Haram sect’s activities should be taken with all seriousness before any step could be taken further.

The body urged Christians to pray while making effort to defend themselves, since Boko Haram Islamic sect does not see any wrong with its style of Jihad against them.

In the meantime, Nigerians are waiting with their fingers crossed. Who comes first or who is not considered at all, the Victim or the criminal?

Mr. President, Keep Nigeria One

The offer of amnesty on a platter of gold to Boko Haram was a welcomed security strategy, knowing that they will definitely refuse to accept the unwarranted pardon advanced to a criminal group who neither desire nor deserve it. Their blunt rejection of the offer was intended to humiliate and disgrace the Nigerian Government and all that it stands for regarding war against terrorism. Their thoughtless refusal of the amnesty further revealed to all Nigerians the primary goal of Boko Haram and their sponsors, which is the Islamizing of Nigeria. Besides, free gifts are never appreciated by the evil minded!

If the northern elders are merely claiming ignorance of Boko Haram and what they set out to achieve, why is President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan so committed to granting amnesty to Boko Haram, a “shadowy, nihilistic, and unrepentant merchants of deaths” that he is turning down all good counsels even from the military top brass and well meaning Nigerians? Is it that Mr. President is not sensing the dangers ahead or he is assumingly throwing cautions to the winds? The idea of keeping the security situation tense to feed fat on it, by some of his cabinet members, spells doom for the country.

Boko Haram terrorists have a history of rejecting “amnesty”. They did it in 2011 when Governor Kashim Shetima of Borno State extended “amnesty” to the same Boko Haram sect. The roles that the northern elders have understandably assumed are dramatic and sarcastically loaded. Is it:
1. To convince Boko Haram insurgents to accept the apology of the Federal Government for intervening in their jihad? Or,
2. To plead with Boko Haram terrorists group to grant the Federal Government of Nigeria amnesty for ordering the military to destroy its Mosque (Markas) in Maiduguri in 2009 and for arresting and detaining some of its members and for not allowing them to practice their religion freely since 2009? Or,
3. To persuade Boko Haram Islamic sect to accept the billions dollars packaged reward for the arbitrary killing of Christians and Muslims, children and adults, men and women, the rich and the poor, southerners and northerners, Nigerians and foreigners coupled with wanton destruction of properties? Or,
4. To make them to understand that the pay-package has been put together in Abuja, financed by money from the Niger Delta’s oil and gas, just waiting for few of them to disguisedly come forward, for the signing and collection?

But, let the northern elders know that they must first of all convince Al Qaeda in Maghreb and other terrorist organizations to which Boko Haram is affiliated, to accept this deal – a difficult task for the northern elders.
Besides, which of the Boko Haram sects are they negotiating the “amnesty” for when the terrorists group have said that they have done nothing deserving amnesty and that it is the Federal Government of Nigeria that deserves amnesty? Are they trying to create another Boko Haram in place of the Boko Haram Islamic sect headed by Abubakar Shekau? I am perplex by the northern elders intensely sustained advocacy for “amnesty” for Boko Haram terrorists and the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Government’s apparent willingness to be driven into rewarding massacre.

The refusal of Boko Haram to accept the proposed amnesty should rather reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism. We are all aware that the country’s roots down the creeks are being flooded by the activities of Niger Delta militants who are resuscitating under different guises; Nigeria’s leaves up north are fading courtesy the activities of Boko Haram; the nation’s trunk is being hydrated by the corrupt practices of our political leader – a state of dilemma Nigeria is in. Yet all hopes are not lost!

If I may ask, what moral code can possibly justify the granting of pardon to vague, nihilisitic, and unrepentant merchants of deaths who traffic in the cold-blooded mass execution of innocent men, women, and children; who have reduced thousands of people to orphans and widows and widowers; and who have made life a living hell for millions more? For justice sake and in the name of all that is decent, how do we justify the pampering of stubborn, wild, cruel cowards who delight in inflicting death, destruction, and misery on innocent citizens and residents? Justice and good faith are not drawn from dreams. Patriotism is a virtue that only the sincerely loyal can demonstrate. Justice, not sentiment, is the essence of democracy.Whether Nigeria?
It is true that there are many well-meaning people advocated “amnesty” for Boko Haram out of a genuine frustration with the persistent violence in northern Nigeria and the apparent inability of our security agencies to contain the violence. For this group of people, anything at all that would bring an end to Boko Haram’s madness that has seen a vast area of northern Nigeria drenched with the blood of innocent citizens is welcome.

