Barely 24hours following the expiration of the 24hour ultimatum handed to the Inspector General of Police [IGP], Malam Ringim by the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebelemi Azikiwe Jonathan to fish out the escaped leader of the terrorist Islamic group known by the name ‘Boko Haram’, a brewing discord within the hierachy of the Nigerian police has begun to spill into the open arena. Information available to 247ureports.com indicates the leadership under the IGP have begun to openly call for the resignation of the IGP while others within the ministry of police affairs have called for the complete re-structuring of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The National Police headquarters is reported to be tensed and junior officers are said to be on the verge of a protest against the leadership of the police department. Some of the junior officers who spoke to our correspondent revealed that the leadership of the Nigeria Police has been overly compromised. “They are working with Boko Haram” stated one of the officers who is staged at a police check point near the Garki Area 10 police station. The police source continued to add that “most of them collect money from Boko Haram sponsors in exhange for inside information”.
The sentiments expressed by the source is shared by another former high ranking police officer who served as the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. He noted that Ringim has watched the moral of the police officers dwindle to the lowest levels in Nigeria. “I am not surprised that they allowed the leader of Boko Haram to escape after he was in their custody” stated the former police commissioner as he explained that the President of the country ought to have lived up to the ultimatum handed to the IGP.
The office of the President, as 247ureports.com was reliably informed, is said to be aware of the brewing discord within the Police Department – and has began an inquiry into the escape of the Boko Haram leader. The National Security Agency [NSA] is said to have been assigned with the task. The NSA is said to also launch an investigation of the IGP.
A series of powerful blasts today rocked the ancient city of Kano in well co-ordinated and apparently well planned attacks. The Boko Haram claimed responsibility and attacked the offices and residences of police and other security chieftains of the state.
The Zonal Police Headquarters, Zone 1, Kano situated along BUK road and residence of the the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) were attacked and casualties were recorded especially at the AIG’s office where a suicide bomber gained entry and rammed his Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) laden car at the building housing the offices. No definite number of dead or injured could be obtained but there were reportedly a huge number of casualties. At the AIG’s residence located at Bompai area, there was a reported exchange of heavy fire between the assailants and the police, forcing the police to flee while throwing a number of small IEDs at the residence. It is yet to be known whether the AIG was present at his office or residence during the twin attacks.
Not only AIG was the target, the State Security Services (SSS) Headquarters was also targeted by a lone suicide bomber but the attack was foiled and the attacker shot and killed while trying to force his car inside the office premises.
At another location, far from SSS offices, another mindless attack was in progress. Some attackers drove to Kano Passport Office in a green Peugeot 607, according to an eye witness, and calmly shot the two Immigration Officers manning the gates and other four persons suspected to be visitors and then started throwing explosive devices into the offices and creating maximum confusion in the process as a result of the deafening sound. At the same time a nearby police station was been attacked by the assailants with explosives and gun fire. There was also some undisclosed number of casualties, mostly policemen. Another police station at ‘Yar Akwa along Zaria road was also attacked. The attack on ‘Yar Akwa was merciless as the attackers bombed the station and gunned down the escaping cops.
All in all, not less than 30 bombs were said to have been used by the marauding attackers, throwing Kano into confusion especially the state government that have had to bear with its failure to forestall this occurrence. The notorious Boko Haram sect had warned Kano State government in December last year to stop harassing its members or face attack. In an email published by the Weekly Trust of December 17th, 2011, Boko Haram had specifically warned Governor Kwankwaso to stop arresting its members unnecessarily or face a “devastating” attack.
Meanwhile the state government has imposed a 24hr curfew. This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information Mr Jibril Umar Faruk in a radio and TV announcement. He said it has become necessary to curtail movement in order to face the current challenge and prays that “May Allah see us through”, he added.
An Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, on January 20, 2012, dismissed an application filed by a former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel, to stop his trial. Daniel is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 43 count-charge of stealing, fraudulent conversion by trustee, failure to declare assets as well as corruptly obtaining public property while in office as governor.
Daniel, through his counsel, Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, had on January 19, 2012, in a motion on notice, supported by a 37 paragraph affidavit,challenged the locus standi of both the Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute the former governor and asked the court to quash the charges against him. He also argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.Osipitan argued that the offences for which Daniel is being prosecuted were committed in Ogun State and as such, the EFCC lacked the right to institute any action against the former governor.
But Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje, while ruling on the no-case submission, said the Commission and the Attorney General of the federation had the jurisdiction and Locus Standito prosecute the accused as empowered by the Establishment Act of the anti-graft agency and the Constitution. He therefore resolved that Gbenga Daniel should face trial.Daniel’s affidavit stated in part that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to prosecute state offences and to initiate criminal proceedings in respect of state offences and or properties belonging to Ogun state government and Ogun state Local Government Councils whether in their names or in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, had on January 19, 2012, while citing Sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC Act and Sections 211 and 174 of the 1999 Constitution, told the court that the accused person has a case to answer as he added that the Commission also has power to prosecute the former governor Daniel. According to him, the Commission can accept and institute criminal charges against any agency whether State or Federal or any individual, organisation or entity and that the Constitution empowers and stipulates that the Attorney General can take over any case on behalf of the Federal government.
Jacobs while describing Osipitan’s argument as a ploy to delay the trial said “My learned friend has also said in the 37 paragraph affidavits that it is only Ogun state and Ogun State Local government that can complain or write petition alleging that a crime has been committed against it. My Lord this is a misconception of Law. It is also a misconception to say that the EFCC lacks the powers to prosecute this case. Anybody can be prosecuted by the EFCC, anybody can raise an allegation before anybody and the EFCC based on powers conferred on it by the Act establishing it has the powers to cause an investigation to be conducted,” Justice Mabekoje, in his ruling, advised counsels in the case to avoid any unnecessary technicality that could delay the case.
Daniel was dragged before the Ogun State High court on the 12th of October, 2011 on an initial 16 count charge for offences bordering on embezzlement and conversion of Ogun state properties. The charges were later amended to 43 counts by the EFCC.
Multiple bomb blasts greeted the city of Kano on the calm evening of Friday January 20, 2012 at about 7:30pm.The blasts targeted State and National Security apparatus in Kano State.
The Zonal Police Headquarter of Zone 1 located along Bayero University Road exprienced the first bomb which was, according to sources, a suicide bomber who drove a fairly new vehicle believed to be a Toyota car into the complex. The vehicle was loaded with high grade explosives which detonated as the vehicle crashed into the complex. The explosion was reported to be massive. The Zone 1 police station got fire and was burnt completely as a result. The AIG’s office is housed inside the said police station.
Exactly one hour following the first explosion, another police station located at “farm center” was rocked by a bomb – causing the police officers to panic into shooting their AK47 sporadically into the air – in attempts to ward off – attackers. Minutes later, another police station located along Bompai road near sabon gari was bombed – simultaneously, the residence of the AIG was bombed.
Amidst the ruckus, the police officers at the other remaining police stations was reported to begin shooting sporadically in the air. And the pedestrians and motorist were said to be in total confusion – as the traffic laws were not obeyed. Vehicular movement along Hadeja road became erratic and non-directional.
Moments later, the office of the immigration and naturalization was bombed. A failed attempt at bombing the office of the State Security Services [SSS] resulted in the death of the would-be bomber. The SSS officers were said to have reacted to gun down the would-be bomber or attacker.
Information available to 247ureports.com indicate that scores of casualties were incurred in the broad attack. Some of the victims were carried to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital [AKTH] located along Court road in Hawusaya, Kano. Many of the victims delivered to AKTH were those that sustained gunshot wounds. It was gathered that a good number of the gunshot wound were sustained as the police officers shot their AK47s into the air in panic.
The bombing comes a few days after the call to end the NLC/TUC lead strike/mass protests nationwide. The Kano State Chapter of the NLC along with other non governmental organizations, following the call to halt the strike, defied the call and continued with the strike action. The Kano State NLC led strike was called off two days ago.
The Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, as 247ureports.com gathered, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is said to have circulated leaflets throughout Kano claiming responsibility.
The Police Public Relations Officer [PPRO], Malam Magaji was not injured in the attack. It is not certain the whereabouts of AIG. Channels Television reporter Enenche Akogwu was reported killed at one of the police stations.
