'BOKO HARAM IS SPONSORED TERRORISM'
•Ukachukwu
Elias Ukachukwu, a political analyst has called on the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to arrest those who threatened to make the nation ungovernable. He speaks to DICKSON OKAFOR on the recent spate of killings by the Boko Haram.
Excerpts:
Corruption is slowing ebbing out
With the outcome of the just concluded general election in Nigeria, I can say there is hope for Nigeria. I believe that 2015, no corrupt person will be voted into power going by the way Jonathan has chosen to govern the nation.
The first step he took towards cleansing Nigeria is his refusal to make corrupt persons Ministers in spite of pressure mounted on him by political godfathers. He sent the names of those he is sure of to the National Assembly for screening and clearance. Different interests especially the governors fought hard to impress it on the President to make their ministers but I believe he stood his grounds.
The recent killings by Boko Haram
You would recall that before the PDP Presidential primaries, some people vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable if the zoning was not adhered to and this is exactly what we are witnessing today. My question is can't those people be arrested and investigated? If it were to be a poor man that made such treasonable statement, he will be arrested but people are walking the streets of Nigeria while innocent people are killed daily.
Therefore I disagree that Boko Haram is responsible for the bombings. It is just a means to distract Nigerians from the real bombers .
Do you foresee the end of Boko Haram soon?
That can only happen if those sponsoring them are arrested and brought to book. They should not tell us that it is Boko Haram that is behind the bombings. Some of them are Almajiris who are illiterates, that do not know how to detonate a bomb. Right now, they have taken over Borno State as the state governor is incapacitated and the Commissioner of Police is no more in charge hence, the Federal Government had to invite the military to maintain law and order in the state.
Some people have suggested that the Federal Government should declare state of emergency in the states where Boko Haram are attacking but I disagree because the sect cannot hold the nation to ransom.
Controversy over Islamic Banking
I cannot understand why Mr. President is still keeping quiet over an issue that is a time bomb. He should as a matter of urgency relief Lamido Sanusi the Central Bank Governor of his job because he is no longer serving the interest of Nigerians.
The earlier this is done, the better for the nation. Yes, his reforms programme in the banking sector is a welcome development but that does not mean he should disenfranchise other regions. He should occupy himself with meaningful programmes that will enhance the apex bank for the good of the nation.
More actions are expected from the President
I won't say the President is weak rather I will say he is not in a hurry to take decisions. He is intelligent, God fearing, and humble but Nigerians need more action from him. We all knew the kind of pressure Mr. President was subjected to during the ministerial nomination yet the constitution empowers the president to appoint his ministers and that is why I say we need more actions from Jonathan. That you worked for Jonathan during election is not a guarantee that you or your cronies will be made minister hence it means that everybody will be made minister because many people worked for the success of Jonathan Presidency in April.
Jonathan should not interfere in tribunal matters
Neither the PDP nor Jonathan should not interfere in tribunal cases because Mr. President is the leader of the party. He should caution his party leaders not to interfere in the cases at the election petition tribunal. He should realize where God took him from to where he is now presently, it is through God's Mercy, and he should not do anything that will frustrate others.