MIDDLE BELT DIALOGUE, PRESS RELEASE, 15 SEPT 2011

Text of Press Conference held by the Middle Belt Dialogue on the spate of violence in Northern Nigeria

Protocol

Gentlemen of the Press,

You are warmly welcome to today's press conference. As you are all aware, our country is undergoing troubling times, and as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we also want to voice out our stand on this nagging issue of national security.

After observing the unrelenting gruesome campaign of terror on Nigeria and especially on the minority people of Northern Nigeria since the coming to power of the present government, by a narrow band of people bent on destroying this country, the Middle Belt Dialogue (MBD) feels obliged to speak up on this national problem.

Gentlemen of the Press, as you are aware, the MBD is a socio-cultural affiliation of all the minority ethnic groups of Northern Nigeria. Our members also include Hausa and Fulani, who's socio-cultural and spiritual values are identical with that of the majority of the people of the Middle Belt. You can therefore see why we have to speak on this dangerous trend that has caused so much destruction to Nigeria, second only to the Nigerian Civil war.

Recall that we issued a press release last year pointing out that the present round of genocide on the Plateau, started last year, was launched to give Northern elements a pretext for a coup d'etat. With the excuse that Jonathan could not guarantee security as a pretext, the Northern elements were supposed to stop the 2011 elections from taking place. The elections did take place, and immediately it became apparent that President Jonathan Goodluck was set to emerge winner of the last presidential election, an orchestrated campaign of terror was unleashed on his supporters in Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi and even Plateau State by well trained murderers and arsonists who have been brainwashed to believe that power must always remain with a certain part of the country at whatever cost. While some Hausa and Fulani politicians and traditional leaders had their residential houses vandalised over their perceived or real friendship to President Goodluck Jonathan, the major targets were Churches, homes and business outfits of everyone that was not a Hausa/Fulani Muslim, most of whom voted for the President.

It is impossible to quantify the human and material wastage exacted by these well armed, very prepared gangs of killers. We regret and condemn the irresponsible violent show of hate which led to the untimely death of hundreds and we want to note here that the people of the Middle Belt were the worst hit. The simple reason was because the Middle Belt came out to defiantly support and vote for Jonathan Ebele Goodluck, as the presidential election results from our areas clearly shows.

The aftermath is this unrelenting gruesome campaign of terror on Nigeria and especially on the people of Middle Belt since the coming to power of the present government by foreign trained jihadists, with local support all bent on destroying this country. The cruelty carried out on our people continued even after the post election violence.

In Plateau, the mass murder of villagers by Hausa/ Fulani militia has now reached a frightening dimension .Our people in Bauchi and Borno are daily massacred by Hausa/Fulani militia simply for not showing sympathy to the hate philosophy of Boko Haram.

Another goal of these Jihadists is to drive them from their fertile ancestral lands. In Benue and Kaduna, the story is the same. The recent major reason for the heightened hatred on our people was mainly because we all decided to support a minority from the Ijaw Nation. The hatred for the new government is manifested by a deranged group called Boko Haram, who want Sharia form of government imposed on the entire country. Anything short of this and Nigeria can as well burn. They have bombed several churches and public buildings, killing hundreds and causing everlasting hardship for hundreds of thousands. The evil of this group has no territorial limit, as they attacked the United Nations Buildings in Abuja, killing innocent men and women of many nationalities offering humanitarian services to Nigerians.

The aim of Boko Haram and its sponsors is to rubbish the government that we have put in so much sacrifice to elect. Boko Haram wants to cause a state of total insecurity, social chaos and underdevelopment in Nigeria to give its backers enough reason for the overthrow of this government.

We also suspect that under the cover of Boko Haram, some northern leaders are using these mindless killing of people and the humiliation that government has suffered by this spate of bombings, to negotiate for relevance and stay close to the corridors of power.