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, I greet you all fellow Nigerians, my brothers and sisters, Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you).I am grateful to the Almighty God who granted me the opportunity to write to you today. I am pained and saddened by the violence that has visited our towns and cities for many months now. It is my hope in preparing this piece that it will have a profound impact on three primary issues. Firstly, it will dispense with the notion that Islam and Muslims are synonymous with terrorism. Secondly, it will emphasise that there is no popular movement in Northern Nigeria to split our Nation into two or along religious lines. Thirdly, and more crucially, this decree will provide clear, categorical and comprehensive injunctions that will dissuade the confused and impressionable young Muslims in northern Nigeria from entering the path of extremism and radicalism that eventually leads to the murderous outrages we have all seen; particularly the horrific attacks on a worshiping congregation on Christmas day and in their house of worship, may the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Let me make it clear from the outset, I believe strongly that Islam is a religion of peace; I wish therefore to lead the way for all Muslims, leaders and scholars in condemning these acts and all acts of terrorism as un-Islamic and an attack on all of us. Islam is a religion of peace and of love; and love is purity. The holy Qur’an tells us that “God is love” [Allahu muhibba], and the Arabic word for love used in the holy Qur’an is related to the word for seed. No plant can grow without a seed – and so no pious act can grow without love. If love is the seed of every act of piety, then how can an act of hate like terrorism please God? ‘Boko Haram’ by their actions have brought shame on Islam, they are in the minority in the Muslim ummah (brotherhood) but as is often the case, such forces are always the most vocal. It is time now in our dear country for the voice of the majority who have always been against extremism and terrorism to move away from silence and let their voices be heard too. I know it to be true that terrorism is not right – how can it be? Clearly many are confused about what is right and why; it’s all there in the Qur’an, but people don’t understand it, which is why I have taken it upon myself to set out what I know, so that those who are confused may gain true knowledge. We can all appreciate that terrorism is particularly corrosive in any society and that is why this FATWA is an absolute condemnation of terrorism, without any excuse, without any pretext and without any exceptions.
This fatwa is delivered in the context mainly of the recent spate of suicide bombing and gun attacks carried out across Nigeria against a variety of civilian targets, including against Christians, targeting of southerners living in the North and on the attacks against International interest in Nigeria including the bombing of the headquarters of the United Nations in Abuja. There can be no justification for these attacks indeed I can say categorically that suicide bombings and attacks against civilian targets are not only condemned by Islam, but renders all the perpetrators totally out of the fold of Islam, they are unbelievers and common criminals whom it is the obligation of Government and Moslem leaders in the community to work together to decisively root out from society.
The horrendous onslaught of terrorist activity that has continued unabated for the last many months has brought the Muslim Umma, and Nigeria in particular, into disrepute. There is no denying the fact that the vast majority of Muslims oppose and condemn terrorism in unequivocal terms and are not ready to accept it as even remotely related to Islam in any shape or form. It is clear therefore that only a negligible minority amongst them seem to give terrorism tacit approval, instead of openly opposing and condemning terrorism. It is also clear that only a minority of individuals have signed up to the self named ‘Boko Haram’, a group committed to violent and indiscriminate killings including the use of suicide bombings against innocent and peaceful people, bomb blasts on churches, buildings of government and other international agencies, trade centres, markets and other public places: heinous, anti-human and barbarous acts in their very essence. These people justify their actions of human destruction and mass killing of innocent people in the name of Jihad (holy struggle against evil) and thus distort, twist and confuse the entire Islamic concept of Jihad. This situation is causing Muslims, the young in particular, to fall prey to doubts and reservations, muddling their minds in respect of Jihad, because those perpetrating these atrocities are from amongst the Muslims. The perpetrators practice Islamic rituals, perform acts of worship and put on outward forms set down in Sharia. Worst of all, they have turned their violence against Christian, wrongly declaring a Jihad against them.
As a result of this situation, two kinds of negative response and destructive attitude are developing: one in the form of damage to Islam and the Muslims, and the other a threat to Nigeria as a Nation, and Christians and Southerners in particular. The consequences are that both the Muslim Umma, as well as Nigeria, is heading towards catastrophe; heightening tension, and creating an increasingly large deficit of trust between the Islamic North and the mainly Christian South. This widening gulf is not only pushing Nigeria towards inter-faith antagonism but also reducing totally the possibilities of peace, tolerance and mutual coexistence among the different communities of Nigeria; driving our Nation ever closer to civil war. It is in this regard that it becomes essential to place the Islamic stance on terrorism precisely in its proper perspective before the entire nation and in the light of the Holy Qur’an, Prophetic traditions and Books of Jurisprudence and Belief so that both Muslims and non-Muslims, entertaining doubts and reservations about Islam, are enabled to understand Islam’s standpoint on terrorism more clearly and unambiguously.
