Dear President,On 10 November 2014 a suicide bomber killed 47 people and injured 79 others. The following day, with barely a mention of this horrific incident targetting children, you launched your re-election campaign.
As young global leaders we would like to express our deep concern about the recent situations in Nigeria.
The massacre in Baga has been Boko Haram’s deadliest so far and what has it met with? Your silence. Most disturbing still is the fact that you would send a message to France condemning the killings there, yet seem unable to address the Nigerian people who look to you for leadership. Unfortunately, it would not be the first time
And despite the ease with which you move on, even you will remember the abduction of the schoolgirls in Chibok in April last year. It was 40 days before you addressed the country on that occasion. Nigerians waited, perplexed, as your government debated whether or not the abductions had even taken place. As a result, of all the girls captured, only 52 have secured their freedom – escaping on their own. The rest are still in captivity, still waiting to be rescued, 276 days after being taken from their friends, family and community.
Could it be that your government also doubts that the Baga attacks happened? Amnesty International’s satellite images confirm that indeed a massacre took place, and as many as 2000 people are dead. Yet your army wastes time contesting the numbers.
Whether 150 or 2000, we’d like to hear from you on your governments plans to secure the region and to bear witness to the loss of lives in Baga. We have seen a clear incompetency in handling matters of national interest. In the context of existing ethnic and religious fault lines, silence only says that Nigeria’s government does not care about the victims and is not dealing with the insurgency.
True the global community has also failed to maintain pressure on your government that seems ambivalent about fulfilling its constitutional role to secure the lives and properties of its citizens.
As 1.5 million Nigerians flee their homes, swelling camps within Nigeria and overwhelming border communities’ (if not same as before), it seems the only hope to see you act is global outrage. It was this that finally forced you to address the nation and the world 40 days after the Chibok abductions. It was only then that you reached out to other countries and, with their help, agree a plan for a regional security force to secure the porous borders between Nigeria, Niger and Chad where Boko Haram roams undeterred.
Perhaps, had international pressure been sustained last year, a multi-regional force would have been based in Baga as planned. Perhaps it would have been strong enough to repel Boko Haram when the militants attacked on 3 January. Perhaps 2000 lives could have been saved.
But Isis happened and the world moved on, leaving a small national military unit to stand between thousands of armed militants and a town of ten thousand people. We now know what happened. The world has seen pictures of bodies still strewn around the forest and river where they died.
If these deaths do not generate the attention, outcry and action that they ought to, we can only prepare the ground for more bodies because Boko Haram shows no sign of relenting. The insurgents can be defeated but first you must decide if the lives of Nigerians are worth it or not.
Break the silence, Mr. President. Call for global attention and support to avert a crisis that begins to echo the early days of the Rwandan genocide. Be the voice for the thousands of innocent people who have died and the millions who yearn for peace. They have the right to rebuild their communities and claim their place in the unfolding rise of the African continent.
Hafsat Abiola-Costello
Founder/President Kudirat Initiative for democracy
Nigeria
Co-Signatories
Arnaud Ventura, France
Bjarte Reve, Norway
Binta Niambi Brown, USA
Erik Charas, Mozambique
Funmi Iyanda, Nigeria
Georgie Bernadette, USA
Jacqueline Musiitwa, Zambia
Loulwa Bakr, Saudi Arabia
Leo Shlesinger, Chile
Marieme Jamme, Senegal
Mark Turrell, Germany
Rossana Figuera, USA
Salim Amin, Kenya
Soulaima Gourani, Denmark
Susan Mashibe, Tanzania
Tara Fela Durotoye, Nigeria
257 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 257 of 257U see this is Nigeria which is seen as the largest in Africa ,and Nigeria is a democracy regime and not a military regime, u don't just start taking action at ones, you have to follow the normal procedures . now imagine that your are from that states were those crisis of boko haram bombing and kidnapping, would you expect Mr president to release to flush your state?, how will u fill if it is your state and what will you say, that he is heartless right!!!!, you see if there is anybody that is going to put things right is nobody else but GEJ Mr President DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN a leader of ONE Nigeria. who cares ,love, and feels for his people , well sound and health. when you look at other candidate you will notice that some are not even physically fit, some with selfish interest personal and group. please lets call a spare a spare.our president remains no one but DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN cos he is the best of the best.
