Igbo people in Maiduguri have expressed disappointment with the Borno State government over its alleged nonchalance towards the welfare of victims of Boko Haram Islamic sect attack in the state.
The people boycotted a meeting between the government, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and other southerners residing in the state on the incessant killing of non indigenous people by the sect’s members, Monday, claiming that government was not serious with their plight.
This is coming as Igbo Youths Movement, IYM alleges that the endless killings of Ndigbo in the north was meant to provoke the people and draw them into ‘’the fray,’’ adding that this ‘’portends great danger to the continued survival of Nigeria as a corporate entity.’’
The statement entitled, ‘’Pushed to the wall’’was signed by the President of IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ukoh and made available to Saturday Vanguard yesterday.
Meanwhile, the rejection of the tripartite meeting by the Igbo followed the feelings among southerners in the state that the government had not done enough to protect their lives and property.Some Igbo who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, ‘’We are not happy with this government, because since the killing of our people in their shops and churches started, nobody has been paid any compensation, even as Muslims are being compensated.
Just last week, Gov Shettima paid N89m compensation to Muslim victims. He also gave out N100m to the family of late Ba Fugu, the father in-law to late leader of Boko Haram, Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf. So we felt we are not relevant in the state.We have no business with Shetima as we have lost confidence in him. He is only concerned with the plight of the Muslims.”
Efforts to contact the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Relations, who is also an Igbo, Mr. Kester Ogualli on telephone proved abortive as his GSM line was switched off.
Vanguard covered the first session of the meeting before journalists were asked to leave the venue to enable the state governor and the two bodies interact. Those in attendance included the Chairman of CAN, Rev. Yuguda Mdurvwa, his Secretary, Rev. Fai Pama and few leaders of the Yoruba community.
However, following threats to life by the Boko Haram, the Joint Task Force, JTF, “Operation Restore Order” in Maiduguri, the state capital has imposed a curfew on Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Council areas beginning from 5pm to 7am each day.
A statement by the Commander of the JTF, Major General Jack Nwaogbo, which was signed on his behalf by the Field Operations Commander, Col. Victor Ebheleme advised members of the public to comply, as anyone who violets such order will be dealt with according to the Rules of Engagement
Nwaogbo added that, by the JTF’s directive, security agencies had been empowered to fish out Boko Haram adherents, supporters and other criminal elements hiding under the cover of the group.
The JTF however, advised law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses within the time available to them, even as those on essential services were advised to identity themselves properly to the security agents.
The statement further enjoined members of the public to make use of the following GSM Hotlines, 07085464012, 08154429346 and 08064174066 to report issues of security to the JTF, as any information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Speaking at the Monday meeting, Governor Shettima had explained that the purpose was to interact with CAN and the leadership of other minority tribes/communities on the possible means of protecting their lives and property in the state.
But according to the IYM boss, Evangelist Ukoh, ‘’The calculated decision by Boko Haram sect and their hidden sponsors to disintegrate Nigeria has gone on with it’s attendant blood letting for much too long.
The frightening silence of Northern leaders has got to the breaking point. Lord Fredrick Lugard’s idea of a Nigeria he forcefully almagamated in 1914 has got to the point of severe survival test by Boko Haram, it is doubtful if the centre can hold.
We’ve been told severally by globally respected writers that this house has fallen. We’ve also been told both by Late Ghadaffi and the C.I.A that we would disintegrate. We have had faith that we could manage but Boko Haram and their sponsors think otherwise.
The emergence of a Southern Christian President has finally brought to the fore, the folly of a section of Nigeria who believes they are born to rule. Their inability to accept stark reality that Nigeria belongs to all and their desperation for power has brought the nation to its knees.
The endless slaughters of Southerners and the calculated attempt by Boko Haram to draw Ndigbo into the fray portends great danger to the continued survival of Nigeria as a corporate entity.
The calculated attempt to provoke reprisals by deliberately killing Ndigbo in the North, designed to bring the government down will only result to a very bloody civil war, the kind not experienced in Africa before now.
It is time for good men and women to stand up and save Nigeria.
The South East leaders are under intense pressure to authorize reprisals. There is a limit to our ability to hold on for continued tolerance and endurance.
The people of the South-east are surprised that Nigerians are only interested in fuel price, nobody is talking about the Ndigbo that are being slaughtered daily in Northern Nigeria. In churches, during town-hall meetings, in buses on their way home and even passer-bys.
The key problem is the unworkable unitary structure and desperation to occupy centre. Half-witted ignoramuses cannot set agenda for us. We will not play into their hands.
Politicians who used empowerment and emboldened Boko Haram have already lost control.
Those who think we will not fight back may not be right. We will decide when and how. It is not in our character to kill helpless women and children.
The endless slaughtering of Southerners and the calculated attempt by Boko Haram to draw Ndigbo
The calculated decision by Boko Haram sect and their sponsors to disintegrate Nigeria has gone on with it’s attendant blood letting for much too long.
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