Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN, an association that brings together the main Christian denominations in Nigeria, including the Catholic Church) said that the unity of the country is threatened by the political situation that has evolved since the twin bombings of October 1, which occurred during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of national independence.
The CAN has appealed to Nigerians to resist political manipulation, and asked that the investigation on the assassination be carried out in national interest and not be constrained by pressure from any side.
Political tension has increased in Nigeria, following the Security Services' arrest of (SSS) Raymond Dokpesi (who was soon afterwards released), director of the election campaign of Ibrahim Babangida, former military dictator who ruled the country from 1985 to 1993 and who is vying for candidacy in presidential elections in 2011 on behalf of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP is the party of current President Goodluck Jonathan, a native of southern Nigeria, who is challenged by four persons from northern Nigeria (including Babangida) vying for selection as the party's presidential candidate next year. An unwritten rule provides for alternation between a Head of State from the south and north.
Ibrahim Babangida has said that there is a "witch hunt" underway and other opposition leaders have expressed concern about the political climate that threatens the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming election campaign.
The fact that President Jonathan has cleared the rebels of the MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) as suspects for the bombing of October 1 (despite claims of its being attributed to the guerrilla group that is active in the south), is seen by his political opponents as an attempt to save the amnesty he granted members of MEND who laid down their arms.
Meanwhile, from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he has been arrested under an anti-terrorism law, the MEND member Henry Okah has said that his arrest is a kind of retaliation for not having rejected the request from "someone very close to the President" to ask MEND leaders to disprove the claims of the attack and instead accuse “certain personalities in the north.” The President of Nigeria has rejected the statements of Okah. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 07/10/2010)
