Boko Haram and Elections

Elections Looming

Nigerian President

President Goodluck Jonathan photo by Amanda V UN

Nigeria’s political rhetoric is in high gear for the presidential elections on February 14. President Goodluck Jonathan, running for a second term, is all over the air waves.

The National Television Authority, NTA, devotes a major portion of its nightly newscast to his campaign messages or news about him.

His opponent is Major General Muhammadu Buhari, former Military Head of State. He does not get equal coverage, so it seems he does not speak often, but maybe his speeches just aren’t reported.

Major General Muhamadu Buhari

Major General Muhammadu Buhari

I found a critical article about Jonathan in The Independent that predicts his loss in the election.

But my husband and many others are sure he will win.

The Guardian reported a surprise visit he made to Maiduguri, the home base of Boko Haram. He spoke to troops and to people who’d been driven out of their homes in Baga and Doron Baga, assuring them they will be able to return soon.

Yesterday’s report from Amnesty International makes this seem unlikely. According to photos they released, nearly 3000 structures were destroyed in the two towns. The death toll is unknown; the government has said 150, but others estimate the number could be as high as 2000.

Voting by region is likely to be strong. Buhari will win in the northern states, while Jonathan will have more support in the south.

An editorial in The Guardian is not optimistic. With falling oil prices, lack of trust, and corruption, the chances for a successful election with the loser accepting the outcome are not high. Yet the article praises the fact that there are two clear parties contesting the election.

Boko Haram Attacks on the Rise

The government seems unable to contain the attacks by Boko Haram which only grow worse. We’ve now even heard about young girls used as suicide bombers.

You can listen to a segment I heard this afternoon on All Things Considered about Boko Haram and the Amnesty photos. The Managing Director of Government Relations for Amnesty was interviewed by Audie Cornish. He said that there are a couple of reasons for the inability to defeat Boko Haram.

“The army lacks morale and has been gutted by corruption,” he said. In addition, there is a lack of consensus about strategy between the civilian administration and the military. He didn’t say this, but I’ve read elsewhere that some say the army is poorly supported because the government fears the possibility of a coup.

Amidst all the terrible news, Jack Finlay sent along this lovely blog post from the daughter of Mary Joseph, who was in my Peace Corps group in Nigeria. Her daughter’s blog is Dreadfully Busy!

The ending of her story is sad as she reflects on Nigeria’s troubles and the regrettable lack of innocence for many girls in the world. But the article is a delight! I’m so glad Jack sent it.

 

Author: Catherine Onyemelukwe

Author, blogger, speaker. Born in New York, grew up in mid west United States, lived in Nigeria for 24 years, back in U.S. since 1986. Advocate for racial justice.