₦airaland Forum

By Lawrence Moghalu


Over the years maybe largely due to where I come from, I have had people tell me “these people are evil, those people are bad, they don’t like us, they are the reasons for our underdevelopment” etc. These words over time have built up feelings in me that had potentials to lead to hateful thoughts. However, in recent times, most of the things I have been seeing seem to negate these earlier thoughts. It is becoming more glaring to me that most people who peddle the heavily intoxicated hate message do so mainly from the point of ignorance, with barely any fact based reason but more of hearsay and falsehoods. And to think I was almost a disciple of this malicious doctrine at some point.
Latest events are changing my perspective for the better. The presentation of a 3-bedroom house to a retired warrant officer by the Nigerian Army at the instance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has really helped change my view.

The act by the COAS touched my heart greatly. The 85 year old retired warrant officer, Paul Ojo as the name implies is not from the same region nor religion as the Chief of Army Staff yet read what Lt Gen Buratai said at the presentation of the house to retired WO Paul Ojo “I was emotionally touched by your plight and consequently directed that an alternative permanent accommodation be secured for you and your family” These are the words of a caring leader.
For those not too familiar with the story. This is what happened, a retired warrant officer in the Nigerian Army, 85 years old Paul Ojo was evicted from his house by a state government and the house demolished. He was reported to have lost all his belongings in that process. You can only imagine what the man’s case would have been had there not been an intervention like this from the Chief of Army Staff.
Acts like that of the Chief of Army Staff are rare in Nigeria of today. We seem to be getting increasingly more bigoted. We have given too much room to ethnic and religious strives that we have little or no room left for love, care and harmonious living. It is the reason why I believe acts like this ought not to go without being celebrated.

Lt Gen Buratai has exercised his discretionary powers with great wisdom and that is the hallmark of a great leader. Leadership especially in public office is a position of trust where one is often times bestowed with many discretionary powers, what you do with those powers when in that position of authority ultimately defines you.

People who use such discretionary powers to look out for others are rare these days. Leaders who are passionate about taking care of the interest of those they lead are uncommon in this era of self-aggrandizement. Leaders that are committed to the welfare and well-being of those they lead are often more successful than those that are not. Commitment fosters camaraderie and trust between the leader and the led. This ultimately leads to unity of purpose which is one major ingredients required to get things accomplished.

Buratai has proven himself over the years as a leader who is committed and passionate about the wellbeing of those he leads. Lack of commitment to those that are led by leaders in this part of the world is one of our biggest challenges. Many who find themselves in leadership positions are mainly more concerned about themselves alone, and in the rare occasions they look away from themselves to reach out to others , it is to people within their clan and perhaps immediate family members. This short sighted approached to leadership has denied our country and perhaps the continent great leadership qualities required for rapid growth.

Society needs more men and women who are committed to the people they serve. Some may not understand how important this is but the reality is, leadership is everything. In countries or even organizations where things are working very well be sure that the key reason for that is because of the quality of the leadership available. Quality leadership is the difference between a succeeding organization and a failing one, same goes to nations.
Countries and organizations that have given good attention to recruiting and shopping for quality leaders tend to be more effective and more successful than the organizations bereft of such quality leadership. We therefore as a people must continuously build the culture of appreciation for quality leadership traits wherever we spot them. Once our society is built around appreciation for quality leadership skills, we can be sure that the demand for excellence in leadership will increase.

My appreciation for the person of Lt Gen Buratai has increased in the last few months, I equally took time to read about the work he is doing within the army, what I found shocked me. It became clear to me that for whatever reasons we have just been fed falsehood by some group(s), who are probably not happy about the reforms going on within the army.
After reading a few things , I decided to do my own investigations on what is true and not. It is shocking to find out that a lot of things shared about other people especially those in leadership positions are not true. The most notorious platform for disseminating these falsehood is the social media platforms.

I read online once that that soldiers at the theatre of war in the Operation Lafiya Dole were being fed only garri and groundnut and that their allowances are not regularly paid, some reports even claimed they were only paid 300Naira a day for feeding. I was very angry and sad at such rate of wickedness. I wondered why anyone will deny troops basics such as food, these are people fighting and in many instances laying down their lives for the rest of us to live and be secured.
I was worried because at the war front there is always little or no time for anything but to fight. At that point you need well-nourished and fit soldiers. They don’t only need the food to be fit they also need the nourishment so they can remain healthy while at the battle field.

By the time I made some effort to investigate deeper. I found out the stories were a pack of lies. What I found out was that the army actually makes available a thousand naira per soldier for daily feeding. I found out that they enjoy several other allowances for being a part of the Operation Lafiya Dole which is outside their regular salary. A friend in the army that I spoke with told me that there is no soldier at the battle front that gets any monthly allowance less than 50,000Naira a month. The interesting part he told me is that these monies go directly into their bank accounts on a monthly basis.
My friend mentioned something quite profound, he said before Lt Gen Buratai came on board as Chief of Army Staff, many of these operation allowances were paid as they call it “on the table” through commanding officers, unfortunately there were some complaints about some people being short changed. To avoid anything that will affect the morale or welfare of the troops at the battle front Lt Gen Buratai made sure that all of such kinds of allowances were now being paid directly into the soldiers’ bank accounts. That way there was no need for soldiers at the battle front to worry about their allowances any more. Unfortunately what you read on social media and in fact some other media platforms are different.
When I consider where the Nigeria Army was before the year 2015 and what it is now about 5 years after Lt Gen Tukur Buratai was made COAS, I am beginning to consider the appointment of Buratai as one of the best appointments the president has made so far.

