Nigerian bishop cautiously optimistic about incoming president
May 29, 2015
A Nigerian bishop whose diocese has suffered the brunt of terrorist attacks by Boko Haram has expressed confidence in incoming President Muhammadu Buhari and gratitude for a smooth transition in government leadership.
"The presidential election was unexpectedly peaceful,” Bishop Oliver Doehme of Maiduguri told a meeting of European legislators, organized by Aid to the Church in Need. He added that outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan had “shown statesmanship” by conceding defeat promptly after the votes were cast, forestalling the prospect of conflict over the results.
The relatively smooth political change, coming during a period of turmoil in Nigeria, has been “the fruit of prayer,” the bishop said.
The Nigerian military has been successful in a recent campaign against Boko Haram, and many people who fled their homes in the Maiduguri diocese to escape terrorist raids are not returning, Bishop Doehme reported. He pointed out that President-elect Buhari has a military background, and should be able to continue the campaign successfully. “He is a Muslim, but he has indicated that he is the president for all Nigerians regardless of religious tradition,” the bishop said.
The battle against Boko Haram remains a crucial concern for Nigeria, and particular for his diocese, Bishop Doehme said. He said that the terrorists remain active, and their stronghold in the Sambisa Forest has not yet been recaptured. Boko Haram, he said, has the goal of establishing a radical Islamic caliphate in Nigeria.
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