FLASH! FLASH!! FLASH!!! WHAT A PRESS RELEASE! A MUST READ! Today, concerned Nigerian youths are calling for a boycott of the Nigeria Centenary celebrations.International controversy surrounding massacres in Nigeria have already gained media attention, including the recent attacks on Izghe, Konduga and Bama towns in Borno State; the abduction of over 20 school girls in Borno State; the massacre of innocent children at Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State; attacks on Michika and Shuwa towns of Adamawa State.Though we agree that the centenary celebrations are of immense significance to our history, heritage and culture, we believe that it is highly irresponsible and insensitive to carry on with these celebrations within days of the deaths of so many innocent Nigerian lives, including innocent school children.The Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam , while commenting on the Buni Yadi massacre said, “It is unfortunate that our children in schools are dying from lack of adequate protection from the federal government and this thing is happening only in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in the North-East part of the country.” He then called on the President and the military high command to, “as a matter of urgency, send more troops to Yobe so that they deal more effectively with the insurgency, because currently there is not enough number of troops on ground to cover all our schools in Yobe,”Earlier, the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had indicated that the rising activities of Boko Haram in North-Eastern Nigeria had put Nigeria in a “state of war.” The Governor had indicated that more resources must be committed to the efforts in the North-East if the government really desired victory because the militants were “better armed and motivated than our troops.” Adding further, Governor Shettima indicated that with the right equipment, tools, and motivation, the Nigerian troops were capable of restoring long-lasting peace.Responding to Governor Shettima’s comments, President Goodluck Jonathan said, “If he thinks what he said is correct then I will pull out the armed forces for one month. Let’s see whether he will stay in that his government house.” This unfortunate comment made by His Excellency indicates that the deployment of troops to Borno and Yobe states is a favour to the residents and not an obligation of the government.Declared in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999:· “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria” (Chapter II Section 14.2.a)· “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” (Chapter II Section 14.2.b)· The state shall “control the national economy in such manner as to secure maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.” (Chapter II Section 16.1.b)· “The sanctity of the human person shall be recognized and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced.” (Chapter II Section 17.2.b)· “Governmental actions shall be humane.” (Chapter II Section 17.2.c)· “There are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons” (Chapter II Section 17.3.d)· “Children, young persons and the age are protected against any exploitation whatsoever, and against moral and material neglect” (Chapter II Section 17.3.f)Imagine a parent with a sick child in the hospital who needs some expensive surgical procedure to get better. Instead of investing money to pay for the surgery, the parent opts to hold a lavish party to celebrate a wedding anniversary, completely ignoring the pain the child is going through. This is the similitude of the actions of the federal government. Although the government claims that the Centenary Project is a private sector initiative, we believe that the resources used to support, promote and host these celebrations can be better used in securing and safe guarding SACRED human lives.Therefore;· We are requesting all Nigerians and all Friends of Nigeria who have RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE to boycott all activities, events and celebrations.· We are also requesting all consumers who have RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE not to buy any brand that publicly supports the Centenary Project.· We urge all Nigerians and all Friends of Nigeria who have RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE to ask store owners not to stock products that support the Centenary Project.These boycotts must continue until the federal government provides Nigerians with satisfactory responses to the “state of war” by…1. Committing the required resources towards restoring peace and order throughout the North East2. Safeguarding the lives of school children all across Nigeria3. Securing the safe return of the abducted school girls and other hostages4. Having the President visiting Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, particularly the affected towns and military installations, to apologize for his comments and reassure both civilians and military that his administration will sincerely commit towards ending the insurgency5. Rising up to the challenge and sincerely bring lasting peace to all conflict prone areas in Nigeria6. Providing free adequate medical care to all civilians injured in any attack, and to all military personnel injured in the line of duty defending lives and properties.This is a campaign to end the killings of innocent Nigerians and it is promoted by a coalition of various youth organizations and concerned individuals. By boycotting the Centenary Project, its sponsors, promoters – including musicians, comedians, actors and all other entertainers – we are working together for peace in Nigeria, justice for the innocent victims and freedom for the abducted teenagers. Celebrating one hundred people while thousands are dying is an illustration of the highest level of insensitivity by the President, his administration, the sponsors, and all those who support this celebration actively or passively.Let us honor the dead by serving the living! Signed: Stop Killing Nigerians Group
Posted on: Fri, 28 Feb 2014 08:28:06 +0000
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