The attack on French newspaper, Charlie Hebdo

The recent terrorist attack on a French satirical weekly, Charlie
Hebdo, in which about 12 people were killed, has been widely
condemned by leaders across the globe. The attack is believed
to have been launched by suspected Islamic militants because
of certain cartoons published in the newspaper, which they
had earlier claimed to be a mockery of the Holy Prophet
Mohammed.
World leaders have risen in solidarity with France over the
unfortunate incident. There is no doubt that in this attack, the
world united against terrorism. Notable figures have strongly
denounced the dastardly attempt at the abridgement of the
right to freedom of expression and the press that the attack
on the weekly represents. We join our voice to the global
outrage over this incident and unequivocally identify with the
French at this difficult period.
We praise the swift and resolute efforts of the French
authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
The response of the government and security operatives to the
attack is commendable. It is worthy of emulation by the
relevant authorities in Nigeria.
While we lament the loss of so many lives in this incident, we
hail the solidarity of the French people against the attackers
and their identification with the victims. Nigerians should learn
lessons from this.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen has
claimed responsibility for this attack, saying it was ordered by
the Islamist militant group’s leadership for insulting Prophet
Mohammed.
The attack on the newspaper is an assault on freedom of
speech and the press. It violates the right to free expression
of opinions. For instance, Article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that “Everyone has
the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to
seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any
media and regardless of frontiers.” This provision is in accord
with the provisions of Sections 22 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999
Constitution (as amended).
We condemn the attack and call for global action against all
forms of terrorism in every part of the world. Any violation of
human rights, wherever it occurs, is a threat to the welfare
and dignity of the entire human family. Therefore, the
protection of the human right to free speech is a worldwide
responsibility which transcends all racial, ideological and
geographical boundaries.
The problem of terrorism should no longer be localized as an
internal problem of each country or zone. The earlier the entire
world rose against the menace, the better. The world must be
eternally vigilant to be able to overcome the increasing global
terrorism. That it happened in France is an indication that it
could happen anywhere in the world.
Terrorism knows no boundary any longer. World leaders must
cooperate to end it because it is no longer a problem of the
developing world alone. It is spreading like wild harmattan fire
and can strike anywhere. Therefore, the entire world must rise
in unison against the hydra-headed monster.
The solidarity of the world with France in this particular
incident is touching. Such solidarity should be extended to
Nigeria and other countries that are fighting one form of
terrorism or the other.
The United Nations (UN) should come out with a global action
plan against terrorism, which is the new threat to global
peace.
It does not really matter anymore where these attacks occur,
what is important is that terrorism is now a global problem
that requires a global effort to overcome. The world must rise
against the growing phenomenon.