The radical soldier said that while Nigerians are divided over religious issues, Boko Haram keeps seizing new towns, which might land the country in hell. He also stated that the terrorist group was funded by Al-Qaeda adding that neither Jonathan, nor his opponents are behind Boko Haram.
This comes amid the reports that the sect has seized Chibok, Borno State, where in April the insurgents abducted more than 200 school girls that are still missing.
Umar, who described Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram as the nation’s “most destructive war”, blasted politicians over their attitude towards what’s happening in the North-East of the country. He criticized the political elite over displaying “the recklessness and the cold indifference” adding that they “divert attention of the nation away from the killings and creating the impression that all that matters is the 2015 elections”.
Umar appealed to all Nigerians urging them to realize that despite the fact that insurgency epicenter is in the North-East, the whole Nigeria is at war.
“It is a war that seems set to engulf the entire country. We need to understand that the war in northeast is a war against Nigeria. The insurgents intend to use a conquered Northeast as a launch pad on which to invade and conquer the rest of the country and possibly the whole of the West African sub-region.”
“Boko Haram is well funded by Al-Qaeda in the Magreb, (AQIM) as well as the booty they acquire in the numerous territories they conquer. Nigerians must wake up to the reality that their only defence against the marauding insurgents is our visibly demoralized military.”
The former Kaduna governor debunked rumours about Nigerian politicians’ support to Boko Haram.
“Show unity of purpose by stopping all divisive recriminations as to which group of Nigerians is responsible for the emergence and support of BH. It is not true that the Federal Government is behind the BH nor is any anti-President Jonathan politician responsible.”
Thus, Umar asked people to help the government in combating insurgency.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing security and explained what strategy should be used for this purpose.
“The need to beef up the strength of our security forces cannot be overemphasized. To this end, the federal government should recall all armed forces personnel in the reserve. It may also consider reabsorbing all able bodied and willing discharged veterans of international peacekeeping operations. There is the need to order back to barracks all security personnel who are currently deployed on nonessential duties for retraining and redeployment to the war front in the North East.
“We are aware that not less than 20% of our security manpower is deployed for duties as guards and servants to non entitled serving and retired officers and their spouses. These should be withdrawn and properly redeployed. Without giving away our strength to the enemy, I will recommend that we increase our recruitment and employ only those that are willing to defend the country.”
Umar also appealed to the authorities asking them to show their involvement and respect to the military fighting with Boko Haram.
“The FGN may consider launching a troops’ comfort fund or maintenance fund as was done during the civil war. Minister of Defence and service chiefs must be seen paying regular visits to frontline troops and in hospitals. There must be elaborate burial ceremonies for the fallen heroes with the band in attendance. The president should start public and ceremonial decoration of our security personnel who have distinguished themselves in the campaign.”
In conclusion, Umar once again noted that unity and accord would allow to resist insurgency.
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