Conflict is an integral part of nature generally, and human nature in particular. When conflict of ideas or interests degenerate into hostilities, however, negotiations and positional re-alignments become imperative.
The brutal, pseudo-Jihadist onslaught of the Boko Haram sect against the Nigerian state, its blatant disregard for constituted authority, and unprovoked acts of violence against hapless citizens, have created a crisis situation in northern Nigeria and sent shock waves across the entire nation. Every attempt by the beleaguered Nigerian state to contain this embarrassing, exhaustive and expensive insurrection, both militarily and through dialogue had proved abortive, resisted and undermined by the marauding “Islamic” revivalists. Hostilities continue to rage, leaving in its wake sorrow, tears and blood. Innocent Nigerians largely bear the brunt of government’s ineptitude in stemming this ugly tide, daily losing lives, limbs and properties as the violence persists unabated.
Having almost had its fill of carnage, and satisfied that it has the Nigerian government where it wanted it, the “Haramist” sect in a rare show of magnanimity, recently offered to talk on its own terms and with stringent pre-conditions. And from its body language, government appears relieved and favourably disposed to the sect’s “gentlemanly” gesture.
The question now is, what is the basis for these talks?
Since its incursion into national and global infamy , the Boko Haram sect has left no one in doubt as to its raison d’ etre, which is to sabotage, undermine and make nonsense of Nigeria’s resolve, as a people to live in dignity and safety in a secular society, however flawed. The sect is hell-bent on spreading the epidemic of fear and the culture of hate. It is indoctrinating the vulnerable, disillusioned educationally,  handicapped  politically, economically and socially oppressed in the population to inject its depraved values of extremism, intolerance and violence. The sect’s relentless and remorseless acts of terror have continued to fan the toxic  flame of ethno-religious acrimony among already traumatised population and has become a global security concern.
Successive Nigerian governments have progressively and overtime, become more and more enstranged from the people. The yawning disconnect between the government and the governed has contributed immensely to the growing spate of unpatriotism, disenchantment, felonious sentiments and conducts that today permeate the entire nation. The socio-political, traditional and religious elite have by their greed and mad-rush for power, Iucre and influence, inadvertently entrenched a culture of impunity, dishonesty, ethnicity, materialism, religious bigotry and ideological intolerance. For too long, this macabre dance has continued unchecked. The unconstitutional subterfuges and political gimmickry of the ruling class, its disdain for the rule of law and cluelessness in proffering solutions to the myriad of challenges that plague our country, have inspired  apathy , bickering and outright disillusionment in majority of the long-suffering population. The excesses of our leaders and the docility of the led have indeed culminated in the debauchery of the state. Political anomalies, economic irresponsibility and constitutional indiscipline have sapped the sting from institutions, such that rascals now usurp constituted authority and are assured of no consequences. This sorry state of things has culminated in the rise of social recidivism, ethno-religious extremism and endemic lawlessness. The Police and Armed Forces appear overwhelmed by widespread contempt for the rule of law, and in some cases willfully aided and abetted such agents of retrogression.
It is against this backdrop that the menace of Boko Haram becomes a source of worry to all men of good conscience, especially as it borders on national security and unity. There is an urgent need to nip this malaise in the bud and return to the path of sanity, equality, socio-economic justice and national cohesion. There are many ways to actualise the Nigeria of our dreams, and the divisive antics of Boko Haram is not one of such.
Armed struggle the world over, is an acceptable, legitimate means of socio-political and economic liberation. All humanity respects the right of an oppressed people to re-negotiate the terms of their existence, using the instrumentality of purposeful insurgency. Boko Haram, by its modus operandi, not only cheapens that fact, it also negates the very essence of populist uprising. Its mindless acts of terror and deliberate attempts at sowing and breeding the seed of discord, along ethno-religious lines, give the group away as a rudderless, blood thirsty and irritant organisation devoid of any noble ideology and as such, must be totally crushed.
The Federal Government, as the pinnacle of power and custodian of the military might of the Nigerian nation, must begin to act the part. It must wield the big stick, mobilise men and machines, infiltrate and contain this barbaric sect. Methinks the government cannot afford to make any concession to the sect. The criminals must renounce violence and surrender their arms without pre-conditions. Combatants and collaborators arrested by the state, should and must be tried according to the laws of the land.
The cost of negotiating with Boko Haram in the long run will prove too steep a price for this nation. Such escapism will send a wrong signal to millions of other equally frustrated and disenchanted Nigerians that litter the streets and creeks of this nation. People will begin to see violence as a viable vehicle for courting government’s attention and that wise, near frequent force its hand in a particular direction or section of the country. Terror and anarchy must be discouraged and dealt  with ruthlessly. Corruption and economic sabotage must incur grave penalties. We must create a Nigeria where all who try can thrive in an atmosphere of justice, equality and tranquility. We must not negotiate with terrorists, it is suicidal!
Johnson resides in PH