Gentlemen, in view of this, the MBD wants to state as follows:

The Federal Government should show genuine commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and securing the Middle Belt region, by first and foremost prosecuting the hundreds of murderers arrested while in the act. While there is some comfort in President Jonathan's comment that the contents of Wikileaks `leaks' are akin to beer parlour talk, we urge the President to clarify for us the revelation that government has set free all those who were arrested for planting bombs and had even confessed to killings in the name of religion and politics.

We want to also state our disappointment with the present government on how our people have been so snubbed and rubbished in the appointment of persons into public offices. In Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi and Kebbi states the Federal Government shocked the Middle Belt, when the President only chose to pick those who campaigned against his interest for plum political offices. We feel humiliated and despised by this action, as it goes completely against natural justice. We are therefore calling for a review of these appointments.

This kind of treatment is part of the contributing factors why some people are encouraged to run over our communities and slaughter us en mass, since no one cares about us. They already have their own firmly entrenched in government to bail them out should they be caught. We are not happy with this development, and we want make it clear that we have been short-changed by this government, as far as political appointments are concerned.

This not to say that our support and loyalty to this government and for the corporate existence of Nigeria should be in doubt. We believe that the great losers in the end of this barbarism would be the Hausa and Fulani. Because as long as they believe that terror is the best means to force the minority of the North to support them, the more we will make sure that no Hausa or Fulani would ever rule Nigeria again, as far as the ballot box will determine who wins. The Middle Belt has started its campaign for the 2015 presidential election, and we have no doubt that we will produce the next president. We will never, never support those who are either directly involved in a futile strategy to annihilate us, or those culpable in the mass murder of our people through their conspiratorial silence.

The Middle Belt, while noting the shortcomings of this Government in some areas, will never be intimidated into abandoning its support for this government.

We also want to say that the North would be most unpleasant for all if the Middle Belt also starts planning invasions of Hausa Fulani communities with the same kind of horror our people go through each night. Those who plot these killings need to be reminded that no single group has the monopoly of violence. Our silence and dependence on Government does not mean that we are not capable of defending ourselves. Surely, even a cursory look at history will show that our people have what is takes to defend themselves.

Finally, we call on all our brothers and sisters in Middle Belt, especially in Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Bauchi, to do all within their legitimate means to defend their communities in the face of the designed pogroms levied against them.

Thank you gentlemen, for the attention, and may God bless us all.


Hon. Aminu Zang
Coordinator, Plateau State Chapter

HON. BITRUS KAZE ON THE JOS GENOCIDE

OVER 50 INNOCENT SOULS KILLED SO FAR

by Bitrus B. Kaze on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 8:44am

With the all security agencies on ground, (consuming I think nearly N60m monthly from the Plateau State coffers), a family of 7 wiped out in Heipang, another family of 8 again wiped out in the same Heipang District including a small kid, then a family of 7 cleared in Babale, 3 people killed in Dabwak Kuru, then 12 in Kakpis Foron yesterday and so far 13 in Fwil Vwang District confirmed dead this early Saturday morning 10th Sept, 2011. Total so far 51 innocent people in less that 10 days (and still counting) four families wiped out in their sleep just like that! My heart bleeds. The New STF Commander Brig Gen Pat Akem has said, "We are starting anew and deserve a chance to make things right and better as the era whereby SOLDIERS PERFORMED ALL FORMS OF IMMORAL ACTS, THEREBY IGNORING THE THEIR DUTIES, IS OVER." (capitals my emphasis). For being honest enough to admit that soldiers performed all sorts of immoral acts, I appreciate him. Gradually we are being vindicated. Somehow, I am beginning to feel disappoint with the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency.