I am now beginning to appreciate Buratai’s vision of building a truly professional army. His strategy of making the welfare of his soldiers’ paramount priority seem to be a very potent plan for boosting morale within the force. Pre 2015 morale must have been really down within the army as they lost territory to the terrorist almost on a daily basis. There were several allegations of corruption and troops being denied their entitlements.
However the speed of change as soon as Buratai took over is really fascinating. Within a few months territories lost were recovered , same army that fled a few months ago returned to take back the lost territories and decimate the enemy badly.
All of these are achievable because of a leadership that is committed to the needs and welfare of those under him. This is the type of leadership we should seek as a people. I have also read about the great works Buratai is doing in providing decent accommodation at the various barracks across the country for the men and women of the Nigerian Army, the several water projects in different barracks across the country. Many of these water projects are so large they not only serve the barracks but also the local communities around the barracks.
What about the health intervention projects like the world class military hospitals the army under the leadership of Buratai is building to meet the health needs of the soldiers and their families. Not forgetting the Nigeria Army University Bui, Borno State, a world class university that will also be available for the educational needs of the soldiers and their families.
These are only a few of the things Buratai has done to improve the welfare of the men and women of the Nigeria Army. Time and space will not permit me to say all that I discovered.
Consider this, If Buratai could affect soldiers so passionately and affectionately, then one will really not need a soothsayer to inform us how much of his troop’s welfare he will be concerned with. Lt Gen Buratai is indeed a General of welfare!

Moghalu wrote this piece from Enugu.

By: Chief Omo Odigie

It is the political season and everything that moves in the opposite direction from either main Party is a target to be annihilated. It is no gain saying that Captain Hosa has put his enormous resources at the disposal of many Edo people and more so, in the government of His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki whom he still considers a friend.

In this season, everything is fair game and he knows this more than anyone else. An individual made a point of trying to ridicule him on Social media for having not gone back to his village roots to upgrade his father’s compound and the road leading to his village. I read the article again and again and i wonder what point he is trying to pass around. The person who posted this story knows some of his facts. His story is partially correct but he misfired. Whilst it is no Captain's responsibility to tar the road to his village, he does have the necessary ability to influence the government and its agencies to show his people some love. His efforts have finally yielded some fruit as a contract has been awarded for the road to be tarred by the NDDC.

The writer showed the picture of a house which he described as Captain's father’s house. That is not his father’s house. It is his grandfather’s house and let them show us their father’s house not to even mention their grandfather’s. If his grandfather could build such a house in those days then that was an achievement which I feel they shouldn't touch not only for posterity but because i know he is not the first son of his father who has the responsibility to renovate, rebuild or do as he pleases with that beautiful house which was an edifice in its day.

It is a known fact that Captain Hosa has supported successive Governments starting from Governor Lucky Igbinedion, Governor Adams Oshomhole and even to the present Government. I am happy that the writer, instead of hurting him, has inadvertently exposed the ingratitude of successive Governments who did not care about where he comes from. Does that not speak to the ingratitude of politicians?

To the great people of Edo State, we have a little over two weeks to Election Day for a new government in our land that flows with the proverbial milk and honey. Let us elect a governor who will turn the milk and honey into jobs and bring unprecedented prosperity to our land. God bless the people of Edo State, God bless our great Oba and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chief Omo Odigie writes from Benin City.

By Yemi Itodo  


I have followed the operations of the Nigerian Army keenly since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of Nigeria. My interest in the activities of the Nigerian Army stems from two factors. One is the promise made by President Buhari on assumption of office, to tackle insecurity headlong and two, my childhood ambition to join the Nigerian Army. 


I must state that I haven’t been disappointed so far with the leadership strides of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, who has indeed displayed that burning passion in repositioning the Nigerian Army for greater exploits. The various innovations introduced indeed buttress this point. 


The achievements of Lt Gen Tukur Buratai did not come to me as a surprise because as one who has held various commands and positions in the Nigerian Army before his appointment, he has understood the importance of accountability as a panacea for service delivery in public service.


The Nigerian Army of today is such that has elicited commendations from and far and near. The Nigerian Army of today is that which is involved in counter-insurgency operations, as well as internal security operations across the country simultaneously and still achieving results. All of these were made possible because of the regime of accountability that has characterized the operations of the Nigerian Army with Lt. Gen. Tukur Buaratai at the helm of affairs. 


I recall some years back when some civil society organizations led by the  Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT issued a joint Freedom of Information request, requesting the Chief of Army Staff to use his “good office  and leadership position to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the Northeast.” 


This was indeed the first time such a request would be made to a military institution in Nigeria and as usual, social commentators debated extensively on the merits and demerits of such request. It was even speculated in some quarters that the Nigerian Army was not going to honour the request due to precedence and the likes. But guess what?


The country was stunned when the Nigerian Army responded to the request not just to the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; it indeed went public in a rare display  that elicited commendation from all and sundry in the country. I recall that in response to the gesture of the Chief of Army Staff, one of the Civil Society Organizations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a rare act of endorsement of public institution accountability, was profuse in eulogising the Nigerian and only stopped short of condemning others public institutions for not being so transparent.

It stated thus: "While we ascertain the level of compliance of the information provided, we welcome Mr Buratai's demonstrated commitment to the Freedom of Information Act by responding to our request, especially at a time when high-ranking government officials including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola continue to exhibit a blatant disregard for FOI requests by refusing even to acknowledge several of such requests."


“The National Assembly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ministries, agencies and departments should also learn from the good example shown by Mr Buratai by at least honouring and responding to FOI requests from Nigerians, NGOs and others if they are ever to contribute to the efforts to achieve a greater level of transparency and accountability in Nigeria." 


“A quick look at the documentation shows a list of several projects reportedly implemented by the Nigerian Army. Among those listed and displayed, which appeared to show specific projects the Nigerian Army carried out with budgeted funds, include places where operations were carried out; renovation of barracks and military hospitals, spending to honour late soldiers; training and workshops; repairs of some old military equipment; and completion of offices and housing projects. Others are feeding of soldiers; the building of new barracks and schools; acquisition of arms and ammunition and vehicles for military operations; as well as the provision of welfare for soldiers. These are indeed commendable. 


I can bet that the response of the Nigerian Army indeed shocked quite a number and silenced a majority that had the erroneous impression that in the Nigerian Army, anything goes as in the previous times  where a lot indeed went wrong in the operations of the Nigerian Army. But little did they know that it was indeed a new regime that was anchored on nothing less than patriotism, the sincerity of heart and purpose, as well as dedication to duty.


