The Ulama Forum in Nigeria Condemns Memorandum of Understanding with Zionist and Genocidal State of Israel
The Ulama Forum in Nigeria hereby expresses strong opposition to the use of external Israeli security to address Nigeria’s internal security crises.
We are deeply concerned by what appears to be a unilateral and undemocratic posture of the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, who is widely reported to have engaged in a most risky and insensitive diplomatic romance with the Zionist and apartheid state of Israel.
At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel because of its unconscionable genocide against the people of Palestine, the Minister in question is inviting Israeli authorities to “assist” Nigeria in managing its internal security challenges. Nigeria should have been in the forefront of the countries lending support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a statement signed by the convener Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and secretary Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu
The Secretary described it as self-serving approach not only undermines national sovereignty but also poses significant risks to the country’s long-term stability and security. How on earth could a country that is battling for its own survival assist any other country that is even better-off in terms of security issues? One cannot give what one does not have!
It should be realised that internal security issues require homegrown solutions that prioritize community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance. We are positive that the Nigerian security personnel are up to the task, and if they need any assistance, it cannot be from a country that is being increasingly stigmatized and isolated due to its flagrant disregard for international law, human rights, and heartless massacre of innocent and defenceless women and children.
It is our conviction that external interventions in our affairs would only exacerbate existing tensions, create new conflicts, and erode trust in local institutions.
existing tensions, create new conflicts, and erode trust in local institutions.
The Ulama For…
OUR KEY CONCERNS
The Ulama Forum is emphatically concerned with the following obvious negative consequences of direct engagement with any external power, more so Israel, in Nigeria’s quest to curb insurgencies and quell internal security challenges:
i. Erosion of Sovereignty: External security interventions can compromise national sovereignty and undermine the country’s ability to self-govern.
ii. Accountability: External security agencies may not be accountable to local laws, regulations, or human rights standards, thus potentially leading to abuses and human rights violations.
iii. Sustainability: External solutions may not address the root causes of internal security challenges. Rather, they will end up creating dependence on foreign assistance and undermining local capacity building.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Instead of relying on external countries, the Ulama Forum ardently recommends the following measures:
1. Strengthen National Institutions: Invest in capacity-building of national security agencies, law enforcement, intelligence-gathering, and community organizations to address internal security challenges.
2. Promote Community Engagement: Foster inclusive dialogue and community engagement to address the root causes of insecurity and build trust and cooperation between citizens and security agencies. The recent example of a highly lopsided shortlist of Nigeria Navy School candidates must be avoided to win the trust and confidence of the entire Nigerian society.
3. Prioritize Human Rights: Ensure that all security interventions prioritize human rights, dignity, and the rule of law. The prevalence of purported accidental killings of innocent civilians by security agencies can only push citizens into mistrust of the latter.
4. Suspects apprehended for the breach of peace: These must be duly prosecuted and seen to be appropriately punished.
prioritize human rights, dignity, and the rule of law. The prevalence of purported accidental killings of innocent civilians by security agencies
The Ulama For..the latter
4. Suspects apprehended for the breach of peace: These must be duly prosecuted and seen to be appropriately punished.
5. Multi-dimensional poverty must be addressed; corruption must genuinely be fought; and ostentatious lifestyles by officials, which breed jealousy and encourage criminality in the citizens, must be eschewed.
Finally, we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria, in its own political interest and the sensitivities of the citizenry, to call to order the erring Minister and to prioritize homegrown solutions and community-led initiatives in addressing the internal security challenges. Meanwhile, we shall, as it is our wont, continue to pray for Allah’s guidance and support to our gallant and patriotic security personnel.