JOS KILLINGS NOW DAILY AFFAIR

Jos Killings Continue in N/Central Nigeria

Written by Elombah.com, Monday, 05 September 2011 13:27

At least four people have been killed in the latest violence between rival groups in the village of Dabwak, Jos, Plateau state, North central Nigeria, officials say. The mostly inhabited Christian community, was attacked on Sunday night, government spokesman Pam Ayuba said. 11 people were killed over the weekend in a nearby village, Tatu - eight people in one family were killed overnight Saturday while three people were killed Sunday. Both incidents happened near the city of Jos. Plateau state police commissioner Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni says police are investigating the incidents. He gave no further details.

Over Forty persons were reportedly killed in renewed violence In Jos on Thursday, after last Monday’s mayhem which claimed 20 lives, 50 vehicles and 100 motorcycles as both Muslim and Christian youths mobilised against each other in different parts of the state capital.

In the Plateau state which surrounds Jos, Hausa-speaking Muslims are seen as supporters of the opposition, while ethnic Beroms, who are mostly Christian, are perceived to favour the governing People's Democratic Party.

More than 1,000 have been killed in religious and ethnic violence in Jos over the past two years. The state lies in Nigeria's Middle Belt, between the mainly Muslim north and Christian south.

Rev. James Pam told elombah.com "the Hausa/Fulani Muslims in Jos are migrants who have settled there for any period from the time of the Dan Fodio jihads of 1904 up to one or two years ago. Their claims to ownership of land in Jos have been proven to be baseless by competent authorities. All the land they occupy is an Anaguta, Afizere and Berom inheritance. Their large numbers today in Jos can be attributed to their practice of polygamy and fresh continues migration from elsewhere. Though they occupy up to 10% of the heart of Jos today, they don’t even have traditional burial grounds".

But speaking to elombah.com, Abdullahi Dahiru said "If somebody is non-indigine,does he deserve to be ambushed in a praying ground and be killed?

Democracy is about the will of the majority. If Igbos have the majority in Sabon Gari LGA in kano state, let them contest and win election. There is no justice in an election where somebody contested and won only to be hijacked because he is non indigine as it has happened in Jos North LGA. Do people know that Wase and Kanam LGAs of plateau state are inhabited by Hausa people. Does that mean this people have no right to reside in the state capital and be treated as indigines of their own state?"

Mr Ayiba said the attackers in the latest incident had not yet been identified. Our reporter says eight members of a Christian family - a father, mother and their six children - were killed in the attack in Tatu. It followed the killing of three Muslims in the village, he says. More than 40 Muslims and Christians were killed in Jos city last Thursday. Our reporter says many residents allege the security forces were responsible for most of the deaths. They accuse the army of using excessive force to end the violence, our reporter says.

Jos's Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama and Muslim leader Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir made a fresh appeal for peace but various initiatives to end the decade-long conflict have failed, our reporter says.

SHOOT AT SIGHT ORDER NOW IN JOS

STF soldiers get mandate to shoot on sight

DAILY TRUST, Written by NAN Sunday, 04 September 2011 15:46

Angered by rampant shooting of its men in Jos, the military Special Task Force (STF), has mandated soldiers
to shoot on sight, any one carrying or using arms on others. "The STF is now mandated to use all the necessary force within its powers on anybody carrying and using arms or dangerous weapons on another person,’’ its spokesman said. The spokesman, Charles Ekeocha in a statement in Jos on Sunday warned the youths against "testing the might of the soldiers’’, saying that whoever did that would be doing so at his or her peril.

Ekeocha disclosed that three soldiers shot by the youths were lying critically ill in the hospital, and regretted that they were gunned down by people they were supposed to protect. According to him, "everywhere in the state is infested with weapons, with sporadic shots heard both day and night. The sporadic shooting by the Muslim and Christian youths, is also targeted at the soldiers,’’ he regretted, and advised politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to counsel their wards.

"The soldiers are no more prepared to turn the other cheek,’’ he warned. (NAN)

Once, When I was a Northerner

Once, When I Was a Northerner

allAfrica.com, by Jonathan Ishaku, 29 July 2011

I was once a Northerner. In Maiduguri, where I grew up, I was actually considered a Hausa. If you lived in Maiduguri in the 60s and 70s, you will know what I mean.

