The former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbe, has rejected the rumour that Boko Haram is a political tool to distract the current administration. This was just as he linked the group to socio-economic decay in the country that had been in existence since President Yar’Adua’s administration.
He said that the group made its first appearance in September 2009, during which the Late President declared them as a terrorist group before heading to Brazil and added that it was not something that came into existence because President Jonathan emerged as the president of Nigeria.
Ogbe then urged President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the economy so as to revamp local industries, just as the government has done in some states in the federation in a bid to put an end to insecurity in the country.
The chairman, Board of Trustees of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) who described Boko Haram as the biggest challenge ever faced by Nigeria after the Civil War, however advised the federal government to revitalise both the industrial sector and agricultural sector to create employment for the youths.
Ogbe said ‘’ the Federal Government should cut the rate of importation and strengthen the Naira in other to boost the economy and improve standards of living in the country.’’
He also said that ‘’the incessant killing and insecurity in the country is as a result of a threat from unemployment of younger people who are too angry with Nigeria and has decided that there is nothing for them in the country.’’
Ogbe reiterated that ‘’ even if Boko Haram accepts dialogue and decides to change their ways, if nothing is done to revitalise our industries and employ youths other groups will emerge just as MOSSOP and Niger Delta Militants emerged in the past’’
‘’It is this thinking that alienated them and it is a threat to the survival of our nation’’
He urged the Federal Government to set up an independent committee to look into the grievance of these groups and employ intelligence, investigation and dialogue in addressing the problem rather than using arms as it is been done today.?