Roadblocks to Change

With allegations of another kidnapping in Nigeria by the militant group Boko Haram, the Nigerian government is facing increased pressure to act. Almost 300 schoolgirls are still missing after being kidnapped in April, and now approximately 20 young mothers have been taken from a town in the northeast part of the country.

Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, is outraged, but also understands the difficult situation the government is facing.

“There are no easy answers,” Maduekwe told the Record. Officials are unsure how to respond; there is a fear that the girls could be killed if force is used, yet negotiating could undermine the government’s authority, he said.

The war on terror coupled with the country’s local issues have created an environment that inspires extremist groups such as Boko Haram. The education of girls has been, and remains, a controversial issue, as is the practice of giving young women away as brides.

“God created us all equal,” said the High Commissioner. “A very important part of prosperity is lost when girls are not educated.”

Maduekwe alluded to the fact that women and girls have been unjustly treated for many years in some parts of the country, but with current global scrutiny, the government will be forced to make some changes.

Maduekwe explained what he calls the Nigerian paradox. Many Nigerians have tremendous talents and are making important contributions to the world as doctors, teachers and other professionals, but the crisis in Chibok overshadows these good stories.

“When we are faced with this kind of tragedy there are tons of conspiracy theories,” Maduekwe said of reactions to the government’s actions—or lack of action—in some people’s opinions.

An upcoming election in 2015 may add fuel to the conflicts already taking place. Nigeria has only had a democracy for 14 years. The current president, Goodluck Jonathan, is a Christian. This raises an issue for some who believe it is time for a Muslim leader. Some Muslims from the north, a vocal minority, Maduekwe said, are hoping for the next president to be a Muslim from their region.

“The lines of religion and ethnicity will be severely tested,” he said.

Nigeria is home to approximately 174 million people, squeezed into a country smaller than Ontario, and the population is comprised of more than 300 ethnic groups.

“We are still a people stranded between a country and a nation,” Maduekwe said.

With allegations of another Boko Haram kidnapping, the next steps are unclear. What is clear, according to Maduekwe, is that the future should be taken care of by the government. With hope that the girls will be released safely, the Chibok Presbyterian Fund has been established. The church is raising money through this fund to support the girls and their families, and to help them put their lives back together if they are released.

“As Christians we believe that there is good in every tragedy,” he said. “This will make Nigeria a stronger state.”