It is my view that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai quickly understood that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has a covenant with the Nigerian people to lead with transparency and accountability towards attaining our developmental goals. The Chief of Army Staff was also aware that President Muhammadu Buhari took an oath to defend the Nigerian state. He is fully aware that the Army which he leads must be accountable to the Nigerian public hence the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in its operations. 


I can go on nonstop with regards to the transformation of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. However, I must not fail to mention that some of the projects implemented by the Nigerian Army in the past five years were indeed phenomenal.

Taking the example of the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu, a unique university in all standards and designed to make it a solution provider and a centre of excellence for a variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production as well as the development of counter-insurgency manuals for use by the Nigerian Military.  


Another example of the ingenuity of the Chief of Army Staff is the recent commissioning of a 200 bed Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State to cater for the health needs of soldiers who sustained injuries while fighting the counter-insurgency war. The hospital would also attend to the health needs of families of soldiers, civilians and people in the host community. Also, the Nigerian Army inaugurated a water treatment plant in Enugu State capable of treating and supplying one million litres of water daily to the barracks and its environs constructed by Nigerian Army engineers. 


This is aside the numerous inventions of the Nigerian Army in projects across the country. I dare to say that without transparency and accountability, the Nigerian Army would not have been able to achieve results, not just in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war, but also inadequately attending to the welfare of officers and soldiers whose morale have been bolstered in recent times. 


It is thus my considered opinion that if the Chief of Army Staff decides to invite members of the general public on a tour of its projects, it is not for grandstanding, but to be accountable to the people and that should be commended and emulated by others entrusted with public offices in Nigeria.  


It is on this premise that I give a charge to other public institutions in Nigeria to emulate the Nigerian Army regime of accountability. If the Nigerian Army can do it, I do not see why others should not give account of their stewardship.

Itodo is a social critic and public affairs commentator based in Abuja.

By Philip Agbese

Time could significantly alter the sad fate of a people radically for the good. It was just yesterday Biu LGA in Southern Borno state was under the woeful asphyxiation of Boko Haram insurgents. I recount the agonies of frustrated natives, nitpicking their hearts out, every day under the excessively unbearable heat of insurgents’ attacks. Today, Biu is redefining the meaning of existence for its natives and the people of the Northeast.

In contrast now, Biu is the face and signpost of peace and security in the Northeast region. Eleanor Roosevelt submitted in a ditty that “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” The people of Biu worked in unison by rising in warrior-like fashion to support troops to rout out insurgents in order to have peace and security.

It was a wise decision and actions by the people of Biu village. Insurgents who weaponized against their fraternity; farm, houses, wives, children and existence now dread the enclave.

And as a special recognition for Biu’s communal efforts in assisting government curb the roaring threats of terrorism in the axis; Biu has been rewarded with the Nigerian Army University Biu. (NAUB). NAUB is more than a mere university to the people of Biu and the Northeast. It signifies so many things to the people; and they adore it as a rare and an unimaginable treasure.

After barely two years, I first heard of the idea of the conception of an Army university in Nigeria, NAUB is now an institution which resonates in near and distant places. I am a curious adventurist; I love visiting new places of attraction, if my resources can permit.

And I also nurse an ambition to taste from the foundation of knowledge offered by NAUB. So, I decided to pay a visit to the campus of NAUB recently for firsthand knowledge of the varsity and the people, as an axiom says “to see is to be believe.”

When you stray into the premises of an ivory tower anywhere, the conviviality of the environment and atmosphere informs the visitor about the seriousness of the institution on the pursuit of learning and knowledge. It was my first enticing experience at NAUB campus.

I got into Biu village at dusk and decided to perch at the Biu Summit Hotel until the next morning. I set out early, the following day on my mission to NAUB. The workers in the hotel where I passed the night were extraordinarily receptive, hospitable and affectionate to visitors. Although, it was a one star hotel, the feeling was more than a three-star hotel in that part of the universe , but very exquisite like similar ones one can find in big cities. I enjoyed their services, which were very cheap and affordable.

The choice of my caption- “Biu: Emerging Peace Capital in Nigeria:” may sound disgusting to some ears, especially when associated with Borno State. Nevertheless, peace has returned to the community; it is just the incredible truth. But I also vouched for this truth after the visit to Biu, as I doubted it like others. Life is bumbling and the communities have put behind it the ugly face of Boko Haram and embraced life.

Let me explain briefly, ab initio that I have bagged three degrees in different fields of academics from the United Kingdom. My intention of visiting NAUB was to privately assess the university; explore the possibility of taking up a Ph.D research on the Boko Haram insurgency and also interact with stakeholders of the Biu Emirate .

As a patriotic citizen of Nigeria, I have lived with the urge of acquiring a home degree, which will assist generate answers to the Nigerian security puzzle and development question; it has become irrepressible in my mind in the last four years. When recently, I confided in a friend, and lecturer, at the University of Ilorin, Associate Professor Lemuel Ode, who incidentally is at NAUB for his sabbatical leave, he hinted me about NAUB.

Of course, I have heard of NAUB in the last two years; but Lemuel Odeh bolstered me by insisting NAUB and the Northeast region offers the best opportunities to do anything for an intending Ph.D researcher on a broad range of security studies.

At NAUB a guide took me round the university faculties and departments. I was impressed with the magnificent edifices; state-of-the-art equipments , laboratories in their new sparkling and functional state. The environment was inviting, with neatly decorated walkways and lawns. It instantly, reunites your soul with nature.

The institution has started operations with the faculties of Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Administrative and Management Studies, Military Technology; Military Policy, Logistics and Strategy. The Military Policy, Logistics and Strategy has caught my attention and seems a bride of attraction. I believe, the outcome of a Ph.D. research in this area would be very beneficial in answering to a major aspect of the anti-insurgencies and insurrectional engagements by Nigeria’s security agents.