Was Nigeria better under OBJ, Yar'adua, Abdusallam, Abacha, Shonekan, IBB, Buhari, Shagari? These previous leaders, apart from leaving our infrastructure in decrepit state, looted the treasury big time and also used the instruments of state(EFCC, SSS, Police) to oppress and suppress. But Fuel scarcity vanished from day one of GEJ presidency! Sam, do you still queue for fuel? Sam, did you not queue for fuel under OBJ, Yar'adua, down to Buhari? Think of what you suffered under previous presidents that have now become history. You may not like him and obviously he has not taken us to the promised land but the much he has contributed let us give him credit for it! And point out what he has not done well.
God will save us
Nigerians what we lack is patient and change takes time what GEJ is doing now will become reality soon and all of you who are insulting him will be the one praising him then again, and same you will still start insulting GMB
saying he is this and that and what plsssssssss
GEJ is Nigerians best leader so far.
GEJ is Nigerians best leader so far.
Tanx dear, not lik others dt r gud in writing all de insults in dictionary just in de name of writing letter
GEJ is just human and he is trying his best for the country. he cannot do all that you want him to do not even your open letter can change that. I will also encourage all to vote for GEJ come 2015. He is the man of the people.
whether Mr. president is silent about the killing in the north east or not, the truth is that we are still the ones killing one another. this is not a time for blame games. lets all keep on praying for the nation and keep supporting our leader.the evil men among us will soon be disgrace. God will help us all. long live Nigeria!
whether Mr. president is silent about the killing in the north east or not, the truth is that we are still the ones killing one another. this is not a time for blame games. lets all keep on praying for the nation and keep supporting our leader.the evil men among us will soon be disgrace. God will help us all. long live Nigeria!
Hafsat should go and read about insurgency.it is unfortunate that she no understanding whatsoever. Take Assad of Syria as an example. He has one of the most modern army in all of the Middle East. He is supported by. the Hisbollah of Lebanon.He is supported by Iran and Russia and as we speak the Americans are flying thousands or sorties in the north especially towards kobani to neutralize Isis but nothing has happened. The insurgents are still advancing to Damascus.what a lot of you funny characters should be doing help to solicit help from the international community and not pile pressure alongside the Boko haram on Mr president in an election month. I am sorry,you are partisan and are definitely part of an orchestrated conspiracy.
Everybody is blaming mr.President for all d happenings in Nigeria but they have foregotin it was when Buhari didn't win previous elections dat Boko Haram started fully and take its course in Nigeria.....Now dat he's campaigning they are using more suicide missions which Buhari can't deny he knew nothing about to destabilize Jonathan and it's government.....Everybody want Jonathan to leave because they see Buhari as the king Kong that will put a stop to stuffs happening in Nigeria......please be WISE AND LETS STOP DECEIVING OUR SELVES.
Jonathan may be a good citizen but that dosent make him a leader. there are issues bothering Nigeria right now (serious issues) and I don't see any effort from him in managing this issues.i like Goodluck as a person but I just don't feel he is competent enough to lead this nation. insurgency and corruption are serious diseases eating up Nigeria and to vote Jonathan a second time is to insinuate that am ok with all of it. What are his plans in dealing with all these? he should come out and tell us. that is more important than campaigning and besides, if his first tenure was that good, he wouldn't have to campaign that much for us to vote him again.
I just tire for dis polithievcians ooo!smh
whether Mr. president is silent about the killing in the north east or not, the truth is that we are still the ones killing one another. this is not a time for blame games. lets all keep on praying for the nation and keep supporting our leader.the evil men among us will soon be disgrace. God will help us all. long live Nigeria!
I don't think you guys should cast stones at Jonathan. yes the all these horrific events are taking place under his ruling but he is not to blame. all these horrific events are a plot of the enemy to deter you from all the positive things Jonathan has done and will do if you guys give him the chance. he cannot single handedly stop the bomb blasts and kidnapping if all those under him are also responsible for these things. The government is highly corrupted, and you can't make a change with such a government.
wow, there is so much hate and misguided anger on the blog. I need you guys to just calm down n think with your mind and not emotions. do we bow down to terrorism ? do we let the enemy win because he says he's going to destroy the world? No you stand up against him and fight, you don't throw in the towel and I believe that is what GEJ is doing. its easy to say let me step down because they want me to, but does that really solve any problem. Mr president is actually trying contrary to what you all might believe, but he has the most corrupt people under him.
all of you filled with hate should just sit and focus on what's really happening, you cant focus on the bad alone forgetting the good that has happened.
I want you to tell me which country has successfully been able to deal with terrorism in their country? These are people who woke up and decided they didn't want to have Jonathan as a president and decided to start causing chaos and killing people here and there and turning and changing your opinion about your president you elected. in other ways really taking your freedom of speech without you even knowing it.
Stelladimokokorkus has been compromised so she cannot post stories like this.
you cant fully eradicate terrorism from a country anyways, not even the US or France has done it, the best you can do is manage it and that's exactly what the president is doing. he has sent out troops, has bought weapons, asked for help, brought in experts.
Hafsat has spoken well, we cn only hope jonathan reads it. The northerners go 2 bed and wake up each day wiv fear in dea hearts, knowing in dea mind it cud be dea last day on earth. Yes, death is inevitable! But ow many of us will be comfortable knowing we cud die any moment by bombers? I guess none. Imagine ur ten year old cousin/daughter/son/nephew/niece, dt Lil child u adore so much being a bomber. I bet I wud cry my eyes out, i'm pretty sure any child in his/her right senses wudnt do a thing as kill him/herself or worse still somebody else. All a 10yr old want 2 do is play and be wiv dea family, buh u see dis children bombers av bn brainwashed and 4 pete's sake dey av no choice!!! Dey are only kids!!!!!!!! What can dey do to shekau? Thousands of innocent lives has been lost since d beginning of d B.H insurgencies and 2 think dt our able bodied president can do nothing about it is sickening and it makes me cry. Anyone with human feelings shud cry, where is Nigeria going to? Where is d brotherly love we av as Nigerians? We av alwz stood 2geda in unity, regardless of our ethnicity, culture, religion and oda differences. It's obvious Jonathan is weak, he's a weakling and a failure and a liar and also not a man of his words and most importantly self centered!!!!!! The killings av 2 stop!!! I want 2 go 2 d north, most especially Bornu with no fear in my heart and to av dis we nid capable hands. I'm not campaigning 4 no one, I bet we are all tired of listening 2 sad news every day. We want change!!! Regardless of who can offer it, jonathan cannot offer us d change dt we want, anoda 4years of jonathan is anoda 4yrs of suffering, killing, pain, poverty, insecurity, black outs, corruption e.t.c. Let's stand 2geda in unity to vote out d failure we kal our President come feb14th of dis year. We are one!!! We are NIgeria!!!!!!!!!
It's high time we join hands together to fight against terrorism in Nigeria, We don't have to criticize anybody for the unfortunate incidence happening in some part of the country (The North East. all we need is to join hands with the President and fight against the enemies of this country. United we stand,devided we fall.
It's high time we join hands together to fight against terrorism in Nigeria, We don't have to criticize anybody for the unfortunate incidence happening in some part of the country (The North East. all we need is to join hands with the President and fight against the enemies of this country. United we stand,devided we fall.
I don't think anybody could do better than what this man is doing about this country's situations...
If all Nigerians brings suggestions that might bring solution to these issues, Most especially, the boko haram's, do u want to tell me that, all will work?
Boko Haram is a sensitive case that needed to be handled with care. please don't let us forget that Nigeria is a complex country wit different cultures, religion, ethnicity...etc.
If GEJ swings into action by bombarding sambisza forest....so many people will still talk...just as people are talking, telling him to go after him wit force.
.......................................
