To whom much has been given, a whole lot is to be expected. This is why the intemperate intervention by the Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, is very unfortunate. We do not pull our punches in condemning it.
Nyako’s background reeks of the privileged benefits of the post-colonial state. He is a classic post- colonial example of an “ex-this, ex-that.” He is a former Chief of Naval Staff, in addition to other high offices of state held.
Nyako has clearly embarrassed even his own party with his outburst. His irrational exuberance is difficult to defend. The letter itself is unbecoming of a focused mind, let alone the head of a federating unit. The letter did him no credit as it was disjointed as well as incoherent.
In addition, the use of language was very sloppy. Within the context of our contemporary history, the use of the word “genocide” is better avoided. It is far too emotive. And the wounds have still not healed. This is why Nyako needs to make a quick retraction to assuage unnecessarily ruffled sensibilities.
As we made clear last week, what this country needs today is a national democratic agreement on key national issues. The center-piece of which will be on counter -insurgency strategies.
Such an agreement is vital for the polity. In this way the agreement assumes the position of the engine-room of a democracy. It spells out the dos and don’ts within the modus operandi of a democratic framework. This is why for example during the “troubles” in Northern Ireland in the 1970’s the British political establishment across all partisan divides stood resolutely around a common patriotic position. The insurgents had to be contained.
Similarly, in addition, the United States political establishment rallied round the flag at the harrowing time of 9/11. This is as it should be. Frankly, Boko Haram and its hidden allies, as well as fifth columnists, have made a declaration of war on the republic.
In view of this, the response in picking up the gauntlet has to be decisive. This is why the response of former military Head of State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, is so statesman-like. This is what is expected in the defense of a republic and a democracy clearly in peril. President Goodluck Jonathan also earns our kudos for his swift commendation of Buhari’s exemplary conduct.
This is within the spirit of a national democratic agreement. We believe that the actions of both President Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari have now sent the appropriate message and the correct signals to all at home and abroad. It is not just a significant development; it should be seen as a breakthrough. This is because we cannot naively rule out the possibility of fifth columnists lurking menacingly out there. Let there be no mistake about it, there are significant forces out there that are still not that enamored of the concept of a democracy.
For them, the whole “democracy” business is inconvenient. It behooves the political establishment to appreciate this and in unison check-mate them. For we are not being alarmist in stating the obvious. This is that Nigeria today is in a very precarious situation. Unfortunately, all that is needed is an insignificant push for the whole structure to go over the cliff.
What times like this requires are acts of statesmanship. The last thing the country needs are the General Olusegun Obasanjo type fantasies and unsubstantiated allegations about “sniper squads.” From here, a comprehensive new counter-terrorism strategy can be outlined. With the political establishment resolutely united behind such a position, international assistance and cooperation can now be enlisted.
The country needs the new direction and not the sort of asinine ranting that some opportunists on both sides of the contrived divide have been indulging in.