Islam is a religion of peace
I wish to note here, that Muslims and Christians have been living together in harmony in Nigeria through its history. The events that we have seen are recent and indeed the violence of terrorism is very recent. Islam is a religion of peace and safety that champions love and harmony in society. According to Islamic teachings, only such a person will be called a Muslim at whose hands the lives and properties of all innocent Muslims and non-Muslims remain safe and unhurt. The sanctity of human life and its protection occupies a fundamental place in Islamic law. Taking anyone’s life for nothing is an act that is forbidden and unlawful. Rather, in some cases, it amounts to infidelity. These days, the terrorists, in a vain attempt to impose their own ideas and beliefs and eliminate their opponents from the face of the earth, killing innocent people ruthlessly and indiscriminately everywhere in mosques, churches and other public places are in fact committing clear infidelity. They are warned of humiliating torment in this world and in the hereafter. Terrorism, in its very essence, is an act that symbolises infidelity and rejection of what Islam stands for. When the forbidden element of suicide is added to it, its severity and gravity becomes even greater. Scores of Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions have proved that the massacre of Muslims and terrorism is unlawful in Islam; rather, they are blasphemous acts. This has always been the opinion unanimously held by all the scholars that have passed in the 1400 years of Islamic history, including all the eminent Imams of Tafseer and Hadith and authorities on logic and jurisprudence. Islam has kept the door of negotiation and discussion open to convince by reasoning, instead of the taking up of arms to declare the standpoint of others as wrong, and enforcing one’s own opinion. Only the victims of ignorance, jealousy and malice go for militancy. Islam declares them rebels. They will abide in Hell.
The rights of the non-Muslim citizens
Islam not only guarantees the protection of life, honour and property of Muslim but also assures the equal protection of life, honour and property of non-Muslim citizens. The rights of non-Muslim citizens enjoy the same sanctity as those of Muslim citizens. There is no difference between them as human beings. That is why Islamic law metes out equal treatment to both Muslims and non-Muslims in the matters of blood money and Qisas. Non-Muslims have complete personal and religious freedom in a Muslim society. Their properties and places of worship also enjoy complete protection. Islam does not allow and advocate the use of violence against and killing of peaceful and non-combatant citizens under any circumstances. Those indulging in attacks on peaceful non-Muslim citizens, killing and or torturing them mentally or physically, or keeping them under unlawful custody, are in fact committing serious violations of Islamic teachings. This applies to all of the activities carried out by the Boko Haram.
Islamic commands on the sanctity of human life
The importance Islam lays on the sanctity and dignity of human life can be gauged from the fact that Islam does not allow indiscriminate killing even when Muslim armies are engaged in war against enemy troops. The killing of children, women, the old, infirm, religious leaders and traders is strictly prohibited. The public cannot be massacred. Likewise, places of worship, buildings, crops and even trees cannot be destroyed. On the one hand, there is a clear set of Islamic laws based on extreme discretion, and on the other, there are people who invoke the name of Islam to justify the indiscriminate killing of people, children, and women everywhere, without any distinction of religion or identity. It is a pity that such barbaric people still refer to their activities as Jihad. There can be no bigger discrepancy than this to be seen on earth. It can in no way be permissible to keep any citizen under unlawful custody and murder them and other peaceful non-Muslim citizens in retaliation for the political actions of national leaders. The one who does has no relation to Islam and the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).
We justify as lawful the atrocities of terrorism
Boko Haram invokes Islam and raise slogans to establish the Divine Order, but all of their actions and steps constitute a clear violation of Islamic teachings. When their supporters do not have any legal argument to defend the actions of the Boko Haram, they draw the attention of people to the vices of the ruling elites and what they deem is foreign interference, the political leadership shift to the South as a justification for their killings. They are content in the belief that although the terrorists are doing wrong, their intention is good beyond any doubt. This is a major intellectual faux pas and many people, both educated and uneducated, suffer from this doubt. An evil act remains evil in all its forms and content; whatever we may interpret as injustice, this principle remains the same. Therefore, no forbidden action can ever become a virtuous and lawful deed due to goodness of intention. Law in Islam applies to an action. The massacre of humanity, perpetration of oppression and cruelty, terrorism, violence and bloodshed on earth and armed rebellion and strife cannot become pardonable actions due to any good intention or pious conviction. Nor is there any place for deviation from this fundamental principle. Thus, this argument of the terrorists and their well-wishers is also false in the sight of Islamic law.
