HOW LOUD CAN THE WHISTLE BLOW?

As we harvest and celebrate the first fruits of the whistle blowing initiative, methinks we could extend its punitive advantages to other crimes against the Nigerian State, like the crimes of terrorism, kidnapping and high treason.

Isn’t it about time that we consider a robust reward and special witness protection program backed by law for another distinct set of patriotic (but frightened) whistle blowers - those willing to blow the whistle on the evil sponsors and affiliates of Boko Haram and the "ghost" marauders attacking helpless farmers and villagers?

Is it not incomprehensible that since the violent re-emergence of Boko Haram in 2010, and the escalation of "ghost" marauders (possible synergy?) we have been unable to identify and arrest a single high profile sponsor? With the cost of one AK-47 rifle ranging from $600 to$800 - excluding ammunition, it is evident that we are not simply dealing with “local champions” here. The funding and logistics behind these evil operations is formidable and falls clearly beyond the means of a puppet like Abu Musab al-Barnawi, a raging lunatic like Abubakar Shekau, or the motley group of herdsmen that have so far been arrested. I hear the voice of Jacob, but feel the hands of Esau!

The only record I have of a high profile engagement and arrest was years ago, following the unfortunate Zango-Kataf clash, when a tribunal set up by the Babangida government sentenced Gen. Zamani Lekwot (Retd.), his younger brother and 15 others to death for alleged complicity in the killings, sentences eventually reduced to a short jail sentence. Finally, the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha granted them state pardon in 1995. Wikipedia cites Yusuf Yariyok, Ph.D. (http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2003/feb/042.html) as claiming that this sentence was due to Lekwot’s personal feud with Babangida. Hmm.

Well, that was then. This is now.

Are there any persons whose interests and identities are greater than the collective interests and identity of the Nigerian Commonwealth? Is it not probable that with a dedicated Whistleblower Protection Law and the right incentives, these sponsors of mayhem and societal unrest will be ratted out?  

Just musing…