Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Goodluck Jonathan’

Nigerian President: Violence After Muslim Lost Election “Was Not a Spontaneous Reaction”

04/21/2011 Leave a comment

“Indeed it wasn’t, on many levels. As with the rampages in Afghanistan and Pakistan that used the Qur’an burning in Florida as a pretext (which, ironically, wound up burning untold numbers of Qur’ans in the process), the inclination toward violence was already there, waiting for another excuse to make a show of force and abuse non-Muslims. And as with those ‘protests,’ we have seen that even the flimsiest of pretexts will do. If it is not one excuse du jour, it might be the next day’s ‘provocation’ or ‘humiliation.’

These incidents would not happen — and would not keep happening — if not for an able and willing populace, and pre-existing hatred and intolerance of non-Muslims.

Here, of course, there is another angle. It is quite reasonable for President Jonathan to surmise that many Muslims in the north were poised and ready to let loose once the votes were counted. The election results show the Muslim candidate didn’t stand a chance, but that didn’t matter: if the Muslims could win the election, Islamic law could advance that way. If they lost, they would attempt to advance Islamic law the old fashioned way, demanding concessions through violence and threats.”  Read more.

Nigeria: 40,000 Displaced and Many Killed After Muslim Opposition Candidate Rejects Election Results

04/20/2011 Leave a comment

“The Muslim opposition candidate in Nigeria’s presidential polls rejected the results today but urged calm after deadly post-election riots, amid a rush to help nearly 40,000 displaced.

Authorities say many were killed in the violence, which saw corpses burnt beyond recognition and bodies reportedly thrown into wells, but have refused to give a toll, saying it could spark reprisals and would be inaccurate.

There were reports of fresh clashes in the northern state of Kaduna overnight, with a community leader telling local radio ‘the killing was unbelievable and the destruction is colossal.'”  Read more.

Nigeria: Muslims Riot as Election of Christian President Nears

04/18/2011 Leave a comment

By JON GAMBRELL – “ABUJA, Nigeria – Angry opposition supporters in Nigeria’s Muslim north set fire to homes bearing ruling party banners Monday and heavy gunfire rang out in several towns as election officials released results showing the Christian incumbent had gained an insurmountable lead.

Results from Saturday’s election released live on national television indicated President Goodluck Jonathan had a commanding lead of more than 10 million votes with only two states left to be announced. The Muslim north had largely voted for former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.”  Read more.