For Immediate Release

‘’Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity And Terrorism’’

Abuja, Nigeria. 07/02/2013

(1) ‘’The power to hurt –to destroy things that somebody cherishes, to inflict pain and grief-is a kind of bargaining power, not easy to use but used often. In the under-world it is the basis of blackmail, extortion and kidnapping; in the commercial world for boycotts, strikes, and lockouts…it is often the basis for discipline, civilian and military: and the gods use it to exact obedience’’—Thomas Scheling, Arms and Influence.

(2) ‘’Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate’’-John F. Kennedy, American Statesman, 1917-1963

(3) ‘’We are prepared to go to the gates of hell-but no further’’.- Pope Pius VII 1742-1823, Italian Cleric, attempting to broker an agreement with Napoleon.

Beyond The Razzmatazz of Boko Haram Ceasefire/Negotiation
There has been some excitement in Nigeria’s Citadel of Power over Boko Haram’s alleged move to lay down their arms or negotiate with the Nigerian government. It is not yet uhuru!

We welcome this development as long as the indiscriminate killing of Nigerians comes to an end. We sincerely hope and pray that this move brings lasting peace in Nigeria even though we have some iota of reservations which are premised on the fact that previous so-called ceasefires and negotiations have not yielded positive results. Secondly, the terms and conditions of the Sect’s offer of ceasefire and end of hostilities stipulate a carte blanche- freeing all her detained and possibly convicted members as well. This is unrealistic and an invitation to anarchy that will trigger a vicious cycle and a dangerous precedent.

The status quo is tantamount to a ‘’Policy of Postponement of the evil day rather than Prevention/Proactiveness and Containment’’. What obtains now is akin to a ‘Simulated Peace’ with the attendant propensity to fall like a pack of cards sooner than later.

Hence beyond the hype of the so-called ceasefire and negotiation, we advocate that serious and concerted effort be geared towards tackling the remote and immediate causes of insecurity/terrorism in Nigeria vis a vis exterminating abject poverty, reducing unprecedented unemployment rate, discouraging religious fundamentalism, fighting wanton corruption, injustice etc. We cannot be treating the symptoms of an ailment rather than killing the causative agent and expect the disease to disappear just like that. It is high time Nigeria articulated a ‘’Comprehensive and Pragmatic Terrorism/Counterterrorism Strategy/Policy’’. We also advocate for a ‘’far-reaching Vulnerability Assessment of Critical Infrastructures across Nigeria’’. We lose nothing if we hope for the best and prepare for the worst. As we seek for a lasting solution to this Boko Haram quagmire, the three quotations above can serve as a guide.

Peace is a sine qua non for human existence and development. We cannot actualize our individual and collective aspirations in an atmosphere of instability, insecurity, unpredictability and wanton killings. It is an inalienable right for every Nigerian irrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclination, to sojourn in any part of this country devoid of fear, harassment, intimidation or threat to his life.

Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity and Terrorism. See it, hear it, say it, stop it!!!

God bless Nigeria and Nigerians!

Signed

Don Okereke
donnuait@yahoo.com
+2347080008285

Attention:
1. President Goodluck Jonathan
2. Alhaji Sambo Dasuki (National Security Adviser)
3. Senator David Mark (President of the Senate)
4. Hon Aminu Tambuwal (Speaker House of Representatives)
5. Chief of Defence Staff
6. Minister of foreign Affairs
7. Mr. Mohammed Abubarka (Inspector General of Police)
8. DG, State Security Service (SSS)
9. All 36 State governors in Nigeria
10. All DIG’s, AIG’s, and Police Commissioners of Police
11. All radio, TV, Media houses and Internet bloggers
12. Civil Liberties Organization, Nigeria
13. Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

*yawn*