Boko Haram is a menace and a dangerous one at that, but why must it be emphasized as an Islamic jihadist?
Both words are unhelpful in the context of our own situation which requires bi-partisan and collective national understanding of the issues at stake and action to be taken.
When they are described in such a way, it heightens the division and tension within our own society.
A menace is a menace, a thief is a thief, a terrorist is a terrorist; not a Christian thief or an Islamic thief.
Within our society, what is wrong is wrong. Boko Haram is dangerously wrong and we should all stand firmly against it while doing what is right to deal with it.
Where there is need for advice, let us offer it; if the need is for correction, let us make it, where there is need for socio-economic intervention, let it be applied; if it is sanction, let it be given unstintingly.
My learned Muslim friends tell me that Jihad means struggle, inner struggle.
And I say if that is the true meaning, who then is not a Jihadist? I don't know about you but I am perpetually struggling to achieve one thing or the other.
Those who emphasize and politicize religious division cannot be right. God does not create religion to destroy but to build nor to divide but to unite.
Anything contrary to the desire of God in religious practice will amount to sin.
Without security, you cannot have development and without development your security is seriously impaired. Prolonged lack of development is a fertile breeding ground for insecurity.
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