It is obvious 2

It is Obvious

From the actions and words of Abubakar Shekau, it is obvious that Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad popularly known as Boko Haram is out to make Nigeria ungovernable for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Again it is obvious that they are trying to launch Jihad and Islamize Nigeria. It is obvious that they don’t have any legitimate grievance against the government. Again it is obvious that they are being used because their initial aim was fighting against Western Education but now they are killing at will. It is now certain that it is not poverty that led them to take up arms. This issue of Boko Haram insurgence is very unfortunate. If we claim we all belong to an entity called Nigeria, we should all be given equal rights. The Nigerian constitution has it that every citizen has freedom of religion. If the leadership of this country is meant for only a tribe, ethnicity or religion, then it will all amount to abuse, inequality, tribalism, nepotism and injustice.

Jonathan/Sambo has the mandate of Nigerians just as he has responded to Abubakar and his group. Therefore the call by leaders of Boko Haram sect is inconsequential. As far as Nigerian nation is concerned, Boko Haram is just a group that has the right to say whatever they like but this should be within the context and limit allowed by the law. If they go beyond that, then the government has the right to punish them.

Recently, there have been calls from some individuals on Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to resign. People who are making this call are all aware that the Boko Haram insurgence is a ploy by some well meaning Nigerian to scuttle the process of governance and force Jonathan out of office. The people who are making this call should also note that forcing Jonathan out of office will not solve Nigerian problem for now. All we need do is to find a permanent solution to all these problems confronting us as a nation. How do we consolidate on what our founding fathers left for us?

Goodluck Jonathan should as a matter of urgency apply full weight of the law on the issue of Boko Haram. His immediate action now will save him from being forced to resign. On the contrary, his inaction about the radical Islamic sect will make even more people who even gave him the mandate to ask for his resignation. The earlier the President acts the better not only for himself but for the good of Nigeria. If he succumbs to pressure and intimidations of Boko Haram, it means that no ethnic minority or Christian will rule Nigeria again. Rather than ask Goodluck Jonathan to resign, we should give him all the support he needs now. The Christians and indeed Southerners should give him the support.

Lastly Jonathan should know that we did not vote for him to fight Boko Haram. He should not use his term to fight only Boko Haram. We expect him to deliver to Nigerians fruits of good governance. He should enshrine a system of true federalism and accountability in governance. With these, he will silence all his doubters and write his name in the history of Nigeria as one who led Nigeria out of her woes.