By Samuel Fasua
A group, the International Christian Conscience Initiative has accused Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of downplaying the enormity of the security challenges facing Nigeria, during his recent visit to the United States of America, where he met with his counterpart, Vice President Mike Pence.
The ICCI, in a statement in Lagos at the weekend, lamented that Osinbajo blew up a historic opportunity to get the US to assist Nigeria in stemming the tide of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, which had made the country largely unsafe.
In the statement by its President, Prof. Olakunle Macaulay, the ICCI noted that Osinbajo as VP, should have opened up to his US counterpart that all was not well with Nigeria, rather than go there to protect the interest of the ruling political party.
The group lamented, “The visit of Vice President Osinbajo to the US of recent, was an opportunity for him as the second in command in Nigeria, to discuss the political, social and religious situations in the country with Mr. Mike Pence, the US Vice President.
“But the news around now is his denial of the magnitude of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.”
It noted that insecurity is a problem in Nigeria, which affects everybody, and that all security agents, including local vigilantes, risk their lives daily in the bid to protect the citizenry.
Macaulay further said, “I believe that he (Osinbajo) had the opportunity to give the right picture of situations Nigeria is facing and not going out there to protect the interest of his party.
“People in government, after election, are no more working for parties but the nation. Our political and religious leaders are now noted for deceiving people and not speaking the truth when necessary.
“We have also noted that unnecessary killings by Boko Haram, kidnapping, and banditry have not only affected the economy of the nation but have also made the country unsafe for people.”
He, however, commended the Federal Government for backing down on its earlier decision to introduce the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement scheme in which hectares of land would be given to Fulani herdsmen across states of the federation, noting that the policy would have thrown the country into turmoil, if it had been implemented.
Noting that President Muhammadu Buhari took the right step, Macaulay stated, “Whether the policy of RUGA is Islamisation or Fulanisation, one important thing is that the President had been sensitive to the reactions of Nigerians.
“Ranching, which is a cattle breeding establishment or a farm, is an acceptable international practice which Nigeria should imbibe.”
Meanwhile the Christian body has again reminded the Federal Government and other leaders on the need to be more proactive in efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the only Christian still being held hostage by Boko Haram, among the Dapchi school female students kidnapped by the terrorist group.
The group said, “Now is the time for all Christians and their leaders in Nigeria to, with one voice, demand the release of Leah Sharibu. Christians should demand for help from foreign embassies, to mediate on their behalf with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Leah had stayed for too long in captivity. She never committed any offence, but is now suffering for lack of security for her college, from the government.”