By: Demola
if you really look at this, you will see that its only the negative we are picking up on and completely ignoring anything good he's done. There is no way Jonathan would have reacted to all the chaos that would have made any of you happy. A lot of bad people are against him and they are not in the public eye see you don't see them all you see is Mr president not reacting in a manner that you would like. As a president he can't do everything himself, Jonathan doesn't rule this country on his own. its sad how selfish some people can be and close minded. read the facts, really look into it and don't just speak blindly because there was a car bombing in your area. its completely understandable, we're angry and helpless but is removing Jonathan really the answer? is Buhari better or a grave mistake waiting to happen.
so its obvious we don't like Jonathan and think he is a disappointment of a president but I beg you to reconsider. we can't put the blame on Jonathan but we must blame the administration under him. A president cannot single handedly rule a nation or tackle its issue. Who kidnaps a bus full of school children and threatens the president or slays a whole town because they don't like the president. Does that make sense? Is that how we choose to be moved? or controlled by violence.
what do you expect from a government that is filled enemy of progress, those whom you rely on to help in running the administration are the one turning the country upside down, knowing the fact that you alone can not do it all alone. we can blame our president, his administration is filled with enemies of progress
what do you expect from a government that is filled enemy of progress, those whom you rely on to help in running the administration are the one turning the country upside down, knowing the fact that you alone can not do it all alone. we can blame our president, his administration is filled with enemies of progress
We are talking of a serious issue nd some shallow minds are talking of Febuhari! We need solution to this insurgency.
Funny how every time I read an important piece on this blog regarding national issues, I always see people writing "too long". Wonder if those dumbass people read their books at all. Annoying
OK oh! Too long
For crying out loud Nigerians, GEJ is a human just like everyone of us and not an angel. What he's done as an incumbent president quite out ways his deficiencies. Hasfat, we applaud your observations and we know the president will look into this matter with keen interest. This is why he needs our votes to emerge as the next president.
Jonathan is the man of our dream. pls him do it once more!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr President has done a lot for the Nation in the area of fighting insurgency. He is doing his best to make sure that terrorism becomes a thing of the past in this country. The issue is that there are bad elements in his cabinet, and he also is not relenting in fishing them out. As soon as possible, I know, that we will start seeing positive result in this regard. He indeed deserves to be given another chance to complete the good works he has started. Thank u.
hmmmm...kudirat I must commend your observation but I tell u this case of insurgency of the boko harams has eaten deep into the core of Nigeria and we both know these guys are not just acting I believe they have sponsors in strategic positions of this same administration, not until these guys are fished out,i believe whatever ways or strategy the government plans to tackle them would always be frutile,,but with God on the side of the President who I know takes the life of every Nigerian very important,it would soon be a forgotten story
janothan has done well only that the saboteur could not allow him to exercise his power as expected
The Nigerian Media is hyped with only the negative side of this administration without necessarily pointing out the salient achievements so far made in this present political dispensation. But I want to make it point blank and clear here that Mr. President deserves a second chance even though charged with the leadership of a large and diverse entity such as Nigeria, he has performed credibly well. This present administration has been transforming Nigeria silently from its dark ages of underdevelopment to a 21st century economic and political force which has necessitated me to put a few of those achievements for public awareness and further analysis if the need arises.
A few comprehensive list of achievements made by this present administraton can thus be as follows :
1. REGISTRATION OF A STRONG OPPOSITION PARTY (APC)
It has promoted and practiced a true democracy by creating an enabling environment where people from diverse background and with divergent views and opinions can be accomodated. Under this administraton, the APC (strong opposition party) was registered by INEC big enough to oppose the PDP at both the state and national levels. This would have been unthinkable some years back.
2. CONDUCTING FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
The 2011 polls which was adjudged to be the most credible election of its magnitude that has ever been conducted in the country, though it was Not without its flaws. Unlike in other administations, the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration has given a free hand to the country's electoral umpire; INEC, to perform its statutory duties.
3. NON-INTERFERENCE WITH ELECTORAL AND JUDICIAL MATTERS
This is evident in the number of Governorship elections that have been won both at the polls and in the Court by opposition parties in Anambra, Imo and Osun States just to mention but a few.