Whilst in Biu Emirate, I decided to tour some villages so to widen my experience. Luckily, on the day of my visit to NAUB, another major event was on course. It was the commissioning of the Buratai Centre, an extension of NAUB. I crashed into it while at Buratai village and joined other invitees to witness it.

It was also a masterpiece by every standard. My stay in Biu for three days took me on excursions to other villages like;Balbaya; Charenji; Chemi Moda; Galdimare; Kagul; Piku; Sabon Layi; and Viu kutha.

And the inhabitants everywhere I went were quite pleasant and warm people. I sighted homesteads destroyed by insurgency freshly rebuilt or were still in the process of reconstruction. Famers kissed the hoes on farmlands voraciously and local markets bubbled with business, particularly agric produce. It was a memorable experience for me. Candidly, the people accept visitors warmly and with huge hospitality.

But what endeared me more about Biu people, was their displayed sincerity and honesty. I slept in Biu Summit Hotel on the first night of arrival in Biu, until I linked up, with my friend, Lemuel Odeh, who was to later transfer me to his apartment at the University Staff Quarters.

But I needed some quick laundry the first night of my arrival. So, I handed over my bag, which contained two pairs of dirty clothes to the laundry. It contained reasonable amount of money for my local running expenses and I also forgot to remove it. The pockets of the dirty clothes due for washing also had, what we call in Nigeria as “careless change,” forgotten in them.

The next money the laundry man, delivered my washed, ironed clothes, and neatly packaged inside the same bag. Surprisingly, he brought back every kobo and everything from the bag unpilfered, including monies I forgot in the clothes he laundered.

The uncommon truth displayed by this laundry man stunned me. The people of Biu must be really very honest Nigerians. I am now, ensuing scholars to emulate my footsteps, by undertaking an academic study to find out how Biu has been able to maintain the peace which President Muhammadu Buhari and the military have leveraged upon to restore peace in Biu Emirate of Borno State.

Winston Churchill once told us that the “The price of greatness is responsibility.” Let’s accept the responsibility of peace and security burdened on us in our communities because it is apparent that most afflicted communities are apathetic to this idea now.

Agbese is a scholar and publisher based in Abuja.

DIRECTORS DENY ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF $18M DOLLARS BY OMSL
Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and spurious publication by a one-man blog (nurajos..com) on alleged schism in the board of OMSL over alleged mismanagement of $18m (Eighteen million dollars).
In the said write-up, the faceless hack mischievously alleged that our chairman, Capt Idahosa Wells Okunbo, had taken possession of the said sum from NNPC, and squandered it in alleged bribery of National Assembly members and presidency officials over the squabble with Nigeria Ports Authority on the SAA issue.
Ordinarily, we would not have dignified the faceless writer with a reply, but in the interest of unsuspecting members of the public who may be swayed by deliberate falsehood and for record purposes, we are constrained to put out this press statement
1. The write-up is totally false in every material particular.
2. No payment of $18m dollars or any such payment was received by OMSL or our Chairman, Capt Hosa Okunbo
3. No bribe was paid to National lawmakers or presidency officials in respect of SAA issue with NPA by OMSL or our chairman.
4. The concocted story could only have been in the warped imagination of the writer and his sponsor(s)
5. We believe the write-up is politically motivated to smear the reputation of our company and our chairman.
6. There is no division whatsoever in the directorate and management of OMSL.
SIGNED
1) Admiral Ameen Ikioda (Rtd)
2) Mr Garth Dooley
3) Admiral Joe Aikhomu (Rtd)
4) Mr Kunle Oyelakun

NAUB: A confirmation of Buhari’s commitment to peace and development in North-East - Group

The North-East Peace Ambassadors (NEPA) say the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) is a confirmation of President Muhammadu Buhari's genuine commitment to peace and development in the region. 

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yusuf Bala, on Friday, the NEPA said the president has kept his promise, not only stamping out insurgency but bringing development to the North-East. 

Established in 2018, the institution is already famed as a centre of excellence spearheading scientific and technological breakthroughs, comprising of both military and civilian population.  

According to the group, the siting of the university in Biu, one of the communities that resisted Boko Haram wholesale despite Borno State being a stronghold of the insurgency is a clear indication that peace and normalcy have returned. 

"One remarkable thing the government of President Buhari has done is the establishment of the Nigeria Army University Biu (NAUB). For those who may choose to forget history very quickly. Bui is one of the first communities where it’s warriors came out courageously to defend the Nigerian State.

" It is, therefore, heart-warming that not only has peace returned to the community but, development is now coming to Bui. You can only imagine the excitement, relief and joy in the hearts of residents of Bui when the announcement of the establishment of the university was made.

"The university has turned out in this very short time a pride to behold. The level of infrastructural development is simply amazing. A visit to the university will confuse anyone that is told that this university is barely 2 years old.

"It is one thing to promise development, it is yet another thing to deliver quality developmental projects. We the North-East Peace Ambassadors consider the establishment of this university in Biu at this time as a great show of commitment by Mr President to the true development of the North East". 

The North-East Peace Ambassadors say the impact of the institution would transcend academics.

"The immediate and larger community are going to immensely benefit from the university location. Already there are private hostel projects springing up in the town already. Food vendors, clothing, service provider etc are all going to be beneficiaries of this project," the statement added. 

"Many youth of the area are going to be employed directly and indirectly. This is very critical for the rebuilding of the area. People are getting a sense of livelihood again. We are talking about people who perhaps had spent several months or years in IDP camps feeding on hand to mouth, same people now gainfully employed. That is what we call a turn around the development.

"We are indeed elated at projects like this and we believe this is just the beginning of good things to come as promised by the Chief of Army Staff during the commissioning of new faculty buildings that were commissioned recently. At the pace the university is commissioning projects, we can only imagine the level of development that will be on the ground in another 3 years.

"Beyond physical development and socio-economic activities in communities around the university. This university will also help to address the educational gap between the northeast region and the rest of the country. Education is a very important ingredient in human development plus a very important component in the fight against terrorism. The war against terrorism is an ideological war and therefore education is very crucial in the development of the mind of the people of the northeast region."

