Human rights activist, Tunji Abayomi, has again criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for failing to solve problems and instead pretending that all is well.
He lamented that Nigerians watch with great embarrassment the laying of national honour in the dust by Boko Haram, and expressed concern that Jonathan only makes empty assurances of being on top of the job while the situation gets worse.
Abayomi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), bared his mind in an “Open Letter to Jonathan’’, a copy of which he made available to TheNiche.
“The demands of our collective and painful embarrassment from daily news of deaths and disappearances, dislocation and destruction, as well as torturing and shocking confusion in our military, the engine of hope against Boko Haram demand that I write to you,” he said.
“In addition, my patriotic instincts as a Nigerian, my troubled humanity, my conscience and concern for so many children now in jeopardy, the helpless women, the aged and entirely harmless citizens in the North Eastern Nigeria demand that I write.
“I write because every Nigerian citizen concerned with this nation’s present and future, at this point, saddened by the disturbing condition, which is far too saddening for one to remain indifferent or silent, compel me to write. I write before it is too late for us all.”
Abayomi lamented that citizens no longer know what really is happening to the government, do not understand what is going on in the “tactical withdrawal of the military, which appears to be at war against itself instead of against the overwhelming Boko Haram.”
He wondered: “Where Mr. President, is the government when over 20,000 square kilometres of Nigerian land is occupied by a boastful band of insurgents that mocks the pride of our nation, her previously regarded army and her people?
“Where is the government, we ask you Mr. President, when Boko Haram took over Gulani, when it captured Gujba, when it acquired Gwoza, when it conquered Gamboru and Dikwa, when it declared authority over Bama and Kala-balge, when it laid waste Michika and Madagali.
“Where is government, Mr. President, when Boko Haram raised its flag of authority in Mubi the second largest city in Adamawa?
“We are tormented by empty assurance of freedom that have left over 200 girls in the hands of their terrorising captors, in place or places their parents cannot and dare not reach’’
“Our land is under threat and siege by a strange band of invaders that increase daily, in bold attraction for our abandoned youths, because of failure of government. We are confronted and tormented by a season of failure 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 her representatives.
“The people of Nigeria are getting very, very tired indeed. The government of Jonathan cannot enjoy peace and pleasure in the face of the present spreading and confounding national woes.”
