TERRORISM: WHITHER THE NORTHERN LEADERSHIP? The structure of leadership in Northern Nigeria from communities to religious and sub-national groupings is built around an oligarchic framework. Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with a small number of people. These people could be distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, education, corporate, or military control. Such states are often controlled by a few prominent families who typically pass their influence from one generation to the next. *(Wikipedia) Given this leadership structure, which preexists the founding of Nigeria and is deeply entrenched as a cultural feature of Northern Nigeria, it is difficult and near impossible for the led, the followers, to break ranks and rise against her leadership. I am not aware of any such record in history and would appreciate any related information. Even with the outburst of unprecedented terrorism in their domains, there are no reported records of attacks or aggression against the well entrenched leadership of communities within the Northern Society. No Northern leader has been or attempted to be toppled by Boko Haram, going by the records. If any, I would be glad to be informed. This obviously places a moral burden on the leadership of the North not only for an assumed failure in leadership but for the likelihood of complicity in terrorism. Well structured micromised domains as we have in the North should not easily fall over night to terrorism except there is either collaboration or collapse of leadership structures. I am not aware of any such collapse and I am also not aware of any other reason that can be adduced for the prevalence of terrorism in the Northern society other than complicity of the leadership. Nevertheless, Id appreciate information in this regard. Conspiracy theories seem to suggest that these terrorists onslaught on our psyche and nationhood are linked to the political interests of the North. For instance, upon the appointment of Col. Sambo Dakusi rtd as NSA after the controversial death of Gen. Awoye Andrew Azazi rtd, the immediate past NSA, the onslaught and devilish crusades of Boko Haram mysteriously ebbed to nothingness until the appointment of new Service Chiefs which coincided with the travails of Emir-hopeful, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The consistent insistence of the All Progressives Congress that President Jonathan must visit Maiduguri and other flashpoints of terrorism in the North in order to commiserate with the bereaved and troubled people of the area is not something to treat in isolation, too as the real intentions are suspected to be dubious. But in any case, these are mere conspiracy theories. However, something that Im sure is of concern to all Nigerians is the position of Northern leadership in all of these. Is it possible that the strong leadership structures the North is known for are still entrenched in the midst of these assaults; and we will isolate Northern leadership from complicity? If indeed such structures have failed and are unable to tame the bloodthirsty crusaders of Boko Haram, should the Northern leadership not openly acknowledge the fact and distance itself from the orgy of violence that has taken over their domains? If that is also the situation, should they not also seek collaboration with the Federal Government in combating these attacks by volunteering information than pass the blame to the FG like Sanusi Lamido Sanusi did when he was quoted to have said terrorism in the north was linked to revenue imbalances among States in Nigeria? As a thinker, it is not my intention to critize the North as I have friends of Northern extraction, who are also Northern leaders, that I hold as family. I have only attempted to think in letters and raise critical points for consideration in ending the malaise in the North and strengthen the bond between Northern and Southern Nigeria. When the South was under the battering bullets of Militants, Southern Leaders didnt claim oblivion of the identities of the militants. They led them to the dialogue table. It is therefore sad that Boko Haram is said to be faceless. How can a faceless group acquire armoury and military gears? Do ghosts shoot guns? The leadership of Northern Nigeria has a lot to do in resolving the Boko Haram crisis and absolve itself of complicity except as also being reasoned, this is part of a grander plot. Well, what can one say?
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 07:04:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015