NIGERIA AND LESSONS FROM GERMANY
Germany’s commitment to safeguarding human rights serves as a valuable example for all nations, argues Joshua Ocheja
A recent news report caught my attention, highlighting the complex and sensitive relationship between Turkey and Germany. According to reports, German federal prosecutors are pursuing a Turkish national, residing in North Rhine-Westphalia, suspected of collaborating with Turkish police and intelligence agencies. The accused allegedly provided information on individuals linked to Fethullah Gulen, the late cleric accused of masterminding the failed 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. This incident raises concerns about Turkish intelligence operations outside its shores and the potential risks to individuals perceived as opposing the Turkish government.
Germany’s response to this incident underscores the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms, even amidst diplomatic pressure. The country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights serves as a valuable example for other nations, including Nigeria. The Turkish government’s secret profiling of Hizmet movement members in other countries is a concerning phenomenon. While the exact motive is unclear, it suggests that the Turkish government may have sinister intentions, potentially aimed at silencing perceived opponents and suppressing dissenting voices.
Given the global presence of the Hizmet movement, it’s possible that such activities could be happening in other countries. The movement has a significant presence in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe, with a focus on education, interfaith dialogue, relief, and healthcare. The Turkish government’s narrative linking the Hizmet movement to the failed coup plot is questionable and worthy of academic research. Many experts argue that the movement’s focus on education, dialogue, and social services is incompatible with the idea of a violent coup.
The Turkish government’s narrative remains unconvincing. A coup plot is a military action. However, the Hizmet movement is not a military organization. It is a humanitarian organization. So far, the Turkish government has failed to establish any credible links between the Hizmet movement and the coup attempt. Instead, it has undertaken a scathing persecution campaign that transcends its shores, resulting in loss of lives, untold economic losses and agony for members of the Hizmet movement.
The incident also raises concerns about the extent of Turkish intelligence operations in countries, and the potential risks to individuals perceived as opposing the Turkish government. In terms of lessons from Germany, one key takeaway is the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms, even in the face of diplomatic pressure. The stance of Germany should serve as a valuable example. It is worthy of note that Germany has been critical of Turkey’s crackdown on Gulen’s followers, and this case may exacerbate the existing diplomatic tensions between both countries.
This also presents valuable lessons for Nigeria given the presence of Hizmet movement members in Nigeria actively involved in the educational and health sectors. They may also be undergoing such profiling by agents of the Turkish government. Nigeria’s security agencies have a crucial role in protecting the safety and dignity of individuals and organizations that contribute positively to national development. This includes movements like Hizmet, which have been instrumental in promoting education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue in Nigeria. The relevant security agencies must be vigilant and proactive. It’s also important for Nigeria to learn from the experiences of other countries, such as Germany, which has taken a strong stance against foreign interference in its domestic affairs.
Ultimately, protecting the safety and dignity of individuals and organizations that contribute positively to national development is not just about safeguarding one group, but about upholding the values that define Nigeria as a nation, including hospitality, tolerance, and justice. By working together, security agencies, government, and citizens can ensure that the country remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
It is important to highlight that around the world, the values of education, dialogue, and interfaith understanding remain crucial in fostering global harmony. For decades, Hizmet movement affiliate institutions have championed education as a vital catalyst for societal progress. In Nigeria, schools and institutions affiliated with the movement have established a reputation for academic excellence, moral integrity, and interfaith cooperation. These institutions provide a well-rounded education that cultivates future leaders while instilling values of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding.
Beyond education, the movement’s hospitals and dialogue initiatives have made significant contributions to societal well-being. By creating bridges between diverse communities and promoting peaceful coexistence, these initiatives have fostered a culture of tolerance, compassion, and social responsibility.
Nigeria’s response to Turkey’s request to close down schools affiliated with the Hizmet movement is a testament to the country’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty and protecting the interests of its citizens. In 2016, Turkey requested that Nigeria close down 17 Turkish schools and other institutions due to their alleged links to the Hizmet movement. However, the Nigerian government refused to comply, stating that the institutions were legally established and had not violated any Nigerian laws.
This decision was guided by the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of law-abiding residents in the country. The country was not willing to compromise its sovereignty or the interests of its citizens to appease Turkey’s demands. Nigeria’s commitment to independence and pluralism is truly commendable, and it’s essential to protect this stance by resisting foreign interference in our domestic affairs. The Turkish government’s attempts to discredit and dismantle Hizmet-affiliated institutions in Nigeria are a prime example of such interference. These institutions, including schools and organizations, have become an integral part of Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape. They provide exceptional opportunities for young Nigerians, fostering harmony and understanding among the country’s diverse ethnicities and religions.
Ocheja, a military historian, is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy
