Boko Haram: Soyinka, Anyaoku Call Nigerians To Support Government’s efforts

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Sunday, November 16th, 2014

Oyewale Oyelola

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku have called Nigerians to support government in the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgency group.

The two elder statesmen made this call on Saturday at third Zik’s Lecture series held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, the Anambra State.

Professor Soyinka, who was the guest lecturer berated Boko Haram for describing knowledge as forbidden.

According to him, “New boundaries are springing up, not even virtual but physical. We have one next door. You know it. Sambisa forest.

“From within that mind enclave they make all efforts to extend such boundaries and swallow up institutions such as this. They proscribe this very gathering. Call it Haram.

“They close down citadels of knowledge brutally. For them, age is no barrier to inflicting sudden death. They kill not many children but childhood.”

Emeka Anyaoku in his own speech described the on-going Boko Haram violence crusade as a threat that must not be handled with kid gloves.

The former Commonwealth Secretary-General called all Nigerians to be united to tackle the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

Anyaoku said: “Our leaders in the government, in the legislature and the political parties, and I mean all political parties, must acknowledge the seriousness of the situation we face on the issue of insecurity in Nigeria and tackle it.

“We read and hear everyday in the media that the Boko Haram has killed yet more people, irrespective of where they are, the leaders should join hands to see that we can deal with this grave threat to our nation.”