On 27 December 2011, I wrote an article, in which I pointed out a few measures that President Goodluck Jonathan should embark on in 2012 regarding Boko Haram. Delightfully, one of the proposed steps has been taken. Sealing the Nigerian borders with Chad, Niger and Cameron is a great step towards the right direction. It seems that Mr. President is listening and his acolytes are shopping widely for suggestions. However, this measure must be followed by a persistent, focused and unrelenting effort by every arm of government in Nigeria. As citizens of the country, we are also responsible for the security and peace of the nation. What we know, see and hear must be share with the authorities. If they decide not to do anything, our conscience is clear, for at least we did out part. Several mediums exist today for spreading news, i.e. the internet, social media and networking site, news agencies even have special numbers that can be called for news. With the advancement in technology, smart phones, today play a very crucial role in exposing unstable societies such as Nigeria. We should start to use these mediums very efficiently and effectively to assist the government fight the war against terrorism. These tools are useful, if people think that their comments, posts, and videos have no impact, they are wrong! These channels work, we have to be persistent in it use.
Aside from declaring a state-of-emergency in some northern states, the President has to take a critical look at other areas. The top most issue on the agenda of the government should be how to invalidate Boko Haram in 2012. Belonging to the group or any of its kind should be regarded as a crime against humanity. A sin graver that being caught trafficking drugs. The same measure with which the members are condemned should also be extended to their sponsors in low and high places, within and outside government; citizens and foreigners alike. Goodluck Jonathan has to exhibit seriousness towards addressing this new contagion in Nigeria. The sooner he starts, the quicker Nigerians will join in this fight. The steps required are:
1. If the government claims it does not know the financiers of Boko Haram in Nigeria, it should call in the governor of Niger State Mu'azu Aliyu Babangida for questioning. On December 27, 2011 he was quoted as saying the following:
"We know highly placed people up there as sponsors of the sect and it is time for Mr. President, security agents and all of us to go after the sponsors of the Boko Haram now. This is a pure act of terrorism and not religious."
Further light should be shed on this sweeping statement. It is impossible that the media in Nigeria has not made a follow up on this statement. The State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Police Force and the Joint Task Force (JTF), must have heard him make this statement, the immunity that protects the office of the governor should not deter them from calling him in for questioning. The people that he alludes the whole country of knowing should be named for the safety Nigerians.
2. Ahmed Sanni Yerima should be arrested. This man can not cover himself under the powers of the senate and pretend to be a law abiding Nigerian. He is a crook, a terrorist in disguise, a financier of crimes against humanity and he should be brought to justice. No one has to point at him before this arrest is carried out. Allowing him walk around freely, making decision in the senate is like allowing Osama Bin Laden walk into every meeting of the United States of America. This man being in government is a treat to the safety of the nation, he has a constant stream of information that he uses to equip his army, this is evident in how the carry out their activities.The sooner this man is arrested and locked up, the better for Nigerians.
3. International assistance will do us no good. We can fight this plague ourselves. Bringing in the West will only escalate the issue beyond redemption which will lead to a state of no return for Nigeria. Nigeria has been instrumental to peace and ending wars in African for over 50 years, that experience should be put to use to fight this ruthless bunch. The West has been involved in fighting wars all over the world, but peace has never returned to all of the nations they entered. We should not allow Nigeria be one of these countries!
4. Government should not hold back funds. There should be a speedy release of funds to fight this group, the best hands should be hired. We need strategist, intelligence officers and men from the private sector. If we play politics with this fight, the group will catch the government napping.
5. The president should start to spit fire. All this gentle talk which a hand in his pocket and a smile on his face will not faze these miserable lot. Tough talking and action will do the job.
Hoping that the government will listen again to these pointers or some, I am wishing everyone a wonderful, safe, healthy and prosperous 2012. May God keep us all.
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