At the height of the war against Boko Haram by the Nigerian government, it was a surprise to many Nigerians that as a country we were unable to access the necessary equipment to combat the menace. Despite several diplomatic shuttles to the United States by then President Jonathan, it remained a puzzle why Nigeria could not successfully prosecute the war with needed high-tech equipment.
While Nigerians were left in the lurch as to the underlining reasons for the abandonment of our country at its moment of need by her strategic partners like the USA, our government failed in its responsibility to protect lives and properties of its citizens as the insurgents had a field day rampaging the landscape with bombs and guns.
To take the argument further, one must not make light of the fact that not too long ago, vital doors were shut in Nigeria’s face. In the height of Nigeria’s desperation to deal with the menace of Boko Haram terrorism, the government went cap in hand pleading for assistance to no avail. What does one make of the refusal to sell much needed arms and ammunition by some Western countries when Nigeria needed them most in her hour of need to prosecute the war against Boko Haram?
What does one also make of the reluctance of some countries to invite Nigeria to the table of international decision making? Here reference is being made to the emergence of G20 in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown and BRICS group of countries.
It is not unreasonable to argue that there was no goodwill toward the country and her leaders at the time. Following the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria, there has been a demonstration of tremendous goodwill towards him as a person, and because of him, to the country at large. Critics may be tempted to gloss over this or even take it for granted, but one cannot put a price tag to the goodwill or the benefits that have accrued from it.
In order to appreciate the significance of the goodwill, let us imagine momentarily, a return to a pariah status in Nigeria and what the consequences will be for the average Nigerian. One shudders to think of this scenario and cannot wish for a return to such base state, not today or anytime in the future.
In truth therefore, one must acknowledge and appreciate that as a result of the renewed goodwill, Nigeria’s problems are seen in a different light altogether. Doors that were once shut are now increasingly and enthusiastically being thrown open again for Nigeria to do business whether with regard to our economic or security needs due in large part, to the person and leadership of President Buhari.
This positive turn in our fortune lies beyond mere symbolism; it has resulted in monumental gains on the ground in our fight against Boko Haram. The gains are also manifest in the fight against corruption. Western countries, particularly, the United Kingdom, United States of America, France and Switzerland have offered great support to ensure that Nigeria wins the battle against corruption. It is on record that by this time last year, 14 Local Governments in the North East were still under the full control of Boko Haram, but today all these Local Governments are liberated, thanks to the leadership of President Buhari.
In addition to several efforts the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari is making to contain Boko Haram, a regional security summit was recently organized in the nation’s capital where world powers and neighbouring countries committed to supporting Nigeria in seeing to the ultimate defeat of Boko Haram. In doing that, wide ranging measures, apart from the military approach were agreed upon to find a lasting solution to the North East region of the country.
Written by Chukwudi Enekwechi, a public affairs analyst.
