The names of Shehu Sani and Ahmad Salkida comes to attention whenever matters related to the issue of Boko Haram comes to the fore. Most indigenes of Borno are baffled about the real intentions of these commentators who always paint a different picture of the problem and as such some people believe that they may have interest in fueling the crises instead of assisting in finding solution to it.
That is because they have a penchant of raising doubts over genuine efforts made by people who bear the brunt of Boko Haram toward reaching out to the insurgents in an effort to finding a lasting solution to the violence but perhaps they do so simply because they have not been included or approached in the process of reaching out to the insurgents.
For example in his recent article in News Diary Online over the ceasefire declared by Boko Haram through Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazees, Salkida argued that “…The sect runs a council of leaders with the imam as the head. There is no second in command and there has never been.”
For him to argue that there is no second in command within the Boko Haram hierarchy may not be true since Shekau himself was second in command when Mohammed Yusuf was alive.
Most people are baffled as to why these arm chair authorities on Boko Haram always refuse to acknowledge or recognize any effort made by others toward resolving the conflict and what makes them believe that they are more knowledgable on Boko Haram issues than the people living at the epicenter of the imbroglio?
Perhaps they may be because of their claim to fame are based on account of their one chance encounters with Boko Haram activity based on which they continue to regale with their past association with the dreaded group which has since changed in form, appearance and character.
But it must be pointed out to them that it would be foolhardy to go into dialogue with any group without having sufficient information about them and the collection of information with such high security value does not have to be disclosed publicly since the aim is to keep matters confidential and limited to those involved in the process.
These so-called commentators want us to believe that they have superior knowledge compared to the whole state actors and security operatives who are on the field gathering intelligence and risking their lives physically fighting the insurgents.
It is high time to pay less attention to those claiming to be experts on Boko Haram and the media should respectfully stop relying on their opinion as authentic way of verifying facts in relation to what transpires over this matter since their bogus claims only succeeds in worsening the current displeasing situation most people found themselves today.
Bashir Shuwa is based in Leeds,UK
