Around 50 world leaders visited France to participate in the mourning. In France, 13 people were murdered. Up to 2,000 people may be murdered in Nigeria by Islamic terrorists, and the news barely mentions it.
Last week, someone at the majority of news outlets decided that the Nigerian massacre in Baga was not newsworthy. It was not the right thing. For journalists, it shouldn’t really matter where the news is. Reporting the most important stories of the day should be the only concern for journalists.
The Nigerian government must take responsibility for this treatment difference, no matter how disappointed they are. After the atrocities, President Jonathan decided that it was appropriate to let the wedding of his foster daughter go ahead. He also wanted to be visible to be during the celebration.
President Jonathan dances at the wedding of his foster daughter. Instagram
The media will follow the president wherever he goes. It shows disrespect for those who have died when a president thinks it’s best to dance. Compare this with Hollande, the president of France, who visited the crime scene soon after the Charlie Hebdo attack. Do you believe his daughter’s marriage would have been celebrated (grandly) 48 hours after France went into mourning for the Charlie Hebdo massacre?
The mystery continues
The terrorist group Boko Haram is still unknown to us, and we believe that its impact is limited to Nigeria. This is a completely different movement from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta MEND, which was centered around oil, an important commodity for the world.
Boko Haram’s motives are confusing. Wikimedia, CC BY-SA
Boko Haram’s only real opposition to Western civilization is the only thing that we can confidently say. It is not clear what the real reasons are, but it seems that Boko Haram members believe the West corrupts ‘true’ Islamic virtues. Boko Haram believes that the majority of those who died in Baga were Muslims. However, they are not real Muslims because they have openly embraced some Western values. Also targets churches. Its main goals are, therefore, vague.
It’s also difficult to determine where the money comes from or who supplies its weapons. Points to al-Qaeda, mentions the Sudanese al-Shabaab and northern Nigerian political figures are all there, but Boko Haram is not revealing any clear links. Boko Haram has not shown any specific motives. This makes it hard to connect it to other groups.
Election purdah
France has taken immediate and strong measures to address its terrorist problem. However, Nigeria will need to wait until the results of the February 14 national elections to get a better idea of what Boko Haram will do next.
Challenger: Muhammadu Buhari. EPA
The lack of a clearly defined offensive mandate appears to be limiting the military’s ability to combat the group. Some would argue that this strategy is to hide the fact that the armed services are not prepared for battle. Nigerian Soldiers have been sentenced to death after refusing to fight Boko Haram because they were not given enough weapons and ammunition.
People believe that if Jonathan wins, the same indecisive attitude will continue. People think that things will change if Muhammadu Buhari wins the presidential election. Buhari, a former general and northerner, is expected to be able to understand better and control the armed forces.
Who will win the race?
At this point, it is difficult to predict who will win. Jonathan’s party, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), has raised much greater amounts to support the campaign. Many people are tired of years of inaction and say any change will be beneficial. Buhari also has a good record of non-corruption and discipline.
How many people will vote is the critical question. The majority of middle-class voters abstain because they believe the elections are rigged. However, the recent election results have changed. It’s much more difficult to rig an election now.
Buhari will likely win the north, and Jonathan will probably win the south. The east and south West will likely decide the election. Buhari’s running mate Yemi Obasinbajo, hails from the latter. He is a professor who has a solid record of public service (in Lagos State). This makes him an appealing prospect for the electorate.
What is the significance of this latest Boko Haram atrocity? The incumbent would not have benefited from it. Jonathan’s pervasive feeling of insecurity is one of his biggest enemies. It’s not good that Jonathan chose to dance at a wedding after 2,000 people were killed.
Buhari will be able to capitalize on his military experience. Boko Haram will not be voting, as one would assume. If they did vote, they would have voted for Jonathan. They won’t have to worry much until he’s thrown out of office.