Good intentions can never change a vice into a virtue
Terrorism, carnage and mass destruction can never be justified in the name of any intention of enforcing Islamic commands and its judicial system. Nor can these reprehensible activities be any exception to the rule, or be overlooked, or forgiven. These Qur’anic verses explain this point: “When it is said to them: ‘Do not spread disorder in the land,’ they say: ‘It is we who reform.’ Beware! (Truly) it is they who spread disorder, but they do not have any sense (of it) at all.” (Al-Qur’an, 2:11-12) Here the mischievous and criminal mentality has been described, and that the offenders never regard their activity as disruption, violence and strife; rather, they may call it Jihad and deeds of reconstruction and reformation. They presume that the tyrannous activities they perpetrate are aimed at the greater good of society. Today’s tragedy is that terrorists, murderers, mischief-mongers and rioters try to prove their criminal, rebellious, tyrannous, brutal and blasphemous activities as a right and a justified reaction to foreign intervention under the garb of the defence of Islam and national interests. They should know that, as good intention can never prove an unlawful act justified, pious designs can never prove blasphemy as righteousness, and virtuous objectives can never prove an impure act wholesome; that the intention to perform Jihad, in the same way, can never prove violence and terrorism lawful and permissible. An in-depth study of the Qur’an and Hadith makes one resolutely establish that Islam declares the realisation of lawful objectives conditional upon lawful means only, the attainment of noble targets only through permissible ways and reaching sacred objectives by treading only the righteous paths.
The actions that are forbidden, unjust, unlawful and blasphemous cannot be made permissible or lawful or just and creditable by even extremely good intentions joined together. This is such a crucial Islamic principle and legal formula that not one of the Companions, pious predecessors, Imams, and authorities of Hadith and exegeses has departed from to date. Some scholars have also interpreted the Hadith, ‘actions are judged according to intentions,’ as pointing to the expression of deeds according to intentions, that the actions take shape according to the intentions. So a terrorist’s actions speak of his intentions. His killings and destructive activities refer to his foul intention and condemnable ideas and beliefs. His heinous actions cannot stem from pious intentions and beliefs. The bloodshed he causes refers only to a cruel man inside him and not any kind and merciful soul. It is, therefore, evident that whatever false implications and foul justifications these rebels, criminals, evil-mongers, tyrannous brutes may put forth to prove their atrocities as acts of Jihad, they have nothing to do with the teachings of Islam. The Holy Qur’an has vividly described them in this verse: “It is those whose entire struggle is wasted in worldly life, but they presume they are doing very good works.” (Al-Qur’an, 18:104).
Becoming an accomplice to terrorists is also a crime
The Prophet a categorically forbade people to provide help or material support to terrorists. He ordered us to isolate them and deny them any numerical strength, financial assistance and moral support. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet a said, ‘If anyone helps in the murder of a believer—even if with only a few words—he will meet God with the words written on his forehead: “hopeless of God’s mercy”.
This hadith also indicates that it is not only financial and numerical assistance that must be denied to terrorists, but, according to the expression ‘bi sha~ri kalimatin’ (‘a few words’), speeches or writings which lend support to the enemies of peace are also condemnable and must be banned. Such support can only deprive us of God’s forgiveness and mercy. This hadith contains a strict warning to those who mastermind terrorist acts and misinterpret the Qur’an by brainwashing youth with glad tidings of Paradise for murdering peaceful civilians.
Paradise is forbidden for the one who commits suicide
The masterminds of terrorism who groom and brainwash young people for suicide bombings and encourage them with dreams of Paradise by means of ‘martyrdom’ should realize that God has decreed a permanent torment in Hell awaiting those who commit suicide. Jundub b. ‘Abd Allah reported that the Prophet a said, ‘Amongst those before you was a man who was wounded. Unable to bear the pain, he took a knife, sliced his wounded hand and died due to excessive blood loss. God Most High said, “My slave decided to hasten his own demise, so I made Paradise forbidden for him”.’ Al-.asan al-Basri narrates from Jundub b. ‘Abd Allah that the Messenger of God a said, ‘Certainly, a man before you belonging to the people of the past suffered from a boil. When its pain became too much for him to bear, he drew out an arrow from the quiver and pierced it and the bleeding did not stop until he died. Your Lord said, “I forbid his entrance into Paradise”.
Forcing your Belief upon Others and destroying Places of Worship is unlawfulness
Islam gives complete religious freedom to non-Muslims, and the Islamic government is not to interfere in their religious affairs. Islam also guarantees the protection of their places of worship and other religious sites, as well as their life, honour and property. In short, Islam presents an unprecedented model of tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence. The Qur’an fostered feelings of harmony amongst religions and ensured their freedom to the point that it forbade the believers from insulting the false gods of other faith traditions. God says in the Qur’an, ‘And do not insult those whom they worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully and out of ignorance’. There can be no better example of interfaith tolerance than this.
