President Muhammadu Buhari (Bubu) was nicknamed ‘baba go slow’ by critics within the first few months of his reign. With all the promises he and the APC made during the electoral campaign, Nigerians expected quick results especially in the area of security. We were all excited and widely optimistic that Boko Haram along with other mini-terrorist groups would be wiped out completely in the shortest possible time.
Bubu had a different agenda. The president who takes pleasure in addressing the nation either in absentia or from a different country, assured Nigerians from Washington, that indeed, he was ‘baba go slow,’ but he would be “slow and steady.” The nickname was soon forgotten as newer ones like #wakawakabuhari and #tyrantbuhari sprung up. However, in recent times, Bubu’s leisurely approach to security issues in the country calls for grave concern.
The Fulani herdsmen turned terrorists
The Fulani herdsmen, who in the past were seen with rods to guide their herds, now arm themselves with guns and machetes. These men have seemingly traded their simple nomadic activities for more violent ones like kidnapping and indiscriminate man-slaughter. The Fulani herdsmen have been responsible for disturbing the peace of heir host communities in the south west since last year. They even kidnapped a former elder statesman and reportedly demanded a ransom. Now, without a proper check by the government and security agents, the so-called herdsmen have extended their despicable acts of violence to the south-eastern region.
In March, the Agatu killings occurred. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed in the clash between the herdsmen and some communities in Benue state. Without a visit to the affected communities, Bubu sent a message through one of his assistants, condemning the killings. He said “we will conduct an investigation to know exactly what happened. The only way to bring an end to the violence, once and for all, is to look beyond one incident and ascertain exactly what factors are behind the conflicts.” He reportedly went further to assure Benue state that such occurrence will not happen again.
But then it happened again in Delta state. Earlier this month, the herdsmen reportedly killed a university member of staff who was also a farmer. Another member of the university was kidnapped on the 22nd of April and for his release, they are asking for a ransom of N5 million. To crown it all, in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State, eight people, who were reportedly working on their farms, were kidnapped and tortured by some Fulani herdsmen for several hours before they were freed. The community farmers were tortured because four of the herdsmen’s cows were killed. In all of this commotion, Bubu has maintained his steady disturbing culture of silence.
On the 26th of April, 500 suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state. The herdsmen reportedly killed about 40 people because some of their cows were missing. The violent and organized attacks carried out by these herdsmen makes them potential terrorists and a reprisal attack should have been launched by the security forces against them. Instead, what Nigerians get is inaction, condolence and condemnation messages from the authorities accompanied with declaration of fasting and prayers.
Jungle justice and the inevitability of a tribal war
If the government and security agents fail to bring the Fulani herdsmen to justice, there’s a possibility that the people take laws into their hands and mete out some good old ‘jungle justice.’ That will probably be the ‘point of no return,’ as things can degenerate really quickly into a full blown tribal war.
All over Nigeria, Fulani herdsmen have been welcomed in times past and peacefully gone about their nomadic activities. When did that change? When did these nomads turn into heavily armed bandits? There are chances that soon enough, these communities will take measures to protect themselves and the end result may be catastrophic.
Already, Nigeria is bent under the weight of economic crisis, corruption and terrorism, can it afford to add a tribal war?
Bubu’s silence and the impending loss of trust
With no immediate solution at hand, Bubu and his team have shown a blatant lack of respect for those who have lost their lives during these attacks. The government has failed in the providing adequate security for its people. All the nation seems to be hearing from Bubu as the president amounts to empty words, since they are not backed with concrete action.
If Bubu continues to practice his culture of silence and apathy, then the trust placed in him to lead the country aright will be breached. Sluggishness is not allowed in a position of leadership, especially when lives are in danger.
So, no, Mr. President, you’re not allowed to be slow, you’re not allowed to be a ‘tyrant’ or a ‘waka-waka’ that is not what Nigeria needs and it’s definitely not what you promised during your campaigns to lead the nation.
