Insurgency: Military ‘at war with itself’, says Abayomi

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A lawyer-activist  has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to change his strategies in the fight against Boko Haram, whose activities he described as embarrassing.

“We do not understand what is going on in our tactically ‘withdrawing military’, which appears to be at war against itself instead of against the overwhelming Boko Haram,” Olatunji Abayomi said in an open letter to the president.

He wondered how the government could allow Boko Haram to occupy over 20,000sq/km of the country’s land, including Gulani, Gujba, Gwoza, Gamboru, Dikwa, Bama, Kala-Balge, Michika and Madagali.

“Mr President, we have watched with great embarrassment the laying of the honour of Nigeria in dust by Boko Haram with unbearably aggressive mass butcheries. Even more embarrassing is the empty assurances we constantly receive from your government,” Abayomi said.

The senior lawyer said Nigerians are tormented by empty assurances of freedom for the abducted 200 Chibok school girls held in captivity for over 203 days by “a boastful band of insurgents”.

The letter reads in part: “These girls are our daughters. They are our beloved. Mr President, they are asking you in their troubles, they demand an answer – where is government? The hundreds of soldiers, policemen, customs, immigration as well as countless displaced citizens are asking you Mr President, where is government?

“Our land is under threat and siege by a strange band of invaders that increase daily, in bold attraction for our abandoned youth, because of failure of government. Nigerian youths, who still believe in the hope of a great nation are asking too, where is government, no less than their many colleagues in the mass graves all over the Northeast.

“Mr President, we are confronted and tormented by a season of failures and surprises from your government. Your government must realise that life is more important than bread. It needs to wake up from slumber to restore meaningful leadership, hope and belief and the best way to do so is to avoid the annoying excuses of your government and their representatives.

“The people of Nigeria are getting very very tired indeed. Nigeria needs your soul, energy, your intuition, your action and a valuable conquest over Boko Haram.

“Mr President, your government cannot enjoy peace and pleasure on the face of the present spreading and confound national woes. Whatever imagination is needed, whatever ingenuity is required, needs to be immediately called upon to free our land from fear.

“Mr President, arise. We humbly plead with you. Help save Nigeria our native land. Awake the warlike spirit of the Army. Renew the faith of the people through convincing performance result. Honour your time with new desperate urgency and assured commitment that will save our land from the prevailing woes.”

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