There is no room for coercion in Islam and no one can be forced to convert. Islam gives complete religious freedom to all non-Muslim citizens to adhere to their respective faith traditions and to freely practise their teachings. God says, ‘There is no compulsion in religion. Surely, right guidance is clearly distinguished from error’ Ibn Kathir explained this verse in the following words: ‘Do not coerce anyone to embrace the religion of Islam, for its proofs and evidence are clear, obvious and manifest. There is no need for anyone to be coerced into embracing it’God also says in the Qur’an, ‘So will you coerce people until they become believers?’God has strictly forbidden the Muslims from coercing others to embrace Islam. Therefore, no non-Muslim can be compelled to become a Muslim, because Islam is not merely the profession of faith or the performance of bodily rituals; it requires the confirmation and conviction of the heart; and in matters of the heart, there is no scope for coercion.
Destroying the places of worship of non-Muslims located in Muslim-majority areas is unlawfulness
Islam has strictly forbidden the Muslims from destroying the places of worship that belong to non-Muslims—even if they are located in Muslim-majority areas. The Islamic state is constitutionally responsible for the protection and safeguarding of these sites. Imam Abu Bakr al-Jassas quoted Muhammad b. al-hasan al-Shaybani, who said, ‘When a territory under treaty becomes a territory of the Muslims, no church, sanctuary or Zoroastrian temple that was there before should be demolished’. All of these quotes and texts establish that Islam orders the Muslims to safeguard the places of worship that belong to the non-Muslim citizens of the Islamic lands. Furthermore, Islam grants them complete freedom to practise their religion without any interference. Considering all this, how is it possible that a person who claims to be a Muslim can shamelessly murder people engaged in worship and destroy their places of worship?
Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil
I want to end with a call on Boko Haram to end all armed conflict against Muslims and non-Muslims in our country and to recognise that such acts of terrorism brings Islam into disrepute. As Muslims we must ensure that our intentions as contained in our actions are such that expresses the greatness and mercifulness of Allah. The prophetic traditions speak of the importance of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, and the dire consequences of neglecting them. Hudhayfa reported that the Messenger of God said, ‘The tribulations a man faces with regard to his family, wealth and neighbours are expiated by prayer, charity and the act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil’. My prayer is that we will all work together to guarantee peace, unity and inter-faith harmony in our country, and I urge all Nigerians to pray and work for peace. Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you).
It has remained war of sorts in Awka and environs between petroleum marketers and vehicle owners as the service stations insisted on selling the product at between N150 and N160 per liter, many days after the presidential order for them to adjust the rate down to N97.
Vehicle owners have therefore been accusing the Directorate of Petroleum Resources and the Standards Organisation as well as the Consumer Protections Council of not doing enough to protect them in this regard in the state.
According to a driver who gave his name as Izuchukwu Ezika, when the new pump price was announced on Jan 1, 2012, none of the marketers waited to get any further directives before adjusting their meters. But one of the dealers blamed it on their engineers who have not come to adjust the meters.
As at yesterday, it was only the NNPC mega stations in Awka that have since adjusted the pump price to N97 per litre.
Also a sports enthusiast and promoter, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka has called on the Federal Government to be more open and transparent in the management of the petroleum resources.
Ezeonwuka who is the proprietor of the Rojenny Tourist and Games Village in Oba, Idemili council of Anambra state wondered why they want all attention to be focused on the subsidy accruing from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He want them to come open with the details of the proceeds from the removal of the subsidy on Diesel and Kerosene that became effective early last year.
He noted that telling the nation what they intend to do with the PMS accruals without first coming public with the things they did with those of Diesel and Kerosene clearly exposes their insincerity or lack of it.
Another Community leader in Anambra state, Senator IG Abana has urged the FG to endevour to educate the electorate well in any policy that would affect their lives, in future
A woman and her children on the outskirts of a village in Jonglei, South Sudan, burned down during the recent escalation of clashes in the area
President Barack Obama will defy the Sudanese government and provide food relief to people in danger of starvation, a United Arab Emirates newspaper reported Thursday.
“We are simply not going to sit back and watch while 100,000 people starve to death,” an anonymous state department official reportedly told The National.
A decades-long civil war officially ended last year with the creation of South Sudan, which is backed by the United Nations.
Sudanese government officials reportedly say plans to feed people in Sudanese territory are actually a scheme to further strengthen forces loyal to South Sudan.
The UN reportedly wants the Arab League and African Union to monitor US activity to assure the Sudanese government the efforts are, indeed, humanitarian in nature.
Meanwhile, war continues between forces loyal to Sudan and South Sudan.
“There has been fresh fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile state, rebel and government forces said on Thursday, after the United States warned of a possible ‘horrific’ famine affecting civilians in the area,” AFP reported. “The rebels said they shot down a helicopter gunship sent in to rescue a convoy caught in a forest ambush that killed 26 members of the Sudan Armed Forces.”
