02/27/2019 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Muhammadu Buhari has been elected for a second term as President in Nigeria. This is despite the last four years of failed promises, continued terrorist attacks, devastated economic health and complete lack of regard for the Christian community’s rights to safety and security.
When Buhari first won the top office in 2015, he made promises to end the corruption of the Nigerian government, to increase security and end Boko Haram, as well as strengthen the Nigerian economy. As of now, none of these have happened. Adversely, in recent months, Boko Haram has regained strength, conducting increased large scale attacks on communities throughout Northeast Nigeria. These attacks have pushed the Nigerian military off of bases, claimed hundreds of lives, and given the terrorist organization renewed strength and resources.
Also, Fulani Militants have yet to be held accountable for any of the attacks they conducted in 2018, during which nearly 2000 people were killed. None of the Christian villages or lands that were illegally seized by these militants over the last few years have been returned to their rightful owners. There has also been almost no aid given to Christian communities or families that have been left devastated by continued violent attacks throughout the Middle Belt of Nigeria. This despite the fact that billions of dollars in aid has been given to the Muslim communities in Northeast Nigeria who have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram.
With this re-election, many groups are hoping to see Buhari truly lead the Nigerian people fairly and without bias. He must defend all of his citizens, including Christians, and must hold all those who commit crimes accountable, even his own people group, the Fulani. Without major changes to the way that he ran the government previously, Murders will continue, the government will continue to allow atrocities, and Nigeria will fall prey to even more terrorist activity.
For interviews with Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
