Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    January 18, 2012

Bombing Suspect Escape an Embarrassment, Says Nigeria Scholar

   Peter Clottey
   Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (C, with black hat) visits St.
   Theresa's Catholic church, the scene of a Christmas day bomb attack,
   just outside the capital Abuja, December 31, 2011. Photo: Reuters
   Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (C, with black hat) visits St.
   Theresa's Catholic church, the scene of a Christmas day bomb attack,
   just outside the capital Abuja, (file photo)

   A scholar says the escape of the alleged mastermind of the Christmas
   Day bombing at a Catholic church in the capital, Abuja, is a massive
   embarrassment to President Goodluck Jonathan and to all Nigerians.

   Professor Kabiru Mato, chair of the political science department at the
   University of Abuja, says the state security agencies seem to have
   abdicated their responsibilities, which he says include the protection
   of life and property.

   'It's an embarrassment to Nigeria as a nation because what it means is
   that there seems to be a major gap between the government and the
   people,' said Mato. 'It's astonishing to say one of the principal
   suspects who has been arrested escaped from the police authorities.
   This means there is glaring weakness on the part of the nation security
   forces.'

   Mato said the escape of the alleged bomber is a big disappointment to
   Nigerians.

   In its official report, the Nigeria police said the suspect, Kabiru
   Sokoto, was being escorted to another police station outside of Abuja
   when his gang members attacked and freed him. The police commissioner
   who ordered the transfer has been suspended, and police say they are
   investigating the incident. But Mato raised doubt about the credibility
   of the intelligence that led to the arrest of the Boko Haram
   mastermind.

   'This will go further to discredit whatever vital information they
   might have supplied Nigerians; the source and even the character of the
   crisis that we have at hand,' said Mato.

   President Jonathan recently expressed concern the militant Islamic sect
   Boko Haram has sympathizers in various arms of government. But,
   professor Mato differed saying Mr. Jonathan should demonstrate
   leadership in the face of what he calls a national crisis.

   'I challenge the president on that statement and I see it as highly
   un-presidential. It is quite untenable for the president of Nigeria to
   come out and tell us that he is helpless,' Continued Mato. 'If he does
   not feel safe then what about ordinary Nigerians that walk the streets
   without any hope [and] that means we are completely insecure. So, I
   think that statement was most unfortunate.'

   Mato expressed surprise that the president has yet to name any of Boko
   Haram's sympathizers in his administration.

   Some observers say the country's leader should have fired security
   officials over the escape of the suspect. This came after
   administration officials issued an ultimatum to security officers to
   re-arrest the suspect or lose their jobs.