The Kanuris, keenly proud of their rich language and Islamic heritage, resisted, albeit, in a mild and non-xenophobic manner, the infiltration of other languages into their domain, most especially the pervasive Hausa language. I recall the many gentle rebuke we, as children, received from Kanuri market women for speaking Hausa while bargaining the price of groceries.

Maiduguri, was a lovely northern city; it was peaceful, socially laidback but culturally vibrant. It was home of the most spectacular durbars I ever witnessed. The horses and riders decked in resplendent decoration and attires, accompanied by gaily damsels with their uniquely weaved long hair and flowing robes, were a delight to behold on any festive occasion.

I have vivid recollection of the Shehu's palace; the foreground was where we spent many an evening playing football or any other game we could improvise. But the place holds a special place in my memory; it was on this ground that our Boys Brigade company once joined other youth groups in a magnificent match- pass and gymnastic display. We must have won something because I was among the kids called upon to shake hands with the Shehu that day. That was huge, to use a contemporary expression! It left a lasting impression on me; I felt a sense of belonging in my community. Ok, the Angas and Kanuri share common historical links to the ancient Kanem civilisation; but this experience was personal and the impression didn't wear off for long time.

In the later part of the 70s and 80s, I schooled and worked in Ibadan and Lagos, respectively. Once again, I found myself a Northerner. If in Maiduguri, it was because I spoke Hausa and shared historical affinity with the Kanuris, here it was for a completely different reason. In Ibadan I represented, it turned out, a string of stereotypes: the anachronistic North, the feudalistic North, the iron curtain of anti-Western education (boko haram, if you like), the home of anti-democrats, the haters of "Awo", etc. In short, I was Omo gambari. I was aboki (as in aboki, the shoe-shiner). I was also mallam (as in mallam, the security guard at the gate).

I worked as a journalist for a Lagos-based newspaper. It was the most wonderful working environment I had ever had and I enjoyed Lagos' liberal ambience.

One day we were told that President Ibrahim Babangida had finally agreed to grant us an audience for an interview. I was among the four-man team to meet the President. As we drove to Dodon Barracks, the erstwhile resident of Nigeria's leaders, a colleague remarked that I was obviously eager to meet with my fellow Northerner, the President. I retorted that I didn't know the President personally and, point of correction, I added, I was not a Northerner. I was a Middle Belter! I was pained by his remark; it was an affront to my anti-establishment and anti-feudalist credentials which I had painstakingly cultivated over the years!

I could well have saved my breath; I hadn't reckoned with the maverick General. For as soon as the Babangida entered the room, he announced, with a gusto reserved only for a long-lost buddy: "Jonathan, one of these days, I am going to respond to your column!" I could just catch the conspiratorial exchange of glances among my colleagues.

After that counter, the President became "your brother" and I was practically queried at editorial meetings on why the government embarked of certain programmes as if I was part of his kitchen cabinet. Middle Belter or not, as long as you come from beyond the Niger and Benue rivers, you are treated with a measure of suspicion.

Why do I use such anecdotal approach to the request to write an article on "Charting a Political and Economic Future for the North"? There are main three reasons for doing so. First, I intended to use my personal experience to show how the North has lost its innocence using as the point of departure the emerging scenario in Maiduguri, the town embodying my fondest childhood memory.

As I write the city writhes in the grasp of an unprecedented, religiously-inspired terrorism. The group behind these acts of terrorism, Jama'atu ahli-Sunna Lil Da'awati wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, generally targets law enforcement agents, traditional rulers, judges as well as religious clerics, both Islamic and Christian, for assassination. Of recent, however, it has stepped up the violence by indiscriminate targeting of innocent citizens through the deployment of explosive devices positioned in public places.