The group, however, thanked President Buhari for what it described as a "legacy project", adding that "history and posterity will definitely be kind to him".

This is a good question, coming from Oghogho Omoruyi, who writes from Benin. I grew up in Benin. I saw the names listed on The Who is Who of Edo State, former Midwestern Region, former Bendel State, now, Edo and Delta States. I was filled with pride as he listed all those names. I knew all these men as my father was friends with them. I knew their children as I went to school with them from Primary school all the way to University. I was contemporaries with their children as my parents were contemporaries with these men of immense wealth who also loved our State.

Those men were men but let us put their times and these times in context.

Edo State has never been this bad.

That is the difference.

Even though they all stood and spoke up for good governance, they did not have much to say in their time about governance because we had great governance. Do we want to look at infrastructure? We had drinking water from taps that dotted the streets of Benin City. Do we want to look at education? All you have to do is read an article written by anyone who is over 55 and grew up in Benin. We had great teachers. We had teachers who knew their tenses because they were well trained.

Where are the Teacher Training Institutes today? We have consultants in their place who have a mission— not to educate but to act as conduit.

Do we want to talk about health care? None of these illustrious men listed in Oghogho’s article ever needed to travel abroad for healthcare needs. We had brilliant medical personnel who were well paid and we had primary health care institutions spread out in all villages of Midwestern region.

In my remote village of Ohordua, we had a dispensary as far back as 1967, when I was a little boy. The hospitals functioned as hospitals and there was a bottom up feeding system through which the well organized primary health care delivered. Let me tell you a story. In March 1967, one day, at about 8pm, I was involved in a domestic accident that tore my head in two after I hit my head on the sharp edge of an iron bed. There was blood everywhere. My father rushed me to the General Hospital, now called Central hospital. At the time, emergency meant emergency. They took me in without asking my father to go and purchase a card, cotton wool or needles. They stopped the bleeding and stitched me up. They gave me candy and nurses smiled at me. Today, that 8-year old boy dies in Godwin Obaseki’s Five Star hospital.

I grew up first in Sparta Lane in New Benin, then Igun Street and eventually my father built a house in GRA. We never had a fence in any of the three homes in which I grew up. Today in Godwin Obaseki’s Edo, after four years in power, kidnappers have multiplied. Armed robbers roam the streets of Benin, unchallenged. Everyone now hides behind a fence that totally obscures the house in which they live. Young men and women, after getting sloppy education are unemployable and unemployed and so, they become internet fraudsters. Nature abhors a vacuum. Where are the 200,000 jobs Obaseki promised?

The governments in those times did their job with very little resources. Obaseki’s monthly security vote of N1b every month needs to be explained if Edo State is the only South-South State that has no tracker to track kidnappers. Obaseki’s N1b monthly security vote needs to be explained if the Police commissioner only gets N5m out of N1b every month. These are questions that Oghogho needs to interrogate.

What therefore does Captain Hosa want?

Captain Hosa is as much a stakeholder in the present and future of Edo State as the poor woman who sells pure water for her daily survival. Hundreds of Edo people are employed in several companies he has established in Edo State. He wants nothing but the best for our beloved Edo State, a State in which his own father served as clergy and an educationist.

Captain Hosa, just like the boy who is a Keke driver, wants to be able to walk around the streets of Edo State without being afraid of kidnappers and armed robbers.

Captain Hosa wants our hospitals to work so that he can safely go to Central hospital. Captain Hosa cannot sit by having been so endowed and not be involved in some way. He was involved with Godwin Obaseki, funding the governor’s trip to China to help bring investors into Edo State. He quietly advised the governor about his ill-advised fight with Oshiomhole, a situation which was bound to hinder development, and it has.

For the last three years, Godwin Obaseki has spent the resources of Edo State in a scorched earth war against Oshiomole and Edo business owners like Captain Hosa by using his connections with certain people to threaten his Oil security contracts which had nothing to do with Edo State. Obaseki sent a message to Captain Hosa in no unclear terms by sponsoring articles full of innuendo and outright falsehood to denigrate a man who just wanted to help. Captain Hosa’s charity works in Edo State have been carried out quietly without making noise. There are some relationships that money cannot buy. He placed his enormous goodwill at the disposal of the governor for the sake of the State. He may have palaces around the world but there is no place like home. His house in Benin is his castle. Obaseki drew first blood.

Was Captain Hosa supposed to turn tail and run? I sent a message to Captain Hosa at the beginning of this whole saga advising him that he needed to stay out of Edo politics because Obaseki fights really dirty. This was his reply. “I cannot keep quiet when I can see our State being destroyed. That would be an act of cowardice.” I said to him, ‘you are indeed a Bini man.’ We are warriors and children of warriors with a long line of history of never backing down.

Captain Hosa has never been one to boast about his accomplishments, all of which he credits to Almighty God. He has no siblings running for office. Even when he has been offered an opportunity to run, he has declined.

All the men listed by Oghogho lived in times when Governors were servants of the people. We live in times when governors have become Emperors. For Godwin Obaseki, it would appear that anyone who dares to advice him becomes an enemy of the State.

Ought this be so?

Oghogho, I would therefore ask you to go and ask Godwin Obaseki—- what does Godwin Obaseki want?

Michael Ovienmhada. Poet, Author, Playwright and Public Affairs Commentator. I write because I am involved.
Email: omeekey@hotmail.com.

By Bukola Olasanmi

In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had two obsessions about the Northeast. He was concerned on how to end Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the region and how to restore the region devastated by insurgency to its former status. As a leader, he knew, it was costly to compromise on this.

In pursuit of this agenda, The President made an instructive public declaration and immediately embarked on actions to back it up. The President commissioned the newly anointed Service Chiefs and charged them to end Boko Haram terrorism and all forms of criminalities which assailed the Northeast region in record time. Thereafter, he promised Nigerians that he would commission a sociological study to ascertain the causes of insurgency in the region and take steps to ensure it does not recur in the future.

