The Northerner Christian Elders Forum has described the insecurity caused by the Boko Haram sect has as Nigerian problem requiring a holistic domestic solution.
The forum also decried the discrimination against Christians in the North, especially in politics and access to opportunities.
While speaking with journalists in Lagos on Saturday, the Chairman of the forum, Mr. Olaiya Philips, said Christians were not in the minority in some parts of the North.
Philips added that as a part of ways to solve the Boko Haram menace, there was the need for government to ensure equal access to opportunities across ethnic and religious lines.
He said, “The Boko Haram issue has to become a Nigerian issue. It doesn’t matter what part of the country I live or my religion. I do not believe that any true Muslim believes that this is what should be happening. I believe that we should stand up to be counted.
“Military intervention can help if it is maintained and sustained to the level that it can contribute to a practical solution. We need to have an end goal. The military solution has to focus on getting Boko Haram to negotiate. As we are pushing military solution, we have to also dialogue; but not dialogue at all cost.”
On the plight of Christians in the North, Philips said they have been the main targets of Boko Haram attacks, and have been also discriminated against in politics leadership.
He said, “Muslims are also suffering from this. But we are saying it is lopsided; Christians are suffering more from this. How many Muslims have been the targets of the attacks? How many Muslims have been attacked on their way to the mosque on Friday? It seems as if it is an all-out attack on Christians.
“They try to make Christians believe they are in the minority in the North. And that is not so. We needs to do is to let everybody know that we are a voice that need to be heard. The percentage of Christians in the North that are in political leadership is very minute. Do Christians have the opportunity, like others, to build their places of worship? Do some of them sometimes have to change their names so that they can get some things?”
Philips also noted that the US designated of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation should not be an excuse to allow foreign intervention.
He also advised the Army to apply more restrain in the fight against Boko Haram so as to reduce collateral damages. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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