Recently, the dreaded Islamic sect, Ahlan Sunnah Lid Da’waati Wal Jihad Yaanaa, notoriously known as Boko Haram confirmed a belief that it is a creation of northern clique who are desperate for power. This is evident in the timing and the conditions the sect has set for dialogue. The sect, had in a telephone press conference in Maiduguri, Borno State, through Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, who claimed to be the Boko Haram commander in charge of southern and northern Borno, gave preference to the personalities like the former military leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Yobe State governor and now Senator, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, first Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Shettima Ali Monguno, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Insecurity in the North-East, Ambassador Gaji Gatimari, and other prominent members of the Borno Emirate to negotiate with the Federal Government on its behalf.
While making claims to the legitimacy of their anger, Abdulaziz who claimed the mandate of their leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, pointed to the killing of the sect’s leader, Mallam Mohammed Yusuf three years ago. Next, the sect prefers that the mediation be held at Saudi Arabia; and that is after sect members who are languishing in Nigerian prisons have been released in exchange for former Governor of Borno, Ali Modu Sherif whose arrest warrant it has issued to the FG. Besides, the sect wants compensation for the bereaved families of their members killed in the on-going war as well as their properties lost.
Call it panic time, Federal Government has described the call for dialogue as a welcomed development. This is if what presidential media spokesperson Reuben Abati said is anything to go by and really represents the position of the government. Granted that the sect has in recent time poised a threat to the entire nation, it is good to observe that excitement is not statecraft. Excitement is an emotion but political decision ought to be anchored in reason.
Keep in mind that Nigeria is a republic made up of different nationalities. No nationality, group or sect at the first instance should think itself too strong to hold our collective destiny to ransom. The issue of dialogue with an outlaw is in itself entirely wrong more so when the group is faceless and has no clear political position.
Democracy does not prey on fears to make exorbitant concessions. An outlaw lacks legitimacy and cannot set conditions for government to follow. The personalities the set wants to negotiate on its behalf are not politically disinterested individuals. Perhaps, we are coming close to understanding the warriors behind the scene. It takes a father to know what a dear son needs. That the call is coming at the build-up to 2015 settles the whole confusion on what will be expected on the negotiating table. The fight is return power to the north.
2015 fears notwithstanding, we cannot prey on fears to give in to selfish demands of politicians and grant what ballot could not offer them. Don’t forget that the sect is getting weary in the fight. One of the unforeseen effects of Boko Haram insurgency is polarization of northern hegemony and shattering of unity along religion and political views. The sect and their sponsors never calculated this. Again, the incessant activities of the sect have eventually brought northern economy to its knees. Each sunrise now reveals that every attack unleashed on the people is a destiny raped and the massive relocation of industries and people gives no hope that economic normalcy is the offing because insurrection has heightened deep-seated mistrust. Besides, Boko Haram itself is getting weaker and has only a weapon of suicide-bombing left. Many members of the sect are becoming less attracted to their mission and it wouldn’t be long they will run out of volunteers. The sect understands these fears too well but wants to pretend and strike a political deal.
In the past, Musa Yar’Adua preyed on fears to pay-roll the sect members and left financially stronger. The trend of dialoguing with outlaw groups has domino effects on nation building. No democracy survives in an atmosphere of compromising with terrorist group. The policy of licking our wounds and saving the day is against UN Campaign Against Act of Terrorism and International Treaty on Counter-Terrorism which Nigeria is a signatory. And if the trend is placed on a scale of justice, the like of Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB must be brought into equation.
Saudi Arabia is neither the world power nor Nigeria’s colonial master and all Nigerians are not Muslims. Why choose it as a venue for dialogue? Who deserves compensations? Roasted innocent citizens or the deceased sect members who are taking sexual advantage of virgins in Allah’s paradise? They are martyrs of their faith and have been rewarded accordingly.
In the past, the world has seen Caesars and emperors, triumphed over Hitlers, Mussolinis, Osama Bin Laden, and in our backyard survived Idi Amins and Abachas. We shall get over this. The precious lives already lost to the fight invite government to be cautious. Whether Boko Haram is ready for ceasefire or not, the confidence is that their days are numbered. This is a political stage that will pass.