Many Nigerians heard the President, but could hardly decode what he intended precisely. But his intentions became clear by the day. It was touchy to think that Boko Haram has done years of incalculable damages in the Northeast. Its horrendous atrocities reflected in mass killings, abductions, destructions and the dislocation of social and economic life of the people. People were enslaved in their own country and ancestral lands.

The foresighted President Buhari thought that it was necessary to document the history of a people who suffered this sad fate in the hands of religious extremists and armed gangs for posterity. Mr. President also thought it wise to record the various measures adopted by government to battle the scourge. The President knew that aggressive rebuilding and reconstruction of the devastated Northeast after the end of Boko Haram was inevitable; but a task too herculean to be tackled from one angle alone.

Therefore, he conscripted the Nigerian Army to provide back-up support to civilian authorities by leading the war against insurgency and also, thereafter, crusade the evangelism on development of the Northeast. The President had to use a front to achieve his mission in the region. He needed a man who mastered the matrix of anti-terrorism combats, with an innovative mind and an unquenchable knack for development to lead his development efforts from this plank.

President Buhari therefore, anointed Lt. Gen. TY Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations as the punch man to insidiously drive his development agenda for the Northeast on a different level. This is in addition to other rebuilding and reconstructions initiatives of the federal government.

Quite exemplary, it has just dawned on most Nigerians that President Buhari from outset intended to use the Nigerian Army to railroad some of his development initiatives in the Northeast, ruined and devastated by insurgency. All over the world, the military as a matter of fact has been a veritable instrument for development. This history is as old as civilization itself.

Even in Nigeria, good students of history can still remember the several emergency infrastructures built by the Military during the civil strife of 1967 -70 in parts of the Southeast. Roads were constructed and bridges built. These amenities outlived the war and served communities for years. Some have served to this moment as positive relics of the war and still in usable state.

President Buhari has excitingly revived this culture of the Military as agents of development. The Chief of Army Staff has queued into the vision of Mr. President by helping to deliver a world class university to one of the insurgency most ravaged rural communities in the Northeast. Consequently therefore, the initiative of the first-ever Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Borno state has progressively berthed in Borno state.

The idea of the varsity, which was conceived in 2017 and commenced operations in 2018 is gradually becoming a centre of excellence both in academics and infrastructural development in the region. While the vision of President Buhari in rebuilding the Northeast has manifested in other areas such as the North East Development Commission (NEDC), but NAUB also stands out distinctively as a strong catalyst and instrument of development of the region in the post-insurgency years.

It is indisputable that education attracts development to a place in multiple ways. It brings both intellectual and physical development. And NAUB is structured and programmed to serve as a potent tool for healing of minds after war. Nigerians are aware that the Boko Haram ideology needs to be tackled ruthlessly to uproot it from the psyche of the people. NAUB is providing the platform for people of the Northeast and indeed, all Nigerians to learn and understand the nuances of the obnoxious Boko Haram ideology; how to destroy or resist it.

The varsity is not a mere potent tool for rehabilitation of the mind and the region; but above all, it is one of the surest ways to tell Boko Haram that its ideology has been defeated. NAUB by its symbolism and functionality will bring closer to the people both western and Islamic education that are of global standards; dismantle the artificial chasms or barriers some religious extremists have placed between the two forms of progressive education.

And NAUB has taken off on a sound-footing and designed to operate with 14 faculties, 113 departments and 493 programmes in both humanities and sciences to train both military personnel and civilians. It is living its dreams. It has matriculated students and kick-started its operations with five faculties and 39 programmes; while aggressively expanding its structures every day to compete with the best varsities in the world.

The NAUB is also attracting ancillary development to the region as investors are also willing to partner and invest in the institution. Soon, the drumbeats of war in the Northeast region would vanish completely and, in its place,, a serene atmosphere of peace and tranquility will descend on the Northeast, radiating in people’s quest for learning and excellence in NAUB.

Lyndon B. Johnsonbelieves that “The noblest search is the search for excellence.” Therefore, Gen Buratai through his actions has not only continued to prove Mr. President right on his chief as Army Chief and leader of the counter-insurgency operations. Gen. Buratai’s usefulness to the country is under-utilized.

NAUB is an asset to Nigeria and a treasure to the people of the Northeast. The Nigerian Army under Buratai has done much for the development of the country as attested by its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects even in the Northeast.

An academic, Terry Eagleton says, “The humanities should constitute the core of any university worth the name.” NAUB embodies all of it plus military science and technology which is the first in Africa. The Nigerian Army University Biu is an institution to watch; as attested by the level of infrastructures that are being put in place, the quality of both academic and administrative staff, who are the best brains in their areas of specialties. #


Olasanmi is a journalist and wrote this piece from Biu, Borno State.

By Murtala Abubakar

The Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria has indeed set the economy of the region several years back. The North East region of Nigeria, comprising of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States, has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009. Estimates of the negative impacts of the crisis include approximately 14.8 Million people adversely affected, about 2.3 Million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), including over 100,000 Nigerian Refugees in neighbouring countries, over 20,000 deaths and even more people severely injured or missing.
Many of the region's residents now live in IDP camps, with host families away from their original homes and in host communities. Many host communities are severely stressed, having to cater for the massive influx of displaced people from places directly hit by Boko Haram.
The Boko Haram crisis has also resulted in extensive damage to social, economic, health and market infrastructure. Numerous homes have been destroyed. Many schools, hospitals, markets and places of worship have been destroyed or closed. Many communities have been completely abandoned, especially in Borno and Yobe. There are limited numbers of teachers, doctors and other health workers, with over 500 teachers killed and many fleeing the region. While there is still a semblance of economic activity in some parts of the region, the economy of the region has virtually collapsed, with many parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, having lost key markets and other market-related infrastructure.
Returning the region to normalcy is one of the highest priorities of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration which has high on its priority list, bringing an end to the war, effectively handling the humanitarian crisis and implementation of an effective rehabilitation and resettlement programme, as well as the implementation of a solid peace-building, reconciliation and de-radicalization framework; as well as the effective reconstruction of social and physical infrastructure.
The above stated indeed necessitated the establishment of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). The objective of the NEDC is to lead the reconstruction and development of the region by consolidating and replacing other initiatives such as the Victims Support Fund (VSF), Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE), and Presidential Committee on the North-East Initiative (PCNI).
We must admit that the task before NEDC is indeed a gargantuan one owing to the undeniable fact that North-East Nigeria has been robbed of its glory and the need to begin the reconstruction of the region cannot be overemphasized. I recall when the establishment of the NEDC was given the all-clear to commence operations, there came the question of who would lead the organization to achieve its mandate to the people of the region most proactively and efficiently and within a time frame.
Consequently, Mohammed Alkali was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive managing director and his nomination was subsequently confirmed by the National Assembly and then came the burden of expectations. The name Mohammed Alkali didn’t particularly ring a bell, and in some quarters questions were raised on his capacity to deliver on the mandate of the NEDC.

