Samuel Aruwan
Kaduna
Former Head of State, Major-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), yesterday said Boko Haram members are “not followers of God,” warning that the government must not play politics with the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.
In a statement he personally signed, Buhari also warned against trading blames instead of working in the spirit of patriotism and strict adherence to the Bible and the Qur’an which condemned terrorism.
The statement read: “Over the past few weeks, the abduction of the schoolgirls at Chibok, Borno state, has underscored the threat we have been facing as a nation in recent times from the actions of misguided persons masquerading as adherents of Islam.
“Our hearts are with families who have lost loved ones in this cycle of senseless violence. We also empathise with the parents of children whose daughters are in the custody of a group of anarchists.”
According to Buhari, the video released by Boko Haram on the internet is a clear manifestation of the mindlessness of the bigots, saying it “shows them for whom they are.”
“Such men cannot threaten nor should they be allowed to violate our sovereignty,” he added. “It is clear from what they profess that they are not followers of God. They do not mean well for our country and her citizens.
“I am a Muslim. I am versed in the teaching of Christianity and I understand both religions do seek peaceful co-existence of all humanity.
“Now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blames and amplify our ideological differences. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people.
“I therefore urge all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to support the country in her effort to bring an end to this attack on defenceless citizens and indeed a united nation.
“We must put aside all other considerations and ensure that our country, Nigeria, pulls together now so as to recover our sovereignty. After all, we all know that Nigeria is the only country we have that we can call our own. God help and bless Nigeria.
“I wish to reiterate that there is no justification whatsoever for this unrestrained disregard for the sanctity of human life. It has no place in the Holy Qur’an and neither does it have a place in the Holy Bible.”
The opposition leader further said that let those people know that the entire civilised world is united against their terrorist act, noting that he is grateful to the world for standing by Nigeria at this trying time and hoped that the young ladies would be reunited with their respective families in the days to come.