Politics

Boko Haram: Beyond The Clamour For Amnesty

Published

13 years ago

December 17, 2012

The recent claim by the Northern Elders’ Forum that the Federal Government (FG) under President Goodluck Jonathan has been insincere and unwilling to end the unabating wanton killings and destructions by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the northern part of the country, should elicit national discourse, particularly at this period when Nigeria is on the mission of redefining her nationhood in a people-oriented Constitution.

According to the spokesman of the forum, Dr. Paul Unongo, the northern leaders based their conviction on President Jonathan’s last month’s media denial of dialoguing with the radical Islamic sect, and the offer of cash reward made by the President for information that could lead to the capture of 20 leaders of the group. Unongo argued that it should be the responsibility of the Federal Government to kick-start negociation with the sect in the interest of Nigerians.

To buttress the Forum’s position, Unongo recalled that when the Federal Government could not handle the violent activities of the Niger Delta militants, it negotiated with them.

“The militants were rehabilitated and compensated with huge sums of money; some of them were given big contracts. If it was possible for the militants in the Niger Delta, which is Jonathan’s part of the country, why would it not be possible for Boko Haram in the North”, the Northern leaders querried.

Giving credence to Unongo’s outburst, the secretary of the Borno State Elder’s Forum, Dr. Bulam Gubio described President Jonathan’s decision on terrorism in the North as mere excuses and a demonstration of poor commitment to resolving the crisis. A group of concerned professionals, politicians, academicians and businessmen, who spoke through Dr. Junaid Mohammed also said it would amount to double standard if Jonathan’s administration shies away from negotiating with Boko Haram, the way the late President Umaru Yar’dua did with Niger Delta militants.

As far as the worries of the Northern leaders on the need for urgent return of peace to the region are cogent, the flagrant expression of those worries has thrown up more issues than proffer solution to the nation’s quest at achieving a country that promotes peace, security, freedom, liberty and equal opportunities in their true meaning for all Nigerians in place of ethnic or sectional inclination.

This is because no matter the motive behind the expression of such position with far reaching implications, the analogy advanced by the Northern leaders is faulty in all its ramifications: The fact remains that the motive behind the violent activities and approach adopted by Boko Haram sect cannot be compared with that of the Niger Delta militants.

For, whilst the Niger Delta Militants took up arms owing to years of massive pauperisation and destruction of their livelihood, destruction of their eco-system and “infrastructure” arising from years of oil exploration and exploitation from their region without any attendant development of the region, Boko Haram is a group of Islamic terrorists who believe that western or non-islamic education is a sin and therefore decided to take up arms to destroy anything that is not islamic or sharia-based. They also seek to forcefully impose sharia in all the states in the northern part of Nigeria.

From the above, one can safely say that the Niger Delta militants were justified and were fighting for a good cause and in the course of their agitation, when successive governments at the centre refused to listen to them, they targeted oil installations; the same installations from which billions of dollars had accrued to the FG, which used the funds to develop mostly other parts of the country, while the producing communities were left undeveloped.

This led to a sharp drop in volume of BPD Nigeria was able to pump and by implication lowered revenue for the FG. This was the reason the Niger Delta militants were engaged at the round table and offered amnesty.

The truth should be thus told that Boko Haram, which figuratively means “Western or non-Islamic education is a sin” is a controversial Nigerian militant Islamist group that seeks the imposition of sharia law in the northern states of Nigeria nay the whole country.

The term “Boko Haram” comes from the Hausa word “Boko” meaning “Animist, western or otherwise non-Islamic education” and the Arabic word,” Haram” figuratively mean “sin” literally, “forbidden”.

The group was founded in 2002 in Maiduguri by Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf. In 2004 it moved to Kanamma, Yobe State, where it set up a base called “Afghanistan”, used to attack nearby police outposts, killing police officers.

Yusuf was hostile to democracy and the secular education system, vowing that “this war that is yet to start would continue for long” if the political and educational system was not changed.

It become known internationally following sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2009. Boko Haram opposes not only Western education, but Western culture and modern science as well. In a 2009 BBC interview, Yusuf stated that the belief that the world is a sphere is contrary to Islam and should be rejected, along with Darwinism and the theory that rain comes from water evaporated by the sun.

In Bauchi, the group was reported as refusing to mix with local people. The group includes members who come from neighbouring Chad and speak only in Arabic. In July 2009 the Nigerian Police started investigating the group, following reports that the group was arming itself.

Several leaders were consequently arrested in Bauchi, sparking deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces, which led to the deaths of an estimated 700 people.

In Yobe State, fighters of the group reportedly “used fuel-laden motorcycles” and “bows with poison arrows” to attack a police station. On 30th of July, 2009, allegations were made that Yusuf was killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody. Reports also have it that, since 2009, Boko Haram may have killed over 3000 people, mostly Christians, in the North.

In January 2010, the group struck in Borno State killing four people in Dala Alemderi ward in Maiduguri metropolis. On September 7, 2010, Boko Haram freed over 700 inmates from a prison in Bauchi State. In December 2010, Boko Haram were blamed for a market bombing, following which 92 of its members were arrested by police.

On Tuesday February 8, 2011, Boko Haram gave conditions for peace. The radicals demanded that the Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, should step down from office with immediate effect and also allow members to reclaim their mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. On 9th May, 2011, Boko Haram rejected an offer for amnesty made by the governor-elect of Borno state, Kashim Shettima.

From the foregoing, it is only apparent that any form of comparison between Boko Haram and Niger Delta militants should start and end with the term “militants” which is used to describe the two, for they are both vigorously active, combative and aggressive in support of their stated “causes”.

