Dr. Isuwa Dogo is the Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in this interview with ISAAC SHOBAYO, he speaks on the EndBadGovernance protest in the North, the implication of showing the Russian flag among other related issues. Excerpt:
THE recent End Bad Governance protest across the country was fierce in the Northern part of the country. The protests in the North involved not just violence but some protesters were seen carrying Russian flag. What is the implication of this?
Well, first and foremost, I am absolutely against any form of violent protests anywhere in the country; I do not support violence, whatever the cause or reason. As for the violence in the North, to be honest, I don’t know exactly what is behind it, and I don’t want to speculate. But, you know, the idea of removing it from what is happening in the country is very slim. That is why I said I do not know. The three countries bordering the northern part of Nigeria are currently under military governments, allegedly supported by Russia. These were previously under French influence. Some of the protesters were even calling for a military takeover supported by Russia. What they do not realize is that such a prayer is evil and dangerous.
No country, including Russia or France, has the interest of another nation at heart except to protect its own interests. It is not impossible that Russia’s involvement in those African countries could turn out to be worse than France’s. Any Nigerian who believes that a military takeover supported by Russia would improve the situation is deluding himself. I completely condemn any suggestion of inviting foreign powers to interfere in Nigeria’s governance.
But does it mean that the level of hunger in the northern part of Nigeria is higher than other parts of the country?
I don’t think it is higher. The difference lies in the level of enlightenment, which is lower in the North compared to the South. But let me also be clear: tribal and sectional allegiance is what is killing us in Nigeria. If the current president were from the South-East or another region, the protest in the South-West might have been even worse.
The reason the protests in the South-West were less intense compared to the North is due to tribal and sectional loyalties, not because conditions are better. The government and security agencies have not helped matters. Even before the protests, they were making speculations about foreign interventions. If they knew who was responsible, they should have arrested them immediately. Instead, some elements within the political class, directly or indirectly, may have instigated violence. This is not only unwise but also evil.
Most of those who involved in the violent protest in the far North are underaged or the Almajiris, don’t you think the governments in these states should step up their efforts on education?
The issue is not just education. the PDP government under [Dr Goodluck] Jonathan established Almajiri schools across the North, and these were state-of-the-art institutions, far better than even some high-class private schools. Yet, many people refused to take advantage of them due to religious and political biases. Some claimed it was an attempt to convert them to Christianity, which is completely unfounded.
The schools are still there, but many are simply empty. The political class in the North is largely responsible for the current situation. The high birth rate in the North, which hovers between seven percent and 11 percent, is not being matched with adequate education, training or skills development. The Almajiri system, which previously combined Islamic education with farming and trades, is no longer functioning as it should. Now, these children are left unskilled, uneducated, and undisciplined.
It is likely those carrying the Russian flag don’t even know what it represents. The security agencies need to identify and arrest the enlightened politicians who orchestrated this. What has happened is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country. It is not just insurgency; it is a form of destruction aimed at weakening the nation.
Don’t you think corruption might have fuelled the protest coupled with hunger?
Corruption in Nigeria is rampant because there are no consequences for it. If we had strict penalties for corruption, it would reduce significantly. The current situation, where people believe they can steal and get away with it, is unacceptable. Imagine a situation where someone steals N100 billion but offers to return N60 billion and is allowed to go free with the remaining N40 billion. That is not justice. Stealing is stealing and it should be punished accordingly. The key problem in Nigeria is that corruption is seen as the norm, not the exception because there are no consequences. This has to change. Tribalism and religious bigotry will not save Nigeria. We need leaders who are committed to doing what is right for everyone. The Middle Belt Forum, for instance, is totally against any form of violence, military takeover, or foreign intervention. Instead, we must work hard to ensure that competent leaders are elected and that democracy functions properly.
On a final note, there are indeed problems in Nigeria, but the way we handle them is the real issue. The government and security agencies have the responsibility of identifying and dealing with those who seek to destroy the country for their own selfish reasons. We need to focus on unity, justice, and good governance to move forward.
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