Ineptitude And Terrorism Ravage Nigeria

Sir: Nobody can be sadder than me about the scourge of terrorism on France. Nobody can be more sorrowful than I am about the Boko Haram insurgency. But I am extremely concerned also about the issue of causes. Why was the peaceful Boko Haram community of Mohammed Yusuf attacked in 2009 by the presidency of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (GEAJ)? One implication of terrorism in the world is that powerful people should be conscious about repercussion of their actions, keeping in view counter-terrorism.

World rulers must search their minds about the origin of terrorist groups the world-over. African Traditional Religion (ATR) has suffered terribly from Christo-Islamic terrorists. The religion has been totally wiped-out in many communities throughout Africa. In Yorubaland, Nigeria, where ATR is still fairly alive, holding several of its festivals entails preparation for confrontation with Christian and/or Muslim fanatics.

The Boko Haram insurgency resulted from intra-Muslim squabbles. The resolve of the current President, Muhammadu Buhari (PMB), to “defeat Boko Haram” indicates where he belongs in the Muslim-Muslim divide. At his inauguration as the President, he paid homage to “Shehu Usman Dan Fodio,” a jihad warrior. Through Fodio, the Sokoto Caliphate and many Emirates were established in northern Nigeria. The Boko Haram secluded lifestyle means cessation of allegiance to the Caliphate, which PMB cannot countenance.

Very many Nigerians were not aware of the religious politics behind the Boko Haram insurgency. Why did GEAJ use CAN against Boko Haram? PMB may be financially incorruptible, but religious corruption is not less serious than financial corruption.

Sanctimonious sanctity is implied in PMB’s resolve to double as the Petroleum Minister. It took him more than five months to install ministers. Issues of efficiency and administrative capability must be raised. Dearth of electricity and fuel scarcity cripple life in Nigeria. A visionary leader envisages saboteurs and does not use them as excuse for failure. Suicide bombing in Kano and Yola: PMB says: “Don’t despair”!

• Pius Abioje,
University of Ilorin.