As far as the Nigerian political and security situations are concerned, it hasn’t been a very great year. The terrorist group Boko Haram has run roughshod over the Nigerian army; what started off as a ragtag army of fundamentalists has grown to become a group that controls a large section of Northeastern Nigeria.
Undoubtedly, one of the key issues which has rocked Nigeria this year and still remains a key talking point occurred almost eight months ago.
With Boko Haram growing in confidence, the terrorist organization kidnapped 276 school girls in the town of Chibok in Borno state on the night of April 15.
In a story which has come to characterize the federal government response to pretty much everything, the Jonathan led administration buried its head in the sand for twenty one days.
It took the intervention of the politically conscious Nigerians on social media to create what can arguably be termed the social media campaign of the year; “BringBackOurGirls”.
The campaign got the attention of the international community and it certainly helped that the campaign got the untiring support Oby Ezekwesili.
The “BBOG” acronym has become a Nigerian word and perhaps should gain acceptance into the Nigerian dictionary.
The social media drive was enough to get the attention of CNN and Aisha Sesay wowed the world with her incisevess and tenacity. After twenty one days of silence, the spotlight was on the government and Dr. Doyin Okupe was at his befuddling best.
The heat was on the finance minister and every member of the cabinet.
It’s sad to report that even after eight months, we’re no closer to finding the girls. If the word of Shekau, the Boko Haram leader is to be believed, then the girls have all been sold.
Although the issue of the chibok girls seems to have lost relevance to the federal government, we join our voices with the majority of Nigerians whom we know still care to say; “Bring Back Our Girls!”
This is day 223; this is a reminder that we’re still counting.