Historically, Sudan is more “Arabized” than South Sudan. One of the arguments South Sudan has made is Sudan tried to impose Islam on South Sudan, which is a combination of animist and Christian.
“Stability of governance not totalitarianism was the trend which the Ingaz approach adopted since it has held the Dialogue Conference on Peace Issues in its first year,” the Sudanese government said last year. “The Ingaz is still keen to realize its genuine goals.”
The Action Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State, hereby expresses its appreciation to all Nigerians for the maturity displayed by all those who created time to attend any of the protest centres in all the States, where citizens in unprecedented demonstration of maturity, expressed their opposition to the withdrawal of petrol subsidy from Monday 9th to Monday 16th January 2012.
In particular, we salute the citizens of Lagos State for their steadfastness and attendance at each centre where Nigerians from all walks of life, from all the States of the country, all the religions, all the professions, and all the vocations, including those who are physically challenged, converged daily as brothers and sisters of one united family. We commend them for their great restraint despite isolated provocation.
We sympathise with the family of innocent, unarmed and harmless Demola Abiodun of Ogba-Agege, Lagos State who lost his life on Monday, 9th January 2012, to a bullet allegedly aimed at him without provocation by a Senior Police Officer. We pray that God forgives Demola’s sins, grant eternal repose to his soul, and console his family. Amen.
Also, we sympathise with his friends who were playing football with him, and were seriously injured by the same Senior Police Officer. May God grant you all speedy recovery. Amen.
Inspite of these, we appreciate the Lagos State Police Command for being able to overcome this isolated overzealousness by a Superior Officer. We are encouraged that the State Commissioner of Police rose promptly to the occasion when he ordered the arrest of the culprit. The Lagos State Police then after discharged their official duties of providing security at all the protest centres, and all over Lagos State in accordance with the law.
Albeit, we are appalled that, after the bi-partite negotiation between the Government and labour had ended the protests, the President ordered soldiers to invade Lagos State early morning Monday 16th January 2012, to bully, harass and intimidate the law abiding citizens of Lagos.
Lagos State has a duly elected Governor who came into office by popular votes, and who is the Chief Security Officer of the State. He had unshaken confidence in the Police formation on the ground in Lagos, and was not consulted as required by diplomatic decency and official decorum.
What could be responsible for this provocation and naked abuse of authority by a democratically elected Government whose party, only some months ago, came to Lagos State to solicit for votes? Is this the type of payback that Lagos State deserves for her hospitality?
As far as we know, the constitution guarantees freedom of speech and action, as long as the peace of the society is not threatened. If citizens were important when their votes were needed just a few months ago, their views, apprehensions, desires and aspirations should also matter to those elected into office by them.
What is the Federal Government’s reaction to the reported unauthorised invasion of an oil platform by former militants over the weekend? “To provide security” against possible shutdown of the platform by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN)? Was the reported invasion the bounden duty of ex-militants when the country has properly trained security agencies in place? Can any other Nigerian do this and get away with it in a civilised society where there is a government?
What is the Federal Government’s answer to the numerous print adverts by the President’s kinsmen, where they beat war drums and threaten other Nigerians without being provoked?
The ACN had thought that the Boko Haram issue was engaging enough for the Federal Government, particularly concerning how it would speedily and successfully tackle the sect, in view of admission by the Federal Government in public that the sect had infiltrated its cabinet and even the federal security apparatus!
We are aware of hidden agenda by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to “take over Lagos” by hook or crook. If this unwarranted military invasion is the sign- post of that evil scheme, we advise that this be discontinued forthwith. The peace and harmony that exist in Lagos State should not be disturbed for clandestine objectives.
We make bold to remind the Federal Government that a match stick that is mischievously ignited could become a rage that is impossible to contain.
Lagos State is not available for occupation! Let the peace of Lagos be sustained. We consequently demand the immediate withdrawal of the soldiers from our streets.
Observers and participants now all agree, the ongoing strikes and protests across Nigeria though caused by the country’s federal government’s decision to remove petrol subsidy is no more just about petrol price. Whatever happens and no matter how these strikes and protests end, Nigeria will never be the same again. The citizens of Nigeria have found their voices and they are using them to reject and demand. This has come after years of subjugation through fear of guns and domination through regimentation and by uncertainty through decrees under the military governments. It has come after years of been subdued under a system where every process and relation between the elected and the electors is connoted by paternalism, fatalism, servilisim and dominated by ethnicism under the democratic dispensation.
