The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NOSCEF

  • Yobe killings: NOSCEF calls for actions

    •Uche expresses outrage

    The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called on security forces to halt further killings in the Northeast.

    It said last week’s killing of over 50 boys at the Federal Government College of BuniYadi Yobe State was a crime against humanity and an attack on all Nigerians.

    The group, in a statement by its president, Olaiya Phillips and National secretary, Barrister Emmanuel Subilim, said: “This slaughter of the innocent is just the latest and worst example of Boko Haram’s violence, cruelty and hatred for all the people of Nigeria – Christian and Muslim.

    “This is more than a tragedy for BuniYadi and Yobe State. This is an attack on all Nigeria and all Nigerians. It is a crime against humanity itself.”

    It added: “No child, no family, no citizen should have to rely on God’s mercy alone for protection from these killers. We rightly expect the armed forces to prevent these outrages and protect our children and ourselves from these terrorists.

    “Yet, while Buni Yadi’s children were being butchered in their beds, the Chiefs of Nigeria’s Armed Services were sleeping.

    “We demand that the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, urgently lives up to President Goodluck Jonathan’s orders and ensures none of the army are sleeping at their post until the lives of peaceful Christian and Muslims across Northern Nigeria are properly protected.”

    The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Samuel Uche, expressed ‘great shock and sadness over the gruesome attacks.

    In his reaction made public by the Church’s Media and Public Relations Officer, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, Uche said: “The targeting of children is heinous and unthinkable.”

    He added: “This was a senseless loss of innocent young lives, especially since schools should be sanctuaries for our children.

    “These children are innocent, full of life and promise but cut down in a hail of bullets in a preventable ‘act of terror.”

    “We’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics and our religious biases.

    “We have had too many deaths all different acts of terror and yet, we seem to have no clear-cut direction on how we intend to put a stop to this madness.

    “It saddens me to see that no one is being brought to justice in all of these evil acts as if the perpetrators are ghosts and not men like us. Until the promoters of these satanic events are unmasked and brought to book, these attacks may continue unabated.”

  • Time for Nigerians to speak out

    Time we stand up and speak out – about the dangers our fellow citizens face from violence and extremism; time we stand up and speak out – about the importance of religious values and the religious freedoms of our people; about the importance of peace to the future of our economy, our families and our nation.

    And it is time – here and now – for righteous men and women – whatever their individual backgrounds, whatever their personal beliefs – to stand up and shoulder the responsibility of playing our part in making Nigeria a better place to live.

    Because if we do not stand up against injustice, inequality and intolerance, who will stand up?

    If we do not speak out against terror and intimidation, violence and murder, who will speak out?

    And if we are not that still small voice of calm, crying in the wilderness, for peace and progress in our country, who will speak up for the people?

    Edmund Burke said:

    The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing

    Today, in our country, that simple truth is obvious for all to see.

    We know there is a terrible price to be paid for silence in the face of violence; for apathy in the face of oppression; and for indifference in the face of injustice.

    It is precisely because we refuse to stay silent, refuse to walk by on the other side, that Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOCEF), was set up.

    NOSCEF stands up for the values of fairness, equity and justice for all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe, religion, creed or political affiliation.

    NOSCEF speaks out for the Northern Christian community.

    NOSCEF shoulders the responsibility to be a powerful voice and a powerful vehicle for positive change.

    Most of us still share the dream of a Nigeria that is safe, just, equitable and progressive.

    I still embrace the belief of a country where our children grow up without fear, live and learn to reach their full potential, and earn a fair wage in a prospering economy.

    I still hold that hope close to my heart.

    And that’s why today, I appeal, to each and every one of you: do not allow the dream of a better Nigeria to die in our arms.

    Do not let those who wish to kill our hope, destroy our dreams or bury our beliefs triumph in that task.

    I urge you: stand up. Speak out. Irrespective of who you are or what you do, you, too, have a role to play.

    Many of us may never become actively involved in the politics of our fledgling democracy, yet it is an undeniable truth that we are all our brother’s keepers.

    There are still many things we can do individually and collectively to contribute towards building a better nation.

    My commitment through the expression of NOSCEF is to present the simplicity of a practical gospel to all Nigerians in the North regardless of tribe or religion.

    We stand as witnesses to the most horrific pre-meditated acts of violence, on an unprecedented scale.

    We can see for ourselves the number of Nigerians in dire need of food, shelter, healthcare and other basic necessities, increasing at an alarming rate.

    We can hear the cries of our fellow citizens – the mourning of mothers, the frustration of fathers, the desperation of our youth – at opportunities wasted and lives destroyed.

    And just as we all witness it, see it, hear it, we can all do something about it. Indeed, our shared humanity demands we must do something about it.

    I believe NOSCEF can provide a platform to reach out to the neediest communities and those most at risk, providing necessary assistance, and developing meaningful initiatives.

    We can become the necessary hand of help to those who appear to have become abandoned…the many Nigerians in the North who seem to have fallen through the proverbial cracks …we are here to help!

    As our Great Nation marks the Centennial anniversary of her amalgamation, there is much need for introspection.

    This generation, and the one before it, is in many ways the joint custodians of the nation’s destiny, just as the several generations preceding us have been. Although 100 years has passed, it is fair to say we should be further along the path of progress than we currently are. Whilst we cannot change the past, it is within our power to affect the future…and we must.

    We must rise to the challenge of dedicating ourselves, without compromise, to building a nation that is fit for purpose, a Nigeria where hope triumphs over fear.

    We must stand up and speak out on behalf of the Northern Christians who cannot be heard above the political clamour. It is our responsibility to speak out for them – and to speak truth to power.

    So, yes, we do need a national conference.

    While the technicalities of it being “sovereign” or otherwise continue to be debated, it is clear that policy and governance can only accurately represent the people when their needs, hopes and fears are understood, listened to and acted upon.

    We at NOSCEF are determined to be that strong voice for the Northern Christian community and to ensure it is understood, listened to and acted on, when and where it counts.

    So, let me say clearly, loudly, strongly, to all those, elected and otherwise, who claim a leadership role in our land: We will protect and defend the interests of Nigerian Christians in the North of the country.

    We will provide help when and where necessary to that constituency.

    We will promote unity and peace across denominational lines in the region.

    And we will galvanise consensus on political, social and sectarian issues in the interest of Nigerians in general and Northern Christians in particular.

    Because we, Northern Christians, are powerful by virtue of our numbers even though we remain a threatened people in our land. Our voice must and will be heard. Our interests must and will be respected.

    I am just a Nigerian who loves his country. A Christian who believes in a great and mighty God and a servant sent to serve the people of Northern Nigeria. But I profoundly believe it may fall to us to be the generation that makes the difference.

    The question is whether we are ready to stand up, to speak out, to make – to be – the difference our nation needs.

    Because Nigeria is the only country where together we can pursue justice and equity for all Nigerians; the only place where together we can rebuild our education systems to truly develop Nigeria’s human capital, and design our health services to protect Nigeria’s people; and the only country where, by ending violence in our society, bring law and order to every community and eradicating corruption across our state, we can together bequeath to the generations to come, a truly better Nigeria.

    So, let us join with those who would build a greater nation and speak out against those who would tear it down. Now is the time to stand up for our country. Now is the time to speak out for our people. Now is the time to shoulder our responsibility.

    • Phillips, chairman of the Northern Christian Elders Forum(NOCEF), delivered this at the 59th TEKAN General Assembly in Benue State

     

  • ‘Military offensive not enough to win terror war’

    ‘Military offensive not enough to win terror war’

    The new chairman of the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), Elder Philips Olaiya, spoke with reporters in Lagos last week on issues affecting Christians in the north. Sunday Oguntola was there

    What are the cardinal objectives of your group?

    NOSCEF stands for the values of fairness, equity and justice for all Nigerians regardless of their tribe, religion, creed or political affiliation. We want to be a strong voice and powerful vehicle for the northern Christian community and their support for these values.

    To that end, we will protect and defend the interests of Nigerian Christians in the north of the country; provide help when and where necessary to that constituency; promote unity and peace across denominational lines in the region; galvanise consensus on political, social and sectarian issues in the overall interest of Nigerians in general and that of northern Christians in particular.

    Northern Christians are powerful by virtue of our numbers but we remain a threatened minority. Our voice must and will be heard. Our interests must and will be respected.

    Many assume that it is just a replication of CAN. What relationship exists between your group and CAN?

    The idea of NOSCEF arose from the Northern CAN, so there is a generic relationship there. NOSCEF has, for its part, continued to provide an important forum for reflecting the voice of Northern Nigerian Christendom. NOSCEF unreservedly recognises CAN as the overarching umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria.

    Dissenting voices in CAN, especially the Catholic, are against Pastor Oritsejafor’s style of leadership. What’s your take on it?

    I am not sure that I would characterise the Roman Catholic interface with CAN as one of a dissenting voice; it is more that of a strong voice that has continued to engage with the umbrella body. I would also disagree that Catholics as a body are against Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

    Pastor Oritsejafor has been a pillar of institutional growth for the body of Christ. There will always be periodic differences in interpretation where members are drawn from such bodies with clear convictions; this is as much the strength of CAN as anything else.

    How did you emerge as leader of a Northern Christian Elders’ group, being a Yoruba man?

    The constitution of NOSCEF prescribes membership for anyone who is over 40 and resides in the north. I am over 50 and live in Abuja. If you require more while both my parents grew up in and met in Lagos, my father’s parents were from Kogi State and my mother’s from Ogun State.

    I believe I was chosen because it was felt that I, along with my fellow members of the executives, could make positive contributions to the body in whatever way our Lord sees fit.

    What would be the way out of the Boko Haram’s insurgency in the north?

