by Lekan Olanrewaju

The Federal Government is reportedly set to release a list containing the names of sponsors of the Boko Haram sect.

An official is quoted as saying “some top politicians are financially backing backing up the Islamic sect so as to de-stabilize the present administration.”

The report is also said to confirm claims by the National Security Adviser General Owoye Azazi that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has a hand in the violent activities of the sect. General Azazi had previously spoken out blaming the PDP for the activities of the Boko Haram sect, stating that it was a result of the zoning and power sharing arrangement of the party.

According to a source who spoke to The Punch, the intelligence report “confirms the claims of the National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, that some undemocratic practices within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the build-up to the 2011 general elections fuelled the violence…the alleged politicians include those who don’t want Nigerians from outside their region to rule the country.”

Meanwhile, the sect was said to have issued fresh threats to Lagos State and Abuja in a phone call broadcasted by Africa Independent Television, AIT, if President Jonathan failed to meet certain demands, including participating in an open dialogue, as well as the arrest and prosecution of former Borno state governor Ali Modu Sheriff, former Minister of Police Affairs and some PDP stalwarts in the North.

This has however been reported to be false, as the group has denied making the phone.

“Islamist militant sect Boko Haram has revealed that a purported telephone call made to the African Independent Television (AIT) by a caller pretending to be a Boko Haram spokesperson was fake.

A source close to the sect told Saharareporters that the no one in the sect or any on its leadership initiated a call threatening to attack Lagos and Abuja in 72 hours.”

– Sahara Reporters

 
What will this achieve, though – the naming and “shaming”?

Oluwapelumi