The Nation, the Nigerian Army, Zakzaky and the killings in Zaria

THAT SHI’ITE KILLINGS IN ZARIA: The Nigerian Army as state assassins - Punch Newspapers

I wish to refer to the recent Thursday column by Abimbola Adelakun (The Punch) on the barbaric massacre in Zaria of adherents of the Shi'ite persuasion of the Islamic faith led by the fiery Sheikh Zakzaky. Strangely many commentators took exception to Adelakun's line of argument whereby she condemned the unnecessarily bloody outcome of the encounter. I am completely taken aback that some Nigerians can find a not even convoluted way to justify the excesses of our military in maintaining peace in a low level volatile environment as in a street protest. It is in the nature of street protests to provoke the powers that be.

To kill someone because he or she blocked the free flow of traffic, tore up some Nigerian flags, wore some non-descript uniforms, and perhaps sang some very annoying songs, is most unreasonable. Because I am involved, I will not comment any further on the killing and maiming of non-violent Pro-Biafra protestors. I have done that extensively before now. Let us dwell on the treatment meted out to our recalcitrant northern "brothers."

But for the writings of Karl Maier in his popular book THIS HOUSE HAS FALLEN, I would have thought that the Sheikh Zakzaky phenomenon was of recent birth. Yes the charismatic Sheikh has been a thorn in the flesh of the several past administrations including the military. That was probably why our army in the north has been treating him as a marked man. That the army didn't kill him this time around remains a modern day miracle. Same thing applies to his group. The report that the security forces had earlier killed or most probably murdered three of his sons in questionable circumstances leaves so much to be desired. To simply move on with no questions asked implies leaving our very humanity behind. This is completely unacceptable. The International Criminal Court must be watching us with very keen interest.

Now a situation has arisen where the Iranian government, which should ordinarily have enough on its plate, and moreover has no locus standi in this sad development, is poking it's fingers into our eyes in the name of human rights! This is most embarrassing and shameful but at the same time completely avoidable. Nigeria keeps shooting itself on the foot and then hobbles along.

Finally one of the Nigerian Army PR bigwigs has just launched a new campaign whereby it has appropriated for itself the right and privilege to keep Nigeria united NO MATTER WHAT! . Will someone please advise the army that it's mandate ends where the popular will begins. The jury is still out as to what Nigerians want. We The People may appear currently confused, but We do not need any heckling from an army we pay from our coffers in order to arrive at a compromise or a working formula. That would be treason. The army should heed sound judgement and stay out of our way.