But then, there are others for whom amnesty for Boko Haram represents little more than selfish preservation instinct. When Boko Haram murdered ordinary folks, without regard to their religious affiliations and ethnic identities no northern elder cared a hoot. In fact, the People’s Democratic Party Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was quoted to have said on May 16, 2012 that Boko Haram was not only fighting for justice but that the group’s name is “another name for justice.”
Unfortunately, he made a dramatic U-turn a few weeks later when they attacked his hometown and described the group as “evil”. In the same vein, the northern elders began to sing the chorus of amnesty for Boko Haram only when the group started targeting high-profile elites of the region with bizarre frequency.

At the other side of the continuum is the group to whom amnesty is just good old business. Intricate but superfluous bureaucracies will be created in the service of the “amnesty,” and billions, perhaps trillions, of naira will be shared between the yet-to-be-identified leaders of Boko Haram and the northern elders who would act as intermediaries between the Federal Government and Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Mr. President’s interest in all this, of course, begins and ends with concrete guarantees for northern elders’ support for his 2015 re-election bid. In other words, this has nothing to do with the north or the south; or, with Muslims or Christians. It rather has everything to do with the obviously materialistic self-interests of a privileged, greedy few. No wonder the talks of amnesty preclude compensation for the thousands of victims of Boko Haram violence.

In fact, this is extremely short-sighted and self-destructive for so many obvious reasons. Boko Haram insurgents have never admitted guilt for their massacre of innocent citizens and foreigners. How on earth will a government give amnesty to an unremorseful offender? Worse still, it is unclear what Boko Haram’s actual grouse is. What has filtered to us as the requests of Boko Haram is not a basis for negotiation. For instance, Boko Haram wants President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to convert to Islam and for the entire country to be ruled in accordance with Sharia or the Islamic legal system. Those are impossible demands to grant in Nigeria.

Come to think of it, Islam which Boko Haram terrorists profess to have inspired them allows for religious freedom even within Islamic states; a fact is so basic in Islam as to be unworthy of any additional explanation. Thus, why grant amnesty to a group whose demands you can never, ever meet? Nevertheless, how do we square the nature and goal of Boko Haram’s terror campaign such as arbitrary killing of Christians and Muslims, children and adults, men and women, the rich and the poor, southerners and northerners, Nigerians and foreigners coupled with wanton destruction of properties and their so-called grouse? And I repeat, justice and good faith are not drawn from dreams. Patriotism is a virtue that only the sincerely loyal can demonstrate. Justice, not sentiment, is the essence of democracy

The truth is that Boko Haram is a lawless, brainwashed, gun-tootling, self-seeking group of murderers that derive wicked happiness in death and violence they inflict on others. They have been soaked in blood that will definitely torment them for life; therefore no amount of appeasement will placate them.

It is on record that in 2011, Governor Kashim Shetima of Borno State extended “amnesty” to the same Boko Haram killers which some northern elders have become passionate defenders of today. And they rejected it. In rejecting the amnesty offer, the group’s spokesman told the Hausa service of the BBC that Boko Haram neither recognizes democracy as a form of government nor the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood. So what inspires the confidence of the northern elders that Boko Haram will accept the amnesty they are blackmailing President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan into giving them now? Is it due to the envisaged accruable profits?

Of truth, when the amnesty is finally offered to Boko Haram Islamic sect, they will reject it, and the violence in the north will only escalate because Boko Haram insurgents will be emboldened in more ways than they had ever been. They will interpret the offer of amnesty as a signal of the Federal Government’s surrender and as evidence of their superiority. The handwriting on the wall is clear.

If Boko Haram jihadists finally accept the offer of amnesty from the Federal Government (which is impossible), can it be sustainable in the long run in the circumstance? Definitely the “amnesty” would be a faint scratch on the surface of a deep-rooted problem that is sure to resurface from time to time with diverse manifestations. In the words of a Leadership Newspaper editorial cartoon in response to MEND’s resumption of violence in the Niger Delta in spite of the billions spent on “amnesty” on them, “A nation that buys its peace will perpetually be indebted to war.”

Absolute selfishness is the driving force behind the unending calls for amnesty for the Boko Haram Islamic sect. Amnesty may secure temporary reprieve for Boko Haram’s elite victims in the north, but it would never eliminate the hate, ignorance, and ideology of mass killing that gave birth to the Boko Haram. Essentially, no nation can survive by ignoring its poor and spending billions in monetary terms to appease insatiably bloodthirsty terrorists.

What northern elders must do, if they are truly interested in solving the Boko Haram problem, is to help mobilize idealize resources to defeat the ideology that gives birth to and sustains groups like Boko Haram. Although, the results may not be immediately, it is worthwhile all the same. Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria should equip our security agencies with 21st century intelligence-gathering capabilities to confront and mobilize them to defeat these primitive monsters of depravity that have made life miserable for millions of innocent people; and not to be preoccupied with contracting out security services to ethnic militias.