Now terrorist violence has been exported to most states of the Northern Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory. On June 16, 2011 the Nigerian Police Headquarters, Abuja, was bombed in a brazen display of impunity by the Boko Haram using a suicide bomber, a first in the North's emerging history of ethnic and religious violence.

If there is any single issue that challenges the political and economic future of our nation, in general, and the region, in particular, it is this phenomenon of religious terrorism. We must live first before we are anything else! If we must recue our nation, we must forge a consensus on this: peace and security as the first condition to political and economic development. The North should find a lasting solution to its incessant acts of violence or we will end up destroying the nation as a whole.

Secondly, I intend to point out that discrimination among elements of the North in the post-Sardauna era does not augur well for development of the region. The Rev. Father Matthew Kukah once spoke of Sardauna's political ecumenism "using the apparatus of modern democracy to transform Northern Nigeria into a modern Caliphate." While the Sardauna tried to accommodate the North's ethnic and religious minorities, the succeeding elite did the exact opposite. These days we hear stories of how northerners of ethnic minority origins are discriminated from appointments in northern-based public institutions.

As minorities, we suffer double jeopardy; we are distrusted by our southern compatriots and discriminated by our fellow northern neighbours. And to cap it all, ethnic minorities in our region have always been the prime targets of violence. Or why did the violence following the 2008 local government polls in Jos North and the 2011 Presidential elections in Nigeria take an unmistakable religious coloration by targeting Christians? These perceived acts of aggression continue to undermine solidarity and hamper the mobilization of common resources for human and physical development in the region.

Thirdly, political ecumenism should be accompanied by economic ecumenism; the North should pull together its vast and enormous resources if it must fight the prevalent poverty in its midst. The famous groundnut pyramids, oil mills, the textile industries, the tin mining industries, banking and hotel, and the tannery industries which once made the North ticked were made possible because the region pulled its resources together. Decline set in after sharp and discriminatory practices begun to emerge; bias in appointments and location of new ventures, unfair pricing of commodities, profiteering by selected middlemen, corruption, etc, led to the collapse of most of the New Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC) institutions.

Some years back I presented a paper at Arewa House at a workshop organised by Northern Media Forum. I pointed out that the late Commissioner of Police and Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State, Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, established the Nigeria Standard newspaper after the jointly-owned New Nigerian newspaper consistently gave a black-out to ethnic minority groups in the region. My argument was that unless we respected the principle of diversity and fair-dealing, we shall never project a common voice for the North.

But just before I was crucified by the incensed audience, I was rescued by the highly venerated chairman of the occasion, the late Alhaji Liman Ciroma, who confirmed my statement. He, however, gave further insight: Gomwalk, he said, was the first to embrace the idea of establishing Bank of the North among the Northern Governors of his time and he went further to demonstrate this by donating a prime parcel of land to the bank. Lesson: a good economic idea will always have supporters, sans politics.

In short, the future of the North lies in cooperation and tolerance not discrimination and violence. I rest my case.

Mr. Ishaku, a veteran journalist, was one time editor of Nigeria Standard, Jos, and founding editor of Sunday Champion newspaper, Lagos. He was on the founding team of ThisDay and later worked with Daily Times of Nigeria as General Manager before taking up appointment as General Manager of Plateau Publishing Corporation, Jos. Ishaku was also a member of the National Technical Working Committee of Vision 2020.

My comment:

I worked with the defunct Savannah Bank and Bank of the North in the 80s and had similar experiences to those of Ishaku. Only staff of Benue, Plateau and Kwara States origin were sent to the BON Lagos branch to work. We were not promoted at the same rate as the other northerners. In Savannah Bank, my Kano branch manager treated me and one Mr. Chai Mang as second class citizens while a Mr. Elliot from one of the southern States wrote me something from Staff Dept which they Bank had to withdraw 18 months later. I discovered frauds three times and reported them but was never commended or rewarded by all the Banks I worked with. I suffered in the hands of both southerners and northerners. Tell me why I should not curve out a clear identity for myself as a Middle Belters?