WHY THE CEASE FIRE NOW?
Perhaps, the presumed talks with Boko Haram and the publicised truce on Friday were a hoax after all. Were it not so, the abducted Chibok schoolgirls would have been freed on Friday or, latest, Saturday morning. Up until the time of this writing, however, there has been no news of the release of even one defiled girl. Aniebo Nwamu wrote, Rather, 45 more were abducted today. Little wonder most Nigerians were sceptical. The mark of mischief was made visible by the coincidence of the supposed ceasefire with the “grand finale” rally of the SOT (slaves of transformation) in Abuja. Aniebo Nwamu wrote.
Let us assume the ceasefire was genuine, a leadership newspaper columnist wrote, What should Nigerians expect from the ceasefire agreement with Bokoharam? What would Nigerians benefit from the ceasefire? Does it mean the federal troops can now stroll into territories being controlled by the insurgents without being repelled by a volley of machine gunfire? Will occupied areas be vacated by the insurgents or are they using the period as a decoy to restock food, arms and ammunition? Was the ceasefire as a result of a deathblow to the insurgents from the federal troops? Did the insurgents beg for the ceasefire, as advocated by Senate President David Mark, or has the federal government gone soft on the insurgents once again? Will the insurgents now account for the ‘missing’ NAF aircraft whose pilots they allegedly beheaded in a recent video? Was it for the love of the Chibok girls that the federal government brokered a ceasefire or the insurgents’ fear of the West African joint forces, scheduled to battle them from November 1? Is the ceasefire solely for political expediency? Why the ceasefire now?
What is the value of the pact when reports indicate that it was violated less than 24 hours after pronouncement? We must not forget too fast. The euphoria occasioned by news that the girls would soon be released should not be allowed to becloud our sense of judgement on the idiosyncrasies of criminal elements, or to think that the Boko Haram has lost its deadly venom. However, we must welcome the prospect for peace, no matter how belated. Besides, Nigerians must be vigilant to ensure that the two parties in the bargain mean well for the girls in particular and our country. This must not be a false hope raiser by the government and state agents with the aim of reaping political gains come 2015.
The Boko Haram should not be allowed to capitalise on this window of opportunity to amass supplies in arms and food for future attacks. This is why the attacks on some villages some hours after the ceasefire was announced must not be taken with levity. If that happens, it would show that we are still dealing with a dangerous viper who, sensing that a coalition of sub regional forces would soon congregate to rout it, has decided to red herring the federal government and the military to enable it regroup, re-arm and restock for the battle ahead. This is why we must be cautious.
Source: Leadership newspaper

politicians always play with the feelings of the masses.2015 is around and we are now seeing things never seen before,that is nigerian politics for you.










i rest my case my lord

indeed