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Are You Ahmad Sajoh; Who Will Save You From Us? By Ahmad Sajoh
On Thursday the 14th of November, 2013 I received a very strange phone call from someone not known to me. On that day the NTA Network Centre in Abuja had re-broadcast their programme “Tuesday Live” in which I featured along with three other persons. The topic of discussion was the State of Emergency. Apparently the caller had finished watching the programme and was pissed off with some of the things I said. In addition, he sounded very authoritative and pretended to be a very top member of the Administration in Abuja. When I picked his call, he just barrowed the words “Are you Ahmad Sajoh, do you think Murtala Nyako will protect you if we come after you? He waited for my response. I politely answered him that Murtala Nyako has no capacity to protect me, but that the one who had been protecting Murtala Nyako will surely protect me. We were both quite after the response. Then click he hanged up. He may have been fake for all you care.
My mind instantly began to race through the whole encounter. I figured out that the depth of dictatorship and naked display of power in Nigeria had gone beyond safety limits. This is really dangerous for the polity. For me, whether I live or die, and whether I am let free or incarcerated means nothing so long as it happens to me in defense of truth and justice. What I said on Tuesday Live is absolutely true and I have no apologies for saying so. I said none of the seven conditions that warrant the imposition of a State of Emergency as outlined by section 305 of the 1999 constitution exist in Adamawa State. I stand b y that statement I have no regrets for apologies for saying so. I said the unjust imposition of a State of Emergency on Adamawa State had adverse effects on the spiritual, social and economic wellbeing of the people of the State.
I stand by that statement. At the beginning of the process we had a 12-hour curfew which affected spiritual activities of both Christian and Muslims even though the suspension of Muslim congregational prayers was more hurtful. I said the State of Emergency distrupted social activities including critical ones like going to Hospitals at night even in situations of emergency. That was really painful. I said the process affected the economic lives of the people in many ways than one. The cutting-off of GSM services, the delays in journeys, the shutting down of businesses especially in the evening, the restrictions in movement and several such actions have severely affected the people negatively. Is it a lie? And if it is true, who is afraid of it being said? I demanded for some Federal support to argument the losses incurred by the people. Is it not right to ask for such support? On these issues, I will continue to raise questions, I will continue to speak out and I will continue to defend the rights of Adamawa people, no matter the threat. For me, it is not a matter of being in government. I have spoken out all my life.
As a Trade Unionist I have faced far greater danger, but I never wavered or expressed fear. I speak for what I believe in. I will continue to speak for what I believe in no matter the odds or consequences. I have had reasons to commend Federal Government actions when they are right. But on this one they are not really right in imposing a State of Emergency on Adamawa State when the conditions necessary as spelt out in the constitution do not exist. Another issue I raised was the wrongful extension of the State of Emergency even after receiving maximum support and cooperation from the people and government of the State. I said people should be rewarded for being supportive of any government policy. And I said even if the extension is imperative, a score card should be provided to express those things that are positive so that they can be sustained.
For example, the fact that Adamawa people became more organized, supportive and cooperative should be mentioned as positive gains from the declaration. That Adamawa State had a Military/Civilian interface committee should be recommended for all States and communities with security challenges. I said the opening of Community Registers and prompt identification and exposure of strangers as adopted in Adamawa State, should serve as a model for other States. I am not asking for too much. I am not indicting anyone, and I am not saying any thing outside democratic principles which puts the people and their interest as paramount.
I have just read a story in the papers that one of the Service Chiefs had warned politicians to stop talking about the adverse effects of Emergency Rule. This is unfortunate. The fact that we are in a democracy means people are free to say what is on their minds. The fact that the matter is expressed in the constitution means that parameters of the discussion already set. No one should use naked power to question our constitutional right to speak out. To say the people are not suffering due to Emergency Rule is akin to denying sunlight in the day time. We have suffered and we are suffering. We are demanding for Federal Support to the most vulnerable groups. In Adamawa State for example we have taken stock of the hardships suffered by ordinary citizens and the findings are indeed worrisome. Farming activities, Animal husbandry, Commerce, Transportation, Communication and Social activities have all suffered severe set-backs. Who will deny this? What we expect from the Leadership whether military or civilian is empathy and compassion. Understanding not saber rattling.
We expect that at anytime such leaders talk, they will lace their statements with empathy and compassion. Arrogant display of power and naked insensitivity to the plight of the people cannot help under the current circumstances. We are all passing through real trying periods. Casualties on both Civilian and Military sides are monumental. The agony is traumatizing. Our leaders cannot dismiss it with arrogant power display or mere political statements. As for those of us at the receiving end we shall continue to tell the world the truth. We shall continue our agitation until the rights and welfare of our people are accorded their deserved attention. Why will our call for a Marshall plan for affected States be seen as wrong? Why will our appeal for compassionate understanding of our plight be seen as incitement? Would it have pleased the powers that be if we played the ostrich and pretended all was well?
No matter the forces in the hands of our traducers we cannot be silenced. In other countries when you cry out as a citizen, the authorities show concern. Here when you cry or even when civil society groups cry out on behalf of the citizens, the authorities find reasons to justify the sufferings of the citizens. This is rather unfortunate. Beyond that, we are now slipping towards the rule of the jungle where “might is always right”. But once again I say it loud and clear, that God will surely protect the weak, and that includes Ahmad Sajoh. And in the process of providing me this protection, my good friend and caller from Abuja will realize that he is powerless where the power of God Almighty is concerned. On a final note, I wish to equally express appreciation to all those who called or sent text messages after the program. I value your solidarity, I value your positive comments and I equally value your critisims where expressed.
Thank you and May God Almighty continue to protect us all.
Ahmad Sajoh Wrote from Dougerei, Jimeta – Yola, |