Nigeria's Unpardonable Sins: The Killing of ESN Commander And The Rehabilitation of Terrorists

 Nigeria's Unpardonable Sins: The Killing of ESN Commander And The Rehabilitation of Terrorists Terrorism, as defined by Oxford dictiona...

 Nigeria's Unpardonable Sins: The Killing of ESN Commander And The Rehabilitation of Terrorists

Terrorism, as defined by Oxford dictionary, is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political goals. A terrorist or an extremist are just two sides of the coin. It describes a person with an ideology that is considered to be far outside the mainstream attitudes of society. Whichever way it is viewed however, you will see someone who has no regard for the views of others and instead, intends imposing his, as the only panacea for peace.

In fairness to Boko Haram terrorism which started as a non-violent organization until the Nigerian government brutally and extra-judicially murdered it's leader, Mohammed Yusuf. The rest as they always say, has became history. A once peaceful and non-violent set, got transformed into a multi-headed monster which the Nigerian military is still paying the costly price till date. 

Abubakar Shekau, after succeeding Mohammed Yusuf, adopted unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians and employed ideologies considered far outside the mainstream attitudes of society for political power grabbing and establishment of his Islamic caliphate. While large chunk of the blame could be apportioned on the government for what Boko Haram is doing, it is pertinent to also note that no sane person is supporting the terrorist organization or buying into it's idealogy, particularly in the adoption of violence against innocent civilians. However, what is more gut-wrenching is not what the group has become, but it's warm embrace by the Northern political class ruling Nigeria today.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is obvious that the body language and utterances of the key players of this Fulani controlled Nigerian government, are in complete tandem with the Sharia demands of Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram. It is a national tragedy for Northern politicians to openly express their unalloyed support to and sympathy for terrorists by calling them “our brothers” whether it is from Nasir El-Rufai, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi or Isa Pantami. Even Muhammadu Buhari had stated: “I will continue to show openly and inside of me, the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria. God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of Sharia in the country”. It seems that they all are part and parcel of what the terrorist group has become as they go full length, rehabilitating the arrested ones and integrating them back into the society with full presidential pardon. 

Down the South-East region, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a local vigilante group formed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were erroneously fingered and tagged "Unknown Gunnen (UGM)" which have been coordinating deadly attacks against security formations in the region. The activities of these unidentified gunmen are direct responses to the government's despotic policies and extra-judicial killings of her citizens. History has taught that for every despot, there comes a societal breaking point that ushers in rebellion as duty calls. So, it was only a matter of time before a vengeful attack follows EndSars-like protest killings involving trigger-happy security personnel. While extra-judicial killings triggered off the activities of the Unknown Gunmen (UGM), that of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) would be that of a child delivered prematurely. That which has defied everything to survive, to ensure self-preservation and prevent extinction of the endangered Biafran indigenous People under the constant Fulani Jihadi attack of conquest.

The recent killing of General Ikonso, is a testimony of the prophetic accuracy of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who accused the South-East Governors of floating EbubeAgu to spy on ESN in order to incapacitate the only line of defense in Biafraland. They do this to pacify their slavemasters – the Sokoto caliphate. This is an unforgivable sin. 

The Fulanis are in total control of the three arms of government in Nigeria, operating a northernization/Islamisation agenda in the entire country unhindered. It is convincing that every Fulani, no matter the level of education, clearly understands this mission and keenly follows same. I just hope that the Southerners that have the propensity for big grammar and pacification without common sense of reasoning, should critically understand the signs of the time and see what awaits them should they continue to remain docile. 

It is worrisome that  up till date, Fulani terrorists have not been convicted for their various crimes against the indigenous populace but instead, are being rehabilitated and offered juicy positions in the Nigerian government. What is even more troubling is the extent to which the media, populated by mostly Southerners, gives them a pass, a cover-up and shamelessly mislead the public with false and pacifying reportage. The media will use words like “alleged” and “clash” to describe the wanton killing of farmers or villagers in their ancestral lands but quick to condemn anyone putting up defensive effort. In the case of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its offshoot, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), it is even worse. Words like “proscribed”, “terrorists” and “secessionists”, are being indiscriminately used to give them description. It does not matter that the victims are unarmed and non-violent or that they are defending their land against the Fulani militia. They must roll out narratives that will paint the devil white and the angel black. 

The killing of Ikonso is one, too many and it cannot be tolerated that the army, police and other security agencies will give cover to terrorists and slaughter citizens protecting themselves from the same terrorists. The people responsible for his death, including the traitors, must be held accountable by all means possible. The announcement by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, during his recent live radio broadcast that Commander Ikonso will be buried in a way more special than an Oba, is really comforting and I throw my full weight behind him. It is when you kill a mad man that you will know that he has relatives. 

He who dances “sulugede” should be aware that it is a dance of the spirit. 

Written by Chibueze Daniel

Edited by Chukwuemeka Okechukwu

For Family  Writers Press International.

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