If the Northern elders I hinge their argument on this, then the question is, in what form should such amnesty be?

Would it also include sending them abroad (Europe) to acquire some specialised education (against the group’s ideology, since they do not want to have anything to do with western education)?

If not that, then should they be sent to an Islamic nation to obtain only Islamic education? What good would that do Nigeria? Would it not even expose them to more modern forms of terrorism and globall terrorism cells?

Or should Boko Haram be awarded big contracts to help them enhance the capacity of their weaponry? These are some of the salient questions the Northern elders should provide answers to, before the commencement of such negotiation.

Also, a criminal group can only be granted amnesty when its members reject their ways and abandon their bad behaviours. Boko Haram does not fall in that category. Boko Haram is a religiously fanatic movement which trusts in JIHAD as the only veritable weapon of advancing its gospel.

It is practically impossible for them to accept amnesty. In fact, that will annoy “The most merciful, Allah”, whom they are working for. Boko Haram has been granted amnesty. But they have rejected it.

So long as Northern leaders, some of them accused of compromising their religious beliefs, keep trying to explain Boko Haram’s behaviour in the name of some political grievances rather than purely religious, they will continue to gain undeserved attention. If the likes of Unongo and Gubio do not rise to the occasion and reject Boko Haram, it will simply remain a recipe for catastrophy.

Aware of the objective and true meaning of Boko Haram, what Nigerians expect from the Northern Elders Forum at this critical point of our national history, is suggest ways on how the Federal Government can liaise with international intelligence outfits to have a wider network to be able to expose those behind the saddistic Boko Haram terrorists.

Such alliance will also check the influx of Somali and Sudanese-trained al-qaeda insurgents from coming into Nigeria to carry out bomb blasts and other attacks.

At this period of the nation’s life, all that is needed is a creed that promotes easy administration, management and responsiveness in the communities; a mechanism for socio-economic transformation of the people through peaceful co-existence; a creed that gives community members a voice to take ownership of things that happen around them and not views that clearly aim at promoting discord amongst the various ethnic or tribal groups.

Politics

Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

Published

4 days ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, swore in the sixth substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).

At the ceremony held at the State House Council Chamber, President Tinubu urged the new INEC Chairman to serve with integrity and beyond reproach.

“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.

“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism,” the President said.

President Tinubu noted that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.

“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.

“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.

“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he added.

President Tinubu stated that the governorship election on November 8, 2025, in Anambra State will serve as a litmus test for the new leadership of the electoral commission.

“It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.

“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.

“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.

“I therefore charge you, Prof Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.

The swearing-in ceremony follows the Senate’s confirmation of the INEC Chairman’s nomination on October 16.

Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025.

The 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission at the screening.

The new INEC Chairman will assume office immediately.

Politics

Reps Ask FG To Curb Arbitrary Rent Hike Nationwide

Published

4 days ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to take urgent and decisive measures to curb the growing trend of arbitrary rent increases across the country.

The House, which described incessant rent increment as exploitative and detrimental to citizens’ welfare, took the resolution following the adoption of a motion on notice at Thursday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River State, Bassey Akiba.

Recall that in May 2024, the House passed a similar resolution sponsored by Emmanuel Udo (PDP, Akwa Ibom), calling for rent control and landlords’ regulation within the Federal Capital Territory.

Udo’s motion advocated monthly rent payments and directed the House Committee on the FCT to propose measures to address excessive, reckless increments in rent by landlords.

Across the country, there are reports of a hike in rents, particularly in areas witnessing new government infrastructural projects such as roads and markets.

In the FCT, rents in some neighbourhoods have jumped from ?800,000 to ?2.5 million annually, for a two-bedroom flat; a development that has plunged many Nigerians into economic distress.

Akiba, while drumming support for the bill, argued that “The rise in the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to meet rental obligations,” warning that “Unregulated rent increments threaten stability in the housing sector.”

While acknowledging landlords’ rights, he noted that tenants’ welfare must be equally protected to ensure fairness and economic balance.

Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker reminded his colleagues that the welfare and security of citizens constitute the primary responsibility of government.

He also cited the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which emphasises access to adequate and affordable housing as a basic human right.

Lawmakers present at the plenary voted in support of the motion when it was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.

Consequently, the House urged the Federal Government to “Intensify efforts toward providing affordable housing schemes to ease pressure on the rental market and expand access to low-cost homes.”

It also directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to “Collaborate with state governments in implementing effective rent control policies, ensuring that public infrastructure development does not trigger unjustified rent escalations.”

The House also recommended that any rent review should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of improvements in facilities.

Furthermore, the House mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.

News

New INEC Chair Pledges Free, Fair, Credible Polls

Published

4 days ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration by the President at the State House yesterday, Amupitan declared that his mission was clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections while deepening democratic values across the nation.

During his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that achieving INEC’s mandate would hinge on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the institution.

“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.

Addressing INEC staff and directors, the don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.

Turning his attention to the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, the INEC chairman described it as a defining moment for the commission.

“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.

“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.

“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task. And let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.

The don also made staff welfare a central part of his agenda, acknowledging that the commission’s workforce plays a vital role in ensuring credible elections.

“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.

“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the INEC chairman assured.

The chairman, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues who celebrated his appointment.

“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very heckling and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.

Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.

“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, I don’t envy you. But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.

“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” the don said.

He concluded his remarks on a reflective note, describing his appointment as part of a divine plan.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.

“If God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is born. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.

“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.