By Charles Ogbu

In my view, those who argue that "AFGHANISTAN" can not happen in Nigeria are not entirely correct.
Truth is, the Af.ghan Tali.ban are a much better humans than the people currently running that West African country called Nigeria.
Most Afghans see the Taliban as a people who simply want to run their country in line with the religion of the majority of the Afghans. My major concern is the way they treat women and girls. It's totally abhorable. I hope they keep their words to allow women and girls more freedom such as going to school, going to work and going out without a male guardian etc. But I seriously doubt they will.
Of course we can express concerns with their very strict interpretation of Islamic injunctions and implementation of moral code and the very grave bestial punishment they met out to those convicted of stealing, banditry, fornication, adultery etc. But if these laws are acceptable to majority of Afghans, shouldn't the world respect their right to self determination? And are these not the same laws in place in every Islamic Republics and Sharia-practising enclaves??
Okay, there are credible allegation that the Taliban has links with Alqaeda and other terrorist groups. In fact, the main reason cited by George Bush in sending US troops to dislodge the then Taliban govt in Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11/2001 World Trade Center attack was that the Taliban provided a safe haven for the Alqaeda terrorists that carried out the attack. Ironically, Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the terrorists act was k.i.lled in Pakistan, not Afghanistan. And it was discovered he had lived there for years with the knowledge of the Pakistani govt and intelligence community, the same Pakistani govt and intelligence community the same US has provided and continues to provide with billions of dollars in military aide. Remember, it is an open secret that the Pakistani govt is among those funding the Afghan Taliban. Remember, there are strong indication that elements within the Saudi Arabian govt provided the terrorists with reasonable support. Saudi Arabia is still one of the closest allies of the United States.
My point is, for the US, it's more about their strategic interest than any concern for women freedom or any other considerations. They really care about no one but their own interest. Sometimes, even their interests are not clearly defined.
Okay, I am about to veer off from my topic.
The Nigerian govt;
Those running Nigeria are far worse and more despicable than anything you can think of the Taliban.
Is Muhammadu Buhari no longer your President?
What does Hisbah Police do again??
Is Isa Pantami no longer in charge of your data base as the minister of communication and digital economy???
Boko Haram and the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) go by a more primitive version of Islam. In addition, they engage in forceful conversion, land grabbing and total domination of people of other faith. The f.u.l.ani militia are even more brutal.
Yet, the Nigerian govt has continued to maintain a social intercourse with the above-named terrorist groups. Some analysts argue that the difference between the govt in Abuja and Islamist terrorists is because one is in the bush and other secluded areas while the other is in Asorock, Nigeria's Seat of Power.
The presidency has made Boko haram stronger and more formidable than any govt in Nigeria's history. Billions are channeled to the groups in phoney prison exchange deals. Arrested fighters from the group are being released, fed, clothed, sheltered and then released back into the wild. F.u.l.a.n.i militia have almost successfully finished Plateau, Southern Kaduna and even other parts of southern Nigeria WITH FULL GOVT SUPPORT. Go and read that unfortunate h.u.m.a.n known as the Presidential spokesman churning out press releases with the Plateau state Police commissioner quickly arresting people who attacked F.ul.an.i travellers. Meanwhile, for over a month that the same F.u.l.n.i.s have been k.i.ll.ing, mai.ming and sacking the indigenous people, Garba didn't say a word and the Police didn't make arrest.
Truth is, something far worse than the Taliban has since happened to Nigeria.
The earlier we admit this and COLLECTIVELY look for solution, the better for us. I use "collectively" because these guys are formidable. Plus, they control the govt. So a united front stands a better chance, in my view.
You can never share a country with people whose world views are in constant fatal conflict with yours. You will spend eternity in the bloody CLASH OF CIVILIZATION that will follow.