Events are unfolding so fast in Nigeria these days that many discerning minds are getting suspicious of the Goodluck Jonathan presidency. The Federal Government has joined the league of those criticising the position of CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor that Boko Haram should be designated a terrorist organisation.
The government openly condemned the branding of the Islamic sect as a terrorist organisation by the United States as demanded by Pastor Oritsejafor through the US Congress.
Speaking at a meeting with the House of Reps Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Uhomoibhi, said the US Congress should have sought the government’s opinion instead of that of Pastor Oritsejafor.
newsmen gathered that Mr. Uhomoibhi told the House Committee that the statements credited to the CAN President is capable of subjecting Nigerians all over the world to rough scrutiny by US agents and other international agencies.
“For us at the Ministry, Boko Haram should not be designated as International Terrorist Organisation (ITO) or Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) as Nigeria is a secular country and we are working with all other stakeholders to resolve this menace", Uhomoibhi said.
It would be recalled that Pastor Oritsejafor had, on July 10, addressed a US parliament of the House Sub-committee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights where he disclosed that Boko Haram is not only a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem with global implications.
"Boko Haram has waged a systematic campaign of terror and violence. They seek an end to western influence and a removal of the Christian presence in Nigeria.
This is outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances", he said.
Oritsejafor added: “To this end, by refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation, the United States is sending a very clear message, not just to the Federal Government of Nigeria, but to the world that the murder of innocent Christians and Muslims who reject Islamism, and I make a clear distinction here between Islam and Islamism, are acceptable losses.
"It is hypocritical for the United States and the international community to say that they believe in freedom and equality, when their actions do not support those who are being persecuted.
"A non-designation for the group only serves to hamper the cause of justice, and has emboldened Boko Haram to continue to strike out at those who are denied equal protection under the law."