Like the military rulers before them, the civilian rulers in various spheres of government have over the years developed a habit of impunity and knack for believing they can say, do, fail to do or just get away with anything. Concepts and values like accountability, scrutiny, or any fear of social embarrassment, criminal responsibility, political consequence, or moral stigma have all gradually left the mindset of most public holders and the Nigerian landscape in which they operate.
These rulers have always counted on a largely docile, incompetent and compromised press that for various reason has not been able to force public office holders to thoroughly explain and account for their promises, past, deeds and misdeeds. These leaders have been able to perpetuate their excesses and abuses without caring about the reaction of a citizenry that tends to beg for favour rather than demand for rights, they have gotten used to a citizenry that tends to adjust to rather than rebel against unacceptable use and abuses.
Nigerians, their rulers know, will try to make ends meet and pray; the expression they use for this in Nigerian parlance is to manage.
Well, this managing came to end the on the first day of 2012 when the whole country was touched where it hurt most: their wallets. The pain felt in their wallets forced Nigerians to look closer into the wallets and lives of those telling them to make ends meet, starting from the president and they did not like what they saw. The closer Nigerians looked, the angrier and more disappointed they became.
It is not the first time Nigerians will feel mistreated but there is a clear sense they are now fed up, there is a palpable sense of betrayal by an administration led by someone they consider to be one of their own. The Jonathan Nigerians voted had no shoes and he promised them fresh air and good roads plus stable electricity, good schools, water and lots of jobs. The Jonathan Nigerians voted was perceived as a humble listener, in touch, lucky, very lucky, and God sent. A lot of people were hoping his good luck would rub off on the country, but so far no chance.
Once in power, the Jonathan they got has however been quite unlucky and rather incapable. He was unlucky enough to have the problem of Boko Haram, so far he has proven incapable of dealing with it. He was unlucky enough to have an administration filled with people who do not represent a break from the past, some will argue he chose them, all will agree he has proven incapable of transforming them. He has been unlucky enough not have around him anyone capable of foreseeing and authoritative enough of explaining that if the price of fuel goes up to from N65 to N140, then a worker, let’s call him Ebele, that used to pay N200 might now have to pay N400 a day just on transportation and that if that worker goes to work 23 days a month, then transportation alone might cost him N9200 a month. Nobody was good enough to tell him that general prices will go up more than the percentages Governor Sanusi was predicting during the great Town Hall meeting. This Jonathan could not predict that if Ebele the worker earns N25, 000 a month (which is way more than the minimum wage this administration is being forced to pay) and has to pay for transportation and other maintenance costs for any other dependant, such worker will take to the streets. This Jonathan could not predict that the employer of Ebele the worker, let’s call her Madame Patience, too will loose her patience and jump to the streets pushed by the fear of the request of a salary increase.
This Jonathan could not foresee that if Ebele and Madame Patience should get to the streets just to say no to hike in fuel price but once there, discover that under GEJ our FX reserve has gone from $45bn to $ 30bn and that we have increased our debt stock by about $20bn and that the Dollar exchange rate has moved from less than N140 to N160, then they will want to know more about this sacrifice they are asked to make. This Jonathan could not predict what will happen if Ebele and Madame Patience should discover that those asking them to make all these sacrifices have spent or plan to spend almost 1 billion naira on food and more billions to subsidize luxuries they can’t even dream.
Just in case this Jonathan does not get it, Nigerians are saying no to a hike in fuel prices because they cannot not afford it at all, telling them to bear with you till things get better tomorrow is useless and upsetting because they fear they might not make it till tomorrow. They are not listening to the government anymore because they feel this Jonathan has lost his moral authority to lead.
This Jonathan is made up of people who have so far shown themselves incapable of understanding or caring for Nigerians and the more they talk the worse they seem. For things to work again in Nigeria, this Jonathan must go. We must see a new Jonathan, one capable of listening to the many and standing up to the few. Contrary to what some are advocating, this is not a time for compromise or explanation. Media campaign? Propaganda? Accusing the opposition of hijacking the protests? All that will not solve the problems at hand. Nigerians want to prove they count; they are keen on exercising their sovereign rights. They are convinced their legislators are with them. Now is the time to respect people’s will. Remember Mr. President they voted you into power; rational or not, they, not the economists and advisers voted you into power. Do not listen to those voices saying one has to be tough with children for their own good; Nigerians are not your children Mr. President, they are your masters. Be tough on your advisers and ministers, ask them to come up with alternative means of raising the money you need to govern, tell those who cannot find alternative solutions to hurting Nigerians to go away, you will find replacements. If you genuinely think there is no alternative way to govern than to make Nigerians feel overburdened or unfairly treated then stick to your dignity and principle but resign and go away today to protect your name in history for tomorrow.