    There is no magic wand to use to wish away the menace that is Boko Haram. What continues to be necessary is a firm and consistent approach in tackling the menace robustly. We need tough security measures to fight the terrorism and protect our people, measures to address the grievances that fuel the insurgency like the lack of jobs, education and investment and political steps to engage the militants themselves and persuade them to end the violence.

    We have been and continue to work with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation in seeking to promote dialogue. It cannot be dialogue at any cost though, and while the dialogue is pursued, Boko Haram too must be pursued vigorously on the ground.

    How do you react to claims and counter-claims by Christian and Muslim leaders as to who is more affected by the terror attacks?

    Both Christians and Moslems have suffered in the hands of Boko Haram. And both Christians and Moslems must join hands in resisting the public menace Boko Haram represents. We believe though that the most vicious attacks have been reserved for Christians precisely because Boko Haram sees Christians as infidels, by definition.

    Do you see military intervention eventually succeeding?

    To look to a purely military solution would be misguided and unhelpful. Military intervention can be a pivotal part of an overall solution if it is maintained and sustained at levels that enable it to contribute to a political solution by forcing Boko Haram to the negotiation table.

    Will northern Christians vote for a Muslim presidential candidate?

    Northern Christians will vote for the candidate most likely to fulfill his promises and thereby bring closer a society without contrived boundaries. And we will support and encourage them so to do. At this stage, who that might be is in the realm of speculation. I do not intend to indulge in or encourage such speculation.

    I do intend, however, to stand up for the interests of northern Christians. We will make our decision on the basis of the choice presented to us at the next election.

    We are a threatened people, our very survival and that of the country is at stake. We have to do everything we can to protect our community and the unity of the country.

    Above all, we expect leaders to provide security for our churches and our congregations to provide jobs for our young people and an ethical approach to government. This is what we expect and what will determine who we throw our support behind, nothing else.

    Do you believe the security forces are committing human rights abuses in the north?

    I am unable to answer that question unequivocally. In the fog of war, there are often unforeseen and unintended consequences. Throughout history, military engagements against unconventional forces, particularly terrorist bodies, often mean there is collateral damage, whether to people or to institutions. I neither sanction nor welcome such overreaching but I am able to contextualise it.

    What changes should we expect from the new leadership of NOSCEF?

    I and the national executives expect to continue to be guided by the interests of our council. We shall seek to promote those interests through our religious, social, cultural and geopolitical interactions.

    Are the attacks politically motivated?

    I believe Boko Haram members are advocates of a violent political Islam.

    Any plan to help victims?

    Aside from the support that we attempt to bring directly, we are involved with other organisations in the support chain to help victims. We are also committed to lobbying government to be even more proactive in assisting victims. By not assisting the victims more, we become in some small way complicit in promoting the objective of the terrorist.

    If we had a Muslim president, do you think things would have been different?

    I suspect that Nigeria’s problems would not be much different if we had a Muslim president than they are for President Jonathan now; and they will be just as pressing. We should focus more on outcomes and performance rather than the religious beliefs of the officeholder. By definition, a different president would bring about a different presidency, regardless of religious persuasion. Whether such a Christian or Muslim would drive that difference is a one-dimensional perspective.

    Do you agree with Obasanjo’s criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan?

    He (Obasanjo) is entitled to his opinions. It is not for me to get into these kinds of disputes. I am focused more on the interests of northern Christians. What they want are political leaders who are willing and able to address their key concerns.

    Will negotiations with Islamic terrorists really work?

    Negotiations are a stage in a political process. I do not know what stage that political interface is between government representatives and representatives of Boko Haram but I am sure such is ongoing.

    Is military winning the war against terror?

    Again, your question mistakenly attributes to the military alone the responsibility for “winning the war”. That cannot be. The responsibility lies in the political arena bringing about a solution forced by military power and prowess.

    Are the attacks a way of saying southerners should leave the region?

    I have already spoken of the dangers of our becoming prisoners of our language. Why do you speak as if Boko Haram (even assuming, though not conceding) has widespread support in the north? I know that it does not; what it seeks to exploit is fear. It preys upon the fears of people already marginalised and attributes all the ills of the world to the nominated foe.

    A clear majority of northerners welcome the southerners in their midst and treasure the idea of Nigeria. They know as well as any one else that the idea of Nigeria is incompatible with ethnic cleansing.

    Do you think northern Muslims that condemn Boko Haram are sincere?

    Again, one must be wary of sweeping generalisations. I think most northern Muslims appreciate that Boko Haram represents an existential threat to them.

    For them to do anything but support the war on terror would be an act of political suicide. They know full well that if one rides on the back of a tiger the possibility always exists of ending up in its stomach.

    Christians have suffered age-long discriminations with regards to church buildings, appointments, working conditions and others in the north. Are there plans to reverse these?

    This is true and we are committed to rectifying it. What you describe is part of a larger malaise of maladministration in Nigeria. In the north, it also comes clothed in religious intolerance and bigotry. What needs to be tackled for the good of the country will also encompass the north and all vestiges of bigotry and religious intolerance.