Boko Haram In Parliament

The Fear of Boko Haram attacks gripping most Nigerians following the abduction of over 200 school girls seems to be fast approaching lawmakers in the country who are now calling for more and speedy actions to stop the insurgents from further advancing their tentacles to other neighbouring countries. The Members of Parliament have noted that the activities of Boko Haram, whose name means western education is sinful, "is an ever-present threat" that needs global support to stop them because "it is sad and could happen to our daughters and nieces." Presenting a statement on the floor of parliament yesterday on the 'Campaign to bring back our girls, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria,' MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem and Minority Spokesperson on Gender and Children, Gifty Kusi urged all parliamentarians to join the "global campaign to bring back our girls by signing a petition to world leaders." The MP stated that it was significant to note that the kidnapping of the girls has touched many hearts and it is heart breaking when one considers the effects it will have on girls' education. Mrs. Kusi further stated that the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh has also joined "other religious leaders in the Muslim world to condemn the kidnappings, describing Boko Haram as misguided and intent on smearing the name of Islam." Contributing to the statement, MP for Ablekuma South Fritz Baffour said the insurgence was a serious issue and ought to be taken very seriously because it could affect other neighbouring countries within the sub-region. Mr. Baffour stated that leaders ought to use all possible means, even international lobbying, to help tackle the trickling effect of the activities of Boko Haram. William Ofori Boafo, MP for Akwapim North also stated that there was the need to help Nigeria stop the group from advancing since their aim was to target western education adding that Ghanaians were also beneficiaries of western education and thus could be possible target for the group. He added that the group's activities also have negative effects on investments since no investor would invest in any unstable country. Deputy Minority Leader, Dominic Nitiwul on his part also noted that the group was "very ruthless" hence there was the need to be careful on what to say and how to discuss issues about them and further noted that when dealing with such groups, there was the need to ensure secrecy on the tactics being used to stop the group. Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak also condemned the acts of the group noting that it saddens him as a Muslim because the activities of the group dent the image of all Muslims across the world. According to him, Boko Haram's character was completely opposite the teachings of Islam stressing that Islam is against the abduction of women and children "and nothing under this sun can justify what they are doing." He further advised that "we must do everything possible to integrate society at all times" and Nigeria needs to consider people to see each other as one and not feel marginalized and aggrieved.