It is believed that change is the only permanent thing on earth. And the Bible puts it this way in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: To every thing there is season, and a time tome to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time laugh; a time to mourn, and a time dance, a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Indeed, there is a time for every thing under the sun. And that is the reason why room is given for sudden negotiation for Boko Haram sect is not a surprise. The negotiation has come to stay but the conditions given to the federal government of Nigeria by the sect is an upheaval task and of a truth an imposition. Yes, is a welcome development that Boko Haram has decided to dialogue with the federal government. But the unfortunate and disturbing issue is that the killing and bombing of churches in the North has not come to an end. The destruction of communication equipment in the north is disrupting smooth GSM communication and dissemination of information of subscribers of GSM network.
Thus, many Nigerians have suffered innocently in the hands of Boko Haram. Some have been made childless, fatherless and motherless and worst still source of lively hood destroyed for life. And the recent declaration for peaceful negotiation is worrisome as many Nigerians have suffered untold hardship as a result of the activities of Boko Haram. It is true that Nigerians need peace and the process and principle should be foUowed as the wish of many Nigerians. The incessant killings and attacks by unknown gunmen should come to an end.
The nomination of Major Gen. Buhari (rtd) by Boko Haram to mediate between it and the federal government is generating a serious concern to many Nigerians. Indeed, Mohamadu Buhari has been silent about the activities of Boko Hararn in the country even when there was a serious pogrom. The negotiation should follow with stoppage & hostilities in the country in order to convince Nigerians that the process is real. There is need for every member of the sect to sheathe their sword for the Government to consider their conditions. Because government would not be hasty in taking decision about Boko 1-lararn proposal, therefore there is need for Boko Haram to give time. The most worrisome aspect of the negotiation is the issue of venue. Book Haram has chosen Saudi Arabia for the venue of the negotiation. Indeed, Boko Haram is not an international organization no matter its affiliate. There is no need dictating choice of venue to the federal government. The choice Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is not a threat to the federal government but the unknown motive could be suspicious.
It must be made clear for posterity sake that the federal of Government of Nigeria did not negotiation with any aggrieved group out side the shore of the country. The Movement for Survival of Ogoni people (MOSOP) of Rivers State has not taken government to the United Nation organisation even when their case has international recognisation and sympathy. This is a ploy by the sect to tactically delay the process of negotiation. The militants of the Niger Delta area did not take the federal government that is distributing the largesse from oil to every part not even to African Union for negotiation.
And why the strict condition to the federal government by Boko Haram? Indeed, it is worthy to mention Nigerian government only had peace accord with Biafra during the civil war in Aburi and not with the Movement of actualization of the Sovereign State of BIAFRA (MASSO8). In the light of this, it is dear there is no need for negotiation in Saudi Arabia. It is true that there need has caution should to be exercised by the government. The Odual Peoples Congress is another sectional group in the country.
Observationally, almost all the sectional groups have the mission and vision. But the truth is that the sovereignty of Nigerian nation must be respected by all. The integrity of Nigeria must be protected no matter the time. Indeed, on the aspect of precedence, there is need for Boko Haram to look into history. There is therefore no need for any need for embarrassment on the Nigerian nation. So many groups have sprung up and took arms against the state. But later the government saw reason to integrate all aggrieved people into the society. Boko Haram should calm down and see the federal government as a father who is ready to absorb every one. The negotiation is necessary and should be amicably done for peace to reign in our nation. In negotiating, with them there is need for all Nigerians to know their true mission in Nigeria. ###
Frank Eneawaji Ogwuonuonu
08028901682
