I write this strictly as a Nigerian, therefore no imputation to any other affiliation, imagined or otherwise.
On Friday, October 31, Nigerians were jolted in the early evening by the announcement by President Donald Trump on Truth Social to the designation of our country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
It was weeks in coming as the federal government sought to avert the designation by ferrying officials across London and Washington DC to plead its case. Even the much respected Bishop Matthew Kukah added his voice to the government’s position in dismissing the claim of Christian religious persecution or genocide in Nigeria.
Expectedly, there was pushback from Christian clerics including the Christian Association of Nigeria that laid out the systematic targeting of Christian communities particularly by non-state actors over the past two decades.
It should be stated that this particular designation isn’t just about the last two years of the Tinubu administration. It is a culmination of years of federal government’s indolence and acquiescence to Islamists and their dangerous ideology.
The Nigerian State right from when President Olusegun Obasanjo capitulated to Ahmed Yerima’s Sharia declaration in Zamfara for political expediency of second term and the wildfire of further declarations in some states thereafter and the subtle sometimes very apparent coercion of non-Muslims in such states to kowtow to Sharia dictates inspite of the constitutional secular nature of Nigeria ignited a dangerous precedent.
It became commonplace for beverages and foods considered Halal to be destroyed and in some instances for the forceful takeover of lands and businesses of non-Muslims. The matter has not been helped by the murder of Christians over allegations of blasphemy while the perpetrators were not prosecuted by the State or sometimes quietly rewarded.
The world was taking note, while the Nigerian Government played the Ostrich. What of when Boko Haram started? The comments and endorsements of respected Muslim leaders are well-documented and do not warrant rehashing.
In the present, when Mr. Arnold was contracted by Mr. Reno, whether on his violation or some vested interests, it was disaster unseen. Rather than keep to the script, Mr. Arnold went contrary to plan and added to Senator Cruz’s narrative with some poor, ill-conceived responses.
The simple argument of the government should have been “we are aware of the activities of non-state actors behind this heinous agenda, here is what we are doing to dismantle their efforts and here are the results.”
Rather, false equivalence and statistical comparisons became the order of the day. What strategic communication faux pax! Even as on Friday, individuals whose bread are principally buttered by government officials were still engaging in this wrongheadedness. Why should Nigerians be reduced to numbers as per which have died more? Saddening!
It is not too late for the present government to demonstrate its commitment in dealing with the hydra that it faces. It is a welcome development that new service chiefs are on the saddle at a time of grave diplomatic pressure.
They must rise to the occasion and give the Commander-in-Chief something to cheer about and to speedily take to Washington. No amount of blustering will mitigate the angst of President Trump. His Western allies have come to realise this. Even the behemoth China knows when to draw the line with the master of the Art of the Deal.
Each single territory that has been ceded to these terrorist elements especially in Benue, Niger and Plateau must be reclaimed. IDPs should rightfully return to their communities and homes. It is unacceptable that Nigerians, productive ones at that, should become squatters in their home country.
Further to this, federal institutions in the north must be insulated from Sharia vestiges. A dear late prof of mine who was Head of Department in Agric at the ABU said piggery isn’t permitted in the university community though it is a core course. A telling irony! This is widespread in the North.
While religious sensitivity is important and should be embraced, there should be a balance in line with the country’s constitutional order.
A few days back, the Singaporean Prime Minister warned against the creeping religious and ethnic divide into the politics of the country, warning hard measures against promoters of such divisive tendencies. The government acted by blocking all messages, channels and issuing direct warning to such entities and platforms.
It beggars belief till now that the cleric who declared fatwa against our impressive First Lady was left to walk free. It is incongruous that a man whose post does not carry any weight on military takeover is in detention. That cleric has a large following and his statement is treasonous and steeped in religious discrimination.
To conclude, those who downplay the consequences of Nigeria’s CPC status should research before spreading ignorance and trying to show that they are earning their pay. Our country has made measured diplomatic and economic strides under President Tinubu, we, therefore, cannot have the gains reversed by this designation.
Enough is enough!