The Boko Haram Islamic sect should never be given amnesty because they neither deserve it nor desire it now. When they are done and need amnesty they come begging for it and not the other way round. Justice and good faith are not drawn from dreams. Patriotism is a virtue that only the sincerely loyal can demonstrate. Justice, not sentiment, is the essence of democracy. Mr. President, keep Nigeria one by keeping the Boko Haram Amnesty until they demand for it; and act in the spirit of Nigeria to defend justice and protect good faith so as to encourage majority of Nigerians and true friends of Nigeria to be truly patriotic and loyal to Nigeria’s course.

HOW RELIGIOUS POLITICS IS TEARING NIGERIA

HOW RELIGIOUS POLITICS IS TEARING NIGERIA

It has been pointed out in several quarters that Nigeria is more threatened from inside than from outside. One of the potent threats which have come to limelight of recent is religious politics, or religion and political intolerance, if you like. The introduction of religion into politics and vise-versa can be trace to the first republic when our regional political leaders engaged the masses’ psyche through religious mechanism. This monster merely tolerated the nation for a while, fed fat on our corrupt system and is today out to tear the country into pieces if nothing is done to change the tide.

The first major manifestation of religious politics’ coordinated attack on the nation was the Maitasine episode in parts of northern Nigeria and the March 1987 religious riots in Kaduna State. The political crises of 1965 in the West and violence which greeted the 1983 general elections in the country are all good examples of the adverse impacts of religious politics. In fact, the events which led to the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970 were not unconnected with this monster.

The fears being expressed by concerned Nigerians and true friends of Nigeria is the danger of the country being torn apart if the various appearances of intolerance are not properly contained?
Importantly, there is urgent need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to de-emphasize religion from the nation’s body politics. Our political leaders want to make heaven(?), no doubt about that, but not in that red gown dotted here and there with stains of corruption; and definitely, not by turning the Presidential Villa into a Church or Mosque. Religion must be separated from politics if Nigeria must move forward.

The emergency of Boko Haram in Nigeria is traceable to the making of provisions for Sharia Laws and Courts in the country’s Constitution and availability of army of unemployed and frustrated youths. In Northern Nigeria there are numerous Muslim groups, which want to introduce Sharia in the whole country. In the States of the North these demands was fully implemented between 1999 and 200in the following nine states namely: Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kabbi, and Yobe; while Sharia became valid for areas with a mainly Muslim population in Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe States within the same period; thus, making Nigeria a country with double standards federal laws. This is not the way to Go-On-With-One-Nigeria (GOWON) which we pledge to. Mr. President, Nigeria is drifting. Sum up the political will to arrest the situation in the interest of NIGERIA, the most populous black nation which blacks all over the world are looking up to for everything including a home.

This lopsidedness in our management of religious affairs, and tactical Islamization of Nigeria did not start today. It was spearheaded by former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida when he smuggled Nigeria into the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the G8 Islamic Countries in 1986. The process of Islamizing the country was further re-enforced and cemented by former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he approved the Sharia or Islamic legal system for the country in 1999.

But, come to think of it, when Christians in this country argued that since Sharia is given a place in the Constitution, provisions should also be made for Ecclesiastical Laws and Courts, nobody cares to listen.

The northern leaders, led by the northern oligarchy, believe that they own Nigeria and must therefore have their way always. The result is where we are today, in a dilemma. No doubt the threat from northern elders directed at Mr. President’s 2015 election’s bid is already making him nervous; the stance of the military top brass on Boko Haram’s amnesty has also left him more confused; coupled with the guns that are booming from both the creeks and the deserts. Mr. President must work very hard to keep the country intact beyond 2015.

Boko Haram has capitalized on the confusion already generated by poor management of religious politics to call, or embark on jihad, for the replacement of western education with Islamic education in Nigeria; establishment of Sharia or the Islamic legal system in the whole of Nigeria; dismantling of democracy and the enthronement of Islamic style of governance. That is, total Islamizing of Nigeria.

The truth about Nigeria’s religious predicament is that it is the imported religions that have so far created much of the troubles in the country. The Nigerian ruling elites, who immersed this country in corruption, bribery, and outright looting of public treasury and other vices, are the products of these imported religions. Of course, yes, our Churches and Mosques do not encourage these vices, but the Nigerian ruling elites are worshippers in these holy places. Therefore, if Nigeria is to be salvaged through the Churches and Mosques, the lessons taught in these holy places and the methods of imparting them must be reversed or possibly, demystified and made more relevant to the moral and ethical needs of Nigeria through appropriate legislation. This is where the National Assembly must play its role to save Nigeria from the missiles pouring on the country at the instances of these religious opportunists who are bent on killing Nigeria.

