The Reality of Insurgency: The Waves Ahead of 2023 Elections and Democracy In Nigeria

In view of the apparent growing threat to our security existence and democracy, it became critical for Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) to make this public statement.

1.

The best way to destroy a virus is to ridicule it then attack it. Unfortunately, rather than the Federal government and our security forces ridiculing the terrorists and decimating them the reverse is the case.

2.

The terrorists successful attack on the advance team of the Presidents’ entourage on 5th July, 2022 on their way to Duara in Katsina state is perhaps the second of such Salah gift to H.E President Mohammadu Buhari.

Also Within the same date, the terrorist further ridiculed and shamed the President and Nigerias’ security forces kinetic and non-kinetic approach in counter terrorism. The terrorists invasion with precise intelligence superior to that of the armed forces was successfully carried out at the Kuje prison (Correctional Institution) in Abuja leading to the escape of high profile terrorists and other criminals. This is a prison with maximum security where high profile criminals; including terrorists and Abba kyari, the Assistant Commissioner of Police undergoing trial for drug cartel associated offences are being kept.

3.

What is more annoying and a further National disgrace as well as admittance of failure is the statement by authorities that “The terrorists have been repelled”. Thus suggesting that the national assignments of our security forces is to repel rather than to conquer or destroy the enemy.

4.

Arewa Christians (ACIPA) and indeed all Nigerians ask this; what is the presence and use of the Brigade of Guards, D.S.S.S, N.I.A, O.N.S.A, Army, Navy, Airforce and all the Para-Military Organizations with Headquarters in Abuja the seat of government for? Unfortunately, no top security or government official ever choose to resign or have been dismissed for negligence or incompetence!

5.

We fear that the encroachment and brazenness of the terrorists considering the claim by ISWAP for being responsible for the Kuje attack and the setting free of prisoners is not only a threat to democracy but a rehearsal to the eventual takeover of Nigeria by Islamist terrorists and their accomplices.

6.

In what can only be fitting for the comics, Nigeria’s chief of Army Staff, General Faruk Yahaya is calling on soldiers to combat insecurity with prayers.

The minister of defense, Bashir Magashi have confirmed that none of the over one hundred and fifty of the terrorists that escaped was found after the escape of over 600 inmates in the most secured conventional facility in Nigeria and the President is yet to give a marching order. Also, heads of top security personnel is yet to roll, yet none will retire and without shame they will still hold onto their position at public tax payers expenses.

7.

It is therefore obvious to us and majority of Nigerians that the President and Legislatures are lacking in the Political will to execute the war against terrorists and their allies as much as there is complicity by select few in the security organizations.

8.

Since the usurpation of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, the appointments of President Mohammadu Buhari’s kinsmen or fellow Muslims rather than abate the security and economic challenges have rather resulted in a spiral. This confirmed our earlier warning against a nepotistic and religiously biased appointments to key security positions.

9.

Thus, there is credence to the fact that there is an urgent need for re-profiling and restructuring of all our security forces. Without doing this certainly not only is this republic and democracy at risk but we also risk an imminent war or the collapse of Nigeria as a Nation. This is more so with the widening religious and regional superiority mentality and distrust.

10.

On the political landscape, the distrust, lack of cohesion and threat is widening as a result of the incessant widespread, unhealthy political bickering and insecurity across the regions with growing apathy, distrust and labeling.

11.

The Hausas are fast reawakening to the consciousness of their ancestral land, the menace of the Fulani and Marginalization. This have been proven with proclamations of elitist Hausas as much as the commoners. This is also true of the other tribes in the North as well as Southern Nigeria.

12.

The dark cloud emanating against the Presidential ambition of Peter Obi, an Igbo man is largely from the elitist Muslims Fulani not the commoners. This speaks volume.

By the same token, there is a growing dissent in the North generally against a Fulani running mate for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Yoruba man from the South. This is evident that Nigerians desire a shift from the past. Any attempt to resist this desire for a shift from the past may spell doom.

13.

In our pursuit of a peaceful, secured and prosperous Nigeria, we have since declared a spiritual revolution through our prayers to turn the tides around the fortune for a greater Nigeria.

14.

From a spiritual and prophetic insight, we wish to advice thus; that any attempt to rig this election again by INEC or the truncation of democratic process by loosing elitist politicians whom the masses may vote against will result in massive revolt against the affluent and the rich.

God bless Nigeria.

Revd. Luke Shehu

ACIPA Chairman

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