beyond the razzmatazz of boko haram ceasefire/negotiation

7/29/2019 Beyond The Razzmatazz of Boko Haram Ceasefire/Negotiation

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For Immediate Release

Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity And Terrorism

Abuja, Nigeria. 07/02/2013

(1) The power to hurt to destroy things that somebody cherishes, to inflict pain

and grief-is a kind of bargaining power, not easy to use but used often. In the

under-world it is the basis of blackmail, extortion and kidnapping; in the

commercial world for boycotts, strikes, and lockoutsit is often the basis for

discipline, civilian and military: and the gods use it to exact obedience

Thomas Scheling, Arms and Influence.

(2)Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate-John F.

Kennedy, American Statesman, 1917-1963

(3)We are prepared to go to the gates of hell-but no further.- Pope Pius VII

1742-1823, Italian Cleric, attempting to broker an agreement with Napoleon.

Beyond The Razzmatazz of Boko Haram Ceasefire/Negotiation

There has been some excitement in Nigerias Citadel of Power over Boko Harams

alleged move to lay down their arms or negotiate with the Nigerian government. It is

not yet uhuru!

We welcome this development as long as the indiscriminate killing of Nigerians

comes to an end. We sincerely hope and pray that this move brings lasting peace in

Nigeria even though we have some iota of reservations which are premised on thefact that previous so-called ceasefires and negotiations have not yielded positive

results. Secondly, the terms and conditions of the Sects offer of ceasefire and end of

hostilities stipulate a carte blanche- freeing all her detained and possibly convicted

members as well. This is unrealistic and an invitation to anarchy that will trigger a

vicious cycle and a dangerous precedent.


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The status quo is tantamount to a Policy of Postponement of the evil day rather than

Prevention/Proactiveness and Containment. What obtains now is akin to a

Simulated Peace with the attendant propensity to fall like a pack of cards sooner

than later.

Hence beyond the hype of the so-called ceasefire and negotiation, we advocate that

serious and concerted effort be geared towards tackling the remote and immediate

causes of insecurity/terrorism in Nigeria vis a vis exterminating abject poverty

reducing unprecedented unemployment rate, discouraging religious fundamentalism

fighting wanton corruption, injustice etc. We cannot be treating the symptoms of an

ailment rather than killing the causative agent and expect the disease to disappear

just like that. It is high time Nigeria articulated a Comprehensive and Pragmatic

Terrorism/Counterterrorism Strategy/Policy. We also advocate for a far-reachingVulnerability Assessment of Critical Infrastructures across Nigeria. We lose nothing if

we hope for the best and prepare for the worst. As we seek for a lasting solution to

this Boko Haram quagmire, the three quotations can serve as a guide.

Peace is a sine qua non for human existence and development. We cannot actualize

our individual and collective aspirations in an atmosphere of instability, insecurity,

unpredictability and wanton killings. It is an inalienable right for every Nigerianirrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclination, to sojourn in any part of this

country devoid of fear, harassment, intimidation or threat to his life.

Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity and Terrorism. See it, hear it, say it, stop it!!!

God bless Nigeria and Nigerians!

Signed

Don Okereke

[email protected]

+2347080008285
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Attention:

1. President Goodluck Jonathan

2. Alhaji Sambo Dasuki (National Security Adviser)

3. Senator David Mark (President of the Senate)

4. Hon Aminu Tambuwal (Speaker House of Representatives)

5. Chief of Defence Staff

6. Minister of foreign Affairs

7. Mr. Mohammed Abubarka (Inspector General of Police)

8. DG, State Security Service (SSS)

9. All 36 State governors in Nigeria

10. All DIGs, AIGs, and Police Commissioners of Police

11. All radio, TV, Media houses and Internet bloggers

12. Civil Liberties Organization, Nigeria

13. Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

beyond the razzmatazz of boko haram ceasefire/negotiation

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