The interest of the country should be uppermost in all our religious activities and dealings. Nigeria is a multi-religious society. Therefore, it is not advisable to create pockets of privileges for any particular religion. Because, doing so opens up the floodgates of impossible demands as we are witnessing today. The Federal Government of Nigeria should avoid the danger of fractionalizing Nigeria on the banner of religion by de-emphasizing religion from government processes. Religion should remain personal affairs of the individual without government imposing any hindrances or attaching any special privileges thereto so far it is practice within the obit of the Constitution and Common Law of Nigeria.

In all these aspects, education has very prominent roles to play. We must divorce religion from politics, we must endeavour to eradicate the culture of violence from the system and we must be trained to extol the culture of a commitment to the rules of political game and must learn to follow due process of law to redress our grievances.

Above all, there is urgent need to consider regulating religious activities as this has caused the nation more harm than good especially in the areas of inciting violence, shedding of innocent blood and destruction of valuable properties.

Mr. President, Stop Bribing Ethnic Militias

The award of “Anti Oil Pipeline Vandalism” contract worth 2.4 Billion monthly by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Dr. Fredrick Fasehun faction of the Oodua People’s Congress is calculated to further weaken and demoralize the nation’s security apparatus. Why the resort to bribing the militant groups instead of empowering the nation’s security agencies established by law? It is a revelation of Mr. President’s lack of confidence in the ability of the security agencies to protect the nation and its assets. I am afraid whether our leaders have the time and commitment to listen to advices or read suggestions pouring out daily to them from Nigerians.

It is on record that on 28th January, 2013, I wrote under the caption, “AMNESTY FOR BOKO HARAM?” in my blog, that, “…the apostles of dialogue are seeing the “carrot” as some juicy contracts for the Hausa/Fulani Boko Haram sect. Possibly they are of the opinion that since the Niger Delta militants are now pipeline security contractors earning over half a billion Naira, the Federal Government should contract out our northern borders’ security to Boko Haram at a cost double that amount?

“Next, the Yoruba OPC will eventually take up arms to destabilize the west, and then we will respond with “carrots” by means of contracting them to secure our western coasts and oil pipelines?
“Do you not think that in this arrangement, the Igbo MASSOB will eventually lose out because they will have nothing to hold in order to pull Nigeria to their angle? Except MASSOB will embark on arms struggle and front commerce and ingenuity as instruments of negotiation; and because it concerns the Igbos we will at that time pullout armoured cars and tanks to massacre them?
“Although the 30 months civil war has contributed to check arms bearing in eastern Nigeria, the ongoing events in Nigeria are enough to change a people’s perception of peace, gentleness and loyalty. This endless circle of dialogue and negotiation with tribal based outlaw or pseudo groups for the soul of Nigeria and share of the national cake should stop. We should always remember that Nigeria is not comprised of the four major groups alone, namely: Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo and Ijaw. What of the minority groups that cannot bear arms or engage in senseless killing of fellow humans and destruction of valuable properties? Or how will the carrots of arms struggle get to the minority of minority groups that cannot afford a catapult?” Unfortunately, these predictions are already coming to pass.

Boko Haram’s amnesty is bound to fail. It may sound pessimistic. But time will tell. Its failure will spring from the fact that Boko Haram insurgency has gone beyond arms struggle for negotiation for socio-economic development. Its primary aim is to Islamize Nigeria. Then, how do we reconcile Islamizing of Nigeria and the proposed unconditional amnesty? Have we ever consider the fact that Abubakar Shekau and his followers in Boko Haram are mere puppets in the hands of the puppet masters who are not only non-Nigerians, but also reside outside Nigeria, from where they direct Boko Haram’s operations and attacks in Nigeria?

Is Mr. President hurriedly giving consideration to Amnesty Commission for Boko Haram because of the threat coming from the Niger Delta’s militants under the auspices of MEND? Will members of the Boko Haram sect be required to submit their arms as precondition for registration and granting of individual amnesty in the same way the Niger Delta militants did? Or the powers that be will grant them authority to keep their arms aside for the next jihad? This is not the way to Go-With-One-Nigeria (GOWON) which most of us sacrifice our lives for!

Mr. President, please stop bribing ethnic militias. We all know that your predecessor started it all, but it is not a good precedent. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to empower and strengthen the security agencies so as to be in a position to discharge its primary duty which is the “security and welfare of the people”.