4. GUARANTEEING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND LIBERALIZATION OF THE PRESS
In a country where the stiffling of the press and suppression of the citizens' rights to freedom of speech used to be the norm, a legacy of over thirty years of military rule. The existence of vocal anti-govenment media houses and critics would have culminated in some high profile assassinations some years back, but today citizens are free to air their views wherever and whenever they like just like any other sane country.
the president is capable of providing security to the people.Everybody bin blaming Jonathan 4 all d happenings in Nigeria bt dey'v 4gotin it was wen Buhari didn't win previous elections dat Boko Haram started fully nd take its course in Nigeria.....Now dat he's campaigning dey are using more suicide missions wch Buhari can't deny he knew nofin abt 2 destabilize Jonathan and it's govt.....Everybody want Jonathan 2 leave cos they see Buhari as a bad preson how can buhari
The Nigerian Media is hyped with only the negative side of this administration without necessarily pointing out the salient achievements so far made in this present political dispensation. But I want to make it point blank and clear here that Mr. President deserves a second chance even though charged with the leadership of a large and diverse entity such as Nigeria, he has performed credibly well. This present administration has been transforming Nigeria silently from its dark ages of underdevelopment to a 21st century economic and political force which has necessitated me to put a few of those achievements for public awareness and further analysis if the need arises.
GEJ 4 NIGERIA. Despite all calamities GEJ is still stabled, GEJ is the perfect gentle man 4 Nigeria,The captian for Nigeria plane, the sailor for Nigeria ship and the saviour for Nigeria calamities.GEJ 4 NIAJA...!!!.
I love what u write but u forget boko haram was killing before the coming of president goodluck, how I wish u are the president to know what is happening around u and all u do is look for an outing solution, and people coming out without understanding u, u should be in the shoe of mr president, Mr president can not be here and there, he is a human being like u, never judge a book by the cover, open the book and read the page, don't forget what some people say 'I don't want to can names who say he will make the sit a governor-ible.
I QUITE AGREE WITH THE SINCERITY IN THE LETTER BUT ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE I'M STILL ON THE OPINION THAT MR PRESIDENT DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE IF NOT FOR ANYTHING BUT FOR THE SAKES OF THE MANY PROJECTS OF TRANSFORMATION HE HAS KICK STARTED.
Since @ yall supporting goodluck for 2015 believes he has done well or he is trying,i pray that God will run ya life for the next 6 yrs the same way jonathan has bin running nigeria for the past 6 years,pls type your amen so we can know u are not just bin biased .
Since @ yall supporting goodluck for 2015 believes he has done well or he is trying,i pray that God will run ya life for the next 6 yrs the same way jonathan has bin running nigeria for the past 6 years,pls type your amen so we can know u are not just bin biased .
Who's this hfaset or wat every she's called.shame on u for allowing urself to b part of d propaganda.this best thing for the younger generation to do is to remove ourselves 4 d drama.n let the big boys play their games.they kn whos bokoharam.oh........I forgot ur family use to b one of dem.dats the real reason u r mad.
@Same naijaDeltababe, Too long?You're such a Dumb Bitch and i feel really sorry for you...This letter is so spot on,i hope GEJ does something very serious about this insurgencies.. its been on for too long and the saddest part is ,it seems unending now
Girl you are just acting ignorant and lazy...too long seriously....#girl bye
You all shd shut up oo..tell dose fools to stop throwin bombs n GEJ. Will work...Gej 2015
Yes he would send a message to france and not say anything to Nigerians, same way he would go to another african to discuss how to combat that country's terrorism even though he hasn't addressed the terrorism addressing his own country. Dear Nigerians, is this the kind of president you want to leave in power?
ANYTIN 2 BE IN THE NEWS.........................................................................
*oparoescalade*
ANYTIN 2 BE IN THE NEWS.........................................................................
*oparoescalade*
ANYTIN 2 BE IN THE NEWS.........................................................................
*oparoescalade*
very detailed letter... I am not sure you can be 100% sane and ignore whats going on in the North right now, sometimes I feel there is something not right with GEJ
president jonathan is trying his best as far as i am concerned. Bringing about an end to insugency is a collective effor. Although the presidency carries the bulk of it. It is well with Nigeria
Good advice
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