Accusers of Gov Ishaku don’t know the definition of genocide —Aide

AS the latest crisis in Taraba State continues to generates controversy, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the State Governor Darius Ishaku, Emmanuel Bello has stated that the word ‘genocide’ being used against the governor was a misnomer.

Bello in a statement issued on Saturday said the governor’s traducers are either mischievous or don’t know how to define the word regarding the state’s recent history, adding that those who used the word are either ignorant of its historical meaning or merely trying to play ostrich.

He said, “I think those who are using that word are either ignorant of its historical meaning or merely trying to play the ostrich. It is not a word to be used loosely unless your intentions are malicious, evil and downright wicked. Let me attempt to shed light on the seriousness of that word. By way of definition, the word means the obvious and conscious plan to eliminate an entire ethnic group within a given polity. Normally, it starts with clear cut instructions given to people by an ethnic bigot to embark on wiping out a group.

“This is the simplest definition I wish to give. Now by this, the accusers of Governor Ishaku are saying that he, at some point, actually gave orders by way of a broadcast or in some secret location that a certain ethnic group should be wiped out of Taraba. The accusers must have a tape recording of such instructions or directives. They probably have a memo by the governor where he clearly gave the plans for eliminations, stating timelines.

“They also probably know the armed militia he has planned with to carry out the dastardly act. Now, if they don’t have all of these, as I’m sure there is nothing like that, then it is amazing how they could sit before journalists and tell a civilised world that a genocide has been planned against them,” he explained.

He said, “If the people want to see genocides, ample examples are there but certainly not in  Taraba state,” adding that “the government doesn’t profile people in the state or plan the eliminations of same.”

Bello wondered why the term has not been used in other places where the nation witnessed horrendous cases of crimes against humanity.

He said bloodshed must be condemned where ever it happens not only when one group decides it has been affected adding that in Taraba all human lives are precious.

According to him, “that’s why Governor Ishaku keeps pushing for peace and that’s even his mantra,” adding that “the governor is a very civilised man of the world who has interacted with various segments.

“He grew up both in Taraba and Kaduna states where he’s made lots of friend across tribes and religions. This is not your average local power monger. A former university lecturer in architecture, he is urbane and classy. He has been minister of Niger Delta, environment and power- areas that brought him into contact with all sort of people.

“He believes in saving lives. Not taking them. Unlike some people, the figures of casualties of crisis are not his immediate pains. That any life at all is taken is his major concern. For a man investing billions in hospitals, food security, peace and safety and generally the better life for Taraba people, how can he wish any segment of it harm,” he said.