TRIBUTE TO A CLULESS PRESIDENT

By Amina Adamu Kollere

A couple of months ago, The Jamaatu Ahlis Sunnah Lil Daawati Wal Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram, in a video called for President Jonathan to resign and accept Islam as a condition for peace. The sect refused any negotiation talks with government representatives.

            Describing the demand as blackmail the President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Reuben Abati said to Vanguard that he would not resign because he is the custodian of a mandate given to him by Christians and Muslims alike. According to Abati, it is ridiculous for any group in the country to issue such conditions to the president. "When Nigerians voted overwhelmingly for President Jonathan in the 2011 general election, they knew they were voting for a Christian. He continues to enjoy the goodwill and support of the good people of Nigeria. As president, Dr. Jonathan is the leader of both Muslims and Christians; in fact, he is the leader of persons of all faiths.”

            Very brave of our President not to succumb to blackmail! However, while he sits on his back, people are dying in Borno and Yobe States. Yesterday, more than 20 bombs went off in Maiduguri between 6pm and 10pm. Should we always wait to count the number of dead making sure to add it to the statistics, or should we seek solutions to prevent more deaths?  Civilians and members of the Joint Task Force lose their lives in Maiduguri, while GEJ sits in Aso villa chanting “I will not resign” like a kindergarten pupil learning nursery rhymes. If you won’t resign, then, pray tell, Mister President, what will you do?

            If the sect has refused talks with government representatives till its outrageous demands have been met, is that the only trick up GEJ’s sleeves? If we can call it a trick or maybe it is an obvious ploy that ought to be followed by a plan B. But it is clear that the Jonathan administration does not have a plan B. Rather, as we speak, they are most likely lining their pockets with more money waiting to see if things will get worse so that they can flee with their families without a regard for the average Nigerian who will be trapped in the chaos.

            Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, a Former Federal Permanent Secretary, made a point at the 2^nd Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Muslim Media Publisher’s Association of Nigeria, with which I agree. He said, “Since the sect claims to be fighting a war on behalf of Islam, it is important for the Muslim community to engage them and find out the doctrinal basis of what they are doing.” It seems to me that Nigerians as a whole are not keen on finding out the actual reason the sect is doing what it is doing. Instead, we speculate and formulate conspiracy theories. Is it religious? No it is political but hiding under the guise of religious war. Which politicians are involved? It is the northern politicians wanting presidency back to the north. However, the truth is that nobody knows. Even GEJ is as clueless as the blind begger on the streets.

             We have established that Boko Haram is Islamic, whether they are acting as a religious or political sect is not important. What is important is for GEJ to get them to cease fire through the same tactic they use i.e. religion, after which proper investigation can be done and a decision can be made. If President Yar’adua who had health issues could handle the militants, why can’t GEJ handle Boko Haram? Clearly, he needs to be given a ‘How to be a president for dummies’ as his Christmas present.