Mohammed Alkali might not be the darling of the newspapers, and this is understandable because of the responsibilities on his shoulders and the expectations from the president and other critical stakeholders who are desirous of a return to normalcy in North-East Nigeria.
As a start, before his appointment, Mohammed Alkali was the Executive Director, operations of the Bank of Industry (BoI), he has a first-class honours degree in Accountancy from Bayero University, Kano. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from London School of Economics at the University of London, United Kingdom. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Harvard University; the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago; and the Columbia Business School at the Columbia University. These are indeed very intimidating credentials if we must admit. However, the interesting aspect of Mohammed Alkali is the fact that he has been a silent achiever all of his work life. It is no news that he has kept a low profile as the managing director of the NEDC.
This silent attribute of him would not have come to the fore but for the activities of some mischief makers that attempted to drag him to the murky water of politics by making some wild allegations with regards his stewardship at the NEDC.
This I must confess indeed motivated me to write about this unassuming individual that has hit the ground running since his appointment as the managing director of the NEDC. Please permit me to reel out some of the modest achievements of the NEDC under the leadership of Mohammed Alkali.
The NEDC had been implementing impactful and incremental interventions designed to address most of the immediate challenges bedevilling the North-east states. For instance, the NEDC established a six billion naira Education Endowment Fund to resuscitate the regions devastated education sector and rebuild the human capital to provide an avenue for the engagement of over 20,000 beneficiaries annually to enable them access to academic and professional capacity development opportunities in various fields.
The NEDC is also implementing the rehabilitation of drinking water and sanitation facilities in states in North-East Nigeria. This project is part of the Multisectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) with the support of the World Bank.
The NEDC is also implementing about 1, 310 Rapid Response Intervention in Projects in all the 112 local governments of the North East Region. This is in addition to the implementation of an Integrated Agriculture Programme involving the provision of agricultural machinery and equipment, seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals and extension service logistics vehicles to enhance the production capacity of smallholder farmers in North East and enable them to regain their lost livelihoods.
The list is indeed endless, and for some of us from the North East, we are impressed with the level of interventions of the NEDC in rebuilding North-East Nigeria. It is indeed understandable if some individuals and groups attempt to rubbish the leadership strides of the managing director because their position is hinged on either mischief or ignorance. But whatever be the case it doesn’t change the fact that the NEDC under Mohammed Alkali has lived up to expectation in ways too numerous to mention.
I must state that the managing director of the NEDC is an exceptional breed and one that understands the need for the sincerity of heart and purpose in the administration of the affairs of the agency from the perspective that it is first an interventionist agency and secondly the fact that the people of North-East Nigeria have suffered indeed enough of the atrocities of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
I am not sure that those that made futile attempts at assassinating the character of the managing director were probably sad that for once that an individual heading such a sensitive interventionist agency would stand on the side of the people and not a select few. No doubt, the NEDC looks like a cash cow, but the man at the helm of affairs is not the everyday politician that would embark on grandstanding activities at the detriment of the core job for which he was so appointed.
I am glad that the mischief-makers who wanted to pull him down only succeeded in bringing his tangible achievements into the public space. This is indeed a blessing in disguise, and a reason why Mohammed Alkali must not lose focus because the hawks waiting to devour him are innumerable.
Mohammed Alkali must match his words with action in ensuring that the reconstruction of communities in North-East Nigeria receives the much-needed attention in fulfilment of the mandate of the NEDC. I am sure his consciousness must be awakened to the fact that all eyes are on him. There would be no hiding place for him in the event of a deviation from the full implementation of the mandate of the NEDC.
I am glad that so far, his stewardship in the NEDC is that of an unalloyed commitment to setting the foundation for the implementation of an effective rehabilitation and resettlement programme for the North East region in Nigeria. Credit must also be given to other members of the management of the NEDC for their commitment to teamwork towards the full implementation of the objectives of the NEDC.
Mohammed Alkali is indeed a patriotic servant and one that is more than committed to the restoration of normalcy in North-East Nigeria in fulfilment of the strategic objective of the current administration in establishing the NEDC. The case of Mohammed Alkali is indeed the footprints of a patriotic servant.

Abubakar is a humanitarian coordinator and activist based in Abuja.

September 11, 2020 will mark an auspicious day for the Chairman/CEO of Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd, Captain Dr. Idahosa Wells Okunbo.


He will be honored alongside prominent African business leaders such as: Dr Adeduntan Adesola, Managing Director First Bank Plc and founder and executive chairman of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd, Mahmood Ahmadu, for the Forbes Best of Africa awards.

Captain (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, JP is a Nigerian business magnate, philanthropist and investor. Idahosa Wells Okunbo began his career as a professional commercial pilot.

“Captain Hosa”, at 30 years of age he left his job as a pilot to go into business in the oil and gas sector focusing on procurement as an area of core competence
Today, the broad range of his business portfolio spans Marine Security, Marine Logistics, Property and Real Estate, Hotel and Hospitality, Aviation, Entertainment, Energy, Power, Telecoms and Agriculture.

Okunbo has made contributions to charitable causes all over the world and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.

EDO BASIC EDUCATION SECTOR TRANSFORMATION: A WORKING MODEL THAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED BY THE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION


The Athenian philosopher, mathematician, and political thinker, Plato once posited that “the direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life”. Since societies are an aggregation of the quality of individuals, it is safe to rephrase the Greek savant in drawing the conclusion that “education will determine the future” of any society as no society has ever developed beyond the quality of the minds that make it up.

Modern-day Edo state, the home of the over 6 centuries old BiniKingdom made history as one of the most sophisticated African societies, complete with streets, street lighting, and even went on to establish diplomatic relations with Portugal, at a time many African societies were still backward. Such a level of sophistication that produced monumental innovations and artworks that were way ahead of their time could only have been a product of a functional system of organizing and transmitting knowledge among the citizens.


It is a travesty of catastrophic proportions that despite such the rich history of blazing trails and being at the forefront of knowledge acquisition, transmission, and application in Africa, “the heartbeat of the nation”, has in recent years been reduced to a haven of crime and violence, despite having a vibrant youthful population that is bursting with dynamic creative energy and intelligence. Edo state had in recent times failed to harness her history and vibrancy to build a core of productive youths who would power the economy of the state, but has rather become a fertile ground for all manner of social vices and violent crimes.


It was within this rather bleak atmosphere that Governor GodwinNogheghase Obaseki took the reins of governance of Edo state in the year 2016. Being a thoroughbred professional, with local and international development experience in the private sector and multilateral institutions, GovernorObaseki set about tackling the issue of our youth not being able to fulfill their potentials with surgical precision. The Governor would deploy a two-pronged strategic approach on that front, through the Skills DevelopmentProgram (Edo Jobs), which is targeted at preparing youth for jobs, and EdoBasic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST), which is aimed at revamping the educational system from the very root, to ensure that the products coming out of the system are employable. The program was a comprehensive one that incorporated a holistic approach with key mile markers around 5 pillars of governance, teacher development, and instructional design, community partnerships; infrastructure, and the support and development of the Local Education Authority.


Seeing that educational outcomes are driven primarily by the quality of teaching and the learning atmosphere Edo BEST commenced with the training of all the teachers in the state. Edo BEST was a bold and ambitious program that, to those not familiar with Governor Obaseki’s data-based approach to project conception and execution, bore the hallmarks of the usual Nigerian government schemes that are full of plenty smoke with little fire. Edo BESThowever has exceeded the expectations of the naysayers while delivering success on a scale and at a speed never before seen in Africa.


In two years of its existence, Edo BEST has been able to seamlessly retain about twelve thousand teachers in the state and equipped them technically and technologically under the Support Teachers to Achieve Results(STAR) component of Edo BEST.  So far more than 11thousand School-Based Management Committee members have been trained across the state, while thousands of textbooks have been issued to pupils in the state. The state government has also provided  7million textbooks and instructional materials distributed to schools and pupils and  334 primary schools are under renovation or being reconstructed. The program has also led to the creation of a centralized database of all pupils in Edo state, which has aided the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in disseminating instructional materials during the Covid19 induced suspension of schools all over Nigeria.


The unprecedented success and transparency in the entire processes of Edo BEST have not gone unnoticed notwithstanding the usual quiet style of governor Obaseki, as it has attracted accolades both local and international. Six months into the implementation of the program the United States Agency for International Development invited Edo SUBEB Chairman to participate and present the keynote during its 8th Education Alliance Symposium. The Edo the delegation would also visit the World Bank and International finance corporation, where fruitful discussions were had on program support for implementation.



It takes courage and a laser-sharp focus on future sustainability for a government official to invest in education, and an even higher dose of these qualities to do so at the primary level. Governor Godwin Obaseki has left no one in doubt as to his laser-sharp focus on developing the human capacity of the Edo people, making investments, and putting power around flywheels that will keep Edo running over the long term as the world transitions from crude oil and relies more on human capital. In a clime where government officials take pride in sinking taxpayer's funds in white elephant projects, without any basis in the economic viability of public benefit, Governor Obaseki has distinguished himself and taken the road less traveled, beating a path for future leaders of the state to follow.

No doubt Edo BEST has proven to be a resounding success and other Nigerian states ought to, as a matter of urgency, look into this model and replicate it to position Nigeria as a dominant force in the evolving fourth industrial revolution.  The universal basic Education Commission must study the Edo template and adopt it as the standard all over Nigeria for changing the fortunes of education in Nigeria.

*Allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria false and misleading, Inter-Faith forum queries UK parliamentary group*

The Youth Christian and Muslim Forum of Nigeria (YCMFN) says allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria by All-Party Parliamentary Group in the United Kingdom (APPG)  is false and misleading. 

Instead of paint religious element behind violence in the country, the inter-faith forum rather advised the UK parliamentarians to concern itself with the sanctity of all human lives irrespective of religion or ethnic biases and see to doing enough in collaboration with the Nigerian government to halt any further killings anywhere in the country.

YCMFN made this strong stand known in a virtual press statement on Saturday signed by its National President, Pastor Phillip Attah. 

A recent report by APPG on 'Freedom of Religion and Belief, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?', had alleged religious colouration in Boko Haram, banditry and other violent attacks across the country. 

However, YCMFN said such claims are biased and one-sided malicious narrations from those who do not wish the nation well.

While admitting the security challenges in the country, the inter-faith group rejected the attempts to attach religious dimension, acknowledging the progress made under President Muhammadu Buhari.  

"We consider it most distasteful for anyone to attempt to coin a narrative that 'Christians are actually the target of this murderous group'. Worst of all is the attempt to rope the government of President Buhari into this, or perhaps the attempt to drag the armed forces of Nigeria and sister security agencies into the evil religious narration," Pastor Attah disclosed. 

The statement partly reads; " Nigeria no doubt is battling some security challenges that have been ongoing for a while now. What we, however, want to set straight is the fact that the killings going on are largely religion blind. Are there killings that involve Christians? The answer is yes, Christians are certainly murdered in Nigeria, