THE BOKO HARAM ADVENTURE THREAT TO NATIONAL PEACE.

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 JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SIPM.
JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SIPM.

Since 1999 of democratic governance in Nigeria; the most populous black nation in the world, nothing had really changed in order to consolidates democracy and peace.

Fifty- One years after Independence from Britain, almost a century and forty years after the brutal civil war without genuine transformation.

The discovery of crude-oil the main-stay of the nation economy, the  government had not improved the living standard of the masses, economy policies that had been introduced by subsequent government; couple with the endemic corruption in every sphere of life, had make mockery of the giant of Africa.

Hitherto, civil- rights group, the media, religious institutions and eminent personality that fought for the enthronement of democratic governance which had come to stay since May 29, 1999 were regrettable.

It’s appauling of the Nigerian leaders both at the Federal, state and the third tier, the way government is been run or governed. Every institution of the state had virtually collapsed, namely; deplorable Roads, Education, lack of portable water, dearth of health facilities, power supply zero, Transportation, and insecurity the order of the day, where bandits had grown wings, trying to overpower the custodian of the state security

Many are oblivious to the fact that our common enemies are Ethnicity, Religion, poverty and underdevelopment. I have long affirmed that the lack of electricity, weakened public institutions, poor governance, and unethical leadership are the colossal symptoms of the collective challenges we must overcome, both politically and psychologically for the years ahead.

While, The continuous cry every day on the lips of the Masses is the prevailing corruption that had been hunting the Nigerian populace since the past Fifty-One years of freedom either in Government and the private sector, which had hindered the developmental stride of the once prosperous economy, locally known as giant of Africa. Power is transient, what happened in the North African States of Libya is a big lesson on those in leadership authority; who failed to provide dividend of democracy but enriching their persons and cronies. According to a former Attorney-General of Federal Republic of Nigeria High Chief Richard Akinjide opined that History will not forgive any leader that fails.

The pressing problem entangling the Nigerian State today is Islamist sect, Boko Haram were they are exporting jihadist fundamentalist ideology,

The sect had carried out successful suicide  bomb attacks on  the United Nations Nigerian office and the police Headquarters building in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, religious worship centre both belonging to Christians and moderate Muslims were innocent citizenry both foreign nationals or Nigerians were killed etc.

The Boko Haram wicked approach and threat of instigating sectarian violence will not pay any one good; the current nemesis with Nigeria is ethnicity and Religion conspiracy ideology base on faith as earlier argued. The Nigerian electorates believe that those opposed to President Jonathan’s government are the one’s trying to destabilize the nation.

Recently, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed forces, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, told local and international media that in every spheres of the government, namely, the Executive, Judiciary, Military and the Para-Military, Police etc. had sympathy, strong link to the Boko Haram insurgency.

After the President outburst, The mastermind of the Christmas day 2011 bombing of St Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla in Niger State was arrested and twenty-four hours later, the high profile and established suspect Kabiru Umar alias Kabir Sokoto  28 years, and native of Biu town, Bornu Sate  escaped from the Nigerian Police under  the command of Commissioner of Police in-charge of investigation, Mr.Zakaria Biu an expert in dastardly act, who during the reigned of late maximum ruler, General Abacha was in charge of anti-terrorism squad, that unleashed terror and mayhem against pro-democratic disciples. Mr Zakaria Biu is a Kinsman of the terrorist.

The police view this act as a serious negligence of duty on the part of Commissioner of Police, Mr. Biu. While the ordinary Nigerians view it as ethnic connection. The group whose name Boko Haram means western education is sinful in Hausa language, Kano was the first base of the Boko Haram terrorist in 2007, before shifting it operational Headquarters to North-Eastern State of Bornu.

Overtime, it had escalated into other states in the Northern Nigeria almost daily killings. On Friday 20 January, 2012 the attacks on ancient city of Kano, with the level of sophistication and simultaneous attacks, the Boko Haramist had link with Qaeda’s North African branch, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)

 

While, I posit that there are genuine reasons for firm agitation, individual and groups should be free to express their views, offer their criticisms, canvass their ideas for democratic change for the masses not through the barrel of the gun.

What is happening now is not the best of time for the Nigerian state that is why the urgent calls for Sovereigns national conference have finally reached its peak; owing to continued insecurity by the Boko Haram sect.

Security is paramount for the survival of any nation and its citizens, the defective security structure with obsolete equipments and visionless approach is not a good measure for Nigerian state, any conflict will effect and destabilize the entire West African sub-region.

In curtailing or curbing insecurity there must be proactive strategies rather than fire-fighting approach towards combating crime in the country. My advice for the Nigerians populace; Security is a collective responsibility, Government is doing its own, communities will have to do their own and most important, the individuals must co-operate and take the terror challenges seriously, by giving Police and other security agencies relevant information and the financial of the Boko Haram evil acts exposed and brought to justice for good measure.

The sacking of the Inspector of General of Police, Alhaji Hafiz Ringim and replacing him with an assistant Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar is highly welcome development for effective policing. Mr Abubakar hails from Gusua in Zamfara State known for implementation of shiariah law.

Government should invest to procure Patrol vans, communications gadgets in order to monitor phone conversation, read text messages and emails; and other equipment to enhance the security situations in the country.

In the name of Almighty God, I urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence in the country because peace and harmony were essentials tools for development in any society and leadership position his from God who made heaven and earth and raises those who are bowed down. But the way of the wicked. He turns upside down.

JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SIPM.

A social commentator and security analyst, a senior member Institute of Public Management, Nigeria wrote in from Ogu Town, Rivers State, Port Harcourt via www.karibonelson.com

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