Boko Haram: A governor’s quest for peace

From his pronouncements and actions, the young governor has very good programmes for the people of Borno State, he beliefs that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. This distinguishes the civil society from a primitive one. With the public apology tendered to Boko Haram members […]

From his pronouncements and actions, the young governor has very good programmes for the people of Borno State, he beliefs that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. This distinguishes the civil society from a primitive one. With the public apology tendered to Boko Haram members by all three governors, Nigerians expected the situation to abate, but contrary to that expectation, Boko Haram seems to have defied all logic and has continued to grow in sophistication, no thanks to the political dimensions the crisis seems to have assumed. For sheer political reasons, those who are supposed to sympathize with the governor by making reasonable inputs towards resolving the crisis, have been busy plotting further mischief, if only to rubbish the All Nigeria People’s Party Government in the state.

Only recently, some stalwarts of the opposition political party met at the REIZ Continental Hotel in Abuja, where instead of showing concern for the plight of fellow indigenes of Borno State, they were busy plotting to achieve what they could not get through the ballot box through the back door. Some of them have called for the declaration of a state of emergency, which is not provided for in the constitution any way.  The attitude of the Borno community has been very discouraging too, as they have refused to volunteer information on the persons and activities of the sect members. It is even more disheartening that the aggressors come from amongst them, unleash terror and retreat back into their midst, yet nobody comes forward with information to that regard.

In any case, the situation in Borno today is tantamount to a state of emergency where Soldiers are in full control of the security situation. Those calling for the declaration of a state of emergency should be aware that Boko Haram is not confined to Borno State alone, there have been flashes of their activities in Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Gombe, Yobe and even in Abuja the nation’s capital. In the event that a state of emergency becomes fashionable to government, these areas have to also be involved. The implications are that, we will be going back to military rule and Boko Haram would have succeeded in sacking democratically established structures.

It is true that Kashim Shettima came in when the citizenry were at a point of despair, as killings and bombings become the order of the day, even as fear becomes a mode of perception in the minds of everyone. The challenges seem to be growing by the day to both government and the security agencies. To most Nigerians, Boko Haram seems to be winning the war. What started like a minor insurgence against the government of Borno State has metamorphosed into a national calamity, capable of undermining the security of the entire nation. Six weeks in the saddle, not many people are giving Kashim Shettima a chance, yet he looks determined to redress all perceived injustices and give a listening ear to all aggrieved persons, including adherents of the Boko Haram.

Governor Shettima preference for the carrot option, against the federal government’s stick and carrot approach may appear defeatist, but many consider his action as a rare show of magnanimity. Some sections of the citizenry consider the use of force to suppress the activities of the sect members as popular, even as attendant reactions often left much to be desired. For one year, Boko Haram seems to have the upper hand in what looks like a balance of terror between security agencies and the sect members. It is rather unfortunate that innocent souls who had nothing to do with the crisis since it broke out have been wasted. Governor Kashim, in furtherance of the conviction that both sides have suffered enough, has since assumption of office, been calling on all parties to the crisis to come to a round table and discuss the way out.

Kashim Shettima’s offer of dialogue with leaders of the Boko Haram, was a departure from the combative approach of the past and has attracted commendations from a variety of other leaders. In the same vein, Sherrif’s public apology was considered a statesmanlike response. Kashim may have opened a new chapter in the management of the crisis by not only offering to dialogue, but going ahead to offer amnesty to those willing to lay down their arms. I do not have any cause to doubt his sincerity of purpose when he first muted the idea and he has remained consistent in his call for Boko Haram members to give him the benefit of doubt. Reports in the media gave the impression that Kashim’s proposal is getting attention. And as tough as the conditions for dialogue as given by the sect may be, it is indicative that for the first time, there is the tendency for parties in the conflict to correspond.

Whether the governor’s overtures are acceptable or not, and or whether his offer of amnesty is the appropriate thing to do or not, are issues for another day. What is paramount at this juncture is the fact that there is a significant change in approach from the authorities, and it should be given a chance. Comments from international and local analysts indicate that the option of dialogue has a wide appeal, and it may be the magic wand needed to resolve the imbroglio. Recent events point to the fact that physical force may only give a temporary respite. So far, the incidents recorded show that physical force is becoming less fancied.

What appears more worrisome to the governor is perhaps the fact that, whether as members of the sect or victims of their strikes, those affected are his citizens whom he has the primary duty to protect. More than every citizen, Governor Kashim Shettima is worried by the growing sophistication in the operations of the Boko Haram and the attendant casualties, and he appears prepared to do anything if only for peace to return to his state. What governor Kashim may not be prepared for is perhaps a dialogue with political marauders and criminals who hide under the Boko Haram to perpetrate atrocities in the state.

The State Security Service recently confirmed to the world that Boko has elements of political vendetta. The disposition of opposition political parties in the state, coupled with the curious finds where political party insignia and posters of politicians were found on the vehicles of some suspected bombers, nothing could be more factual that the Boko Haram menace has gone out of the seeming religious realm, and has assumed the colour of political vendetta war.

Dan Galadima wrote from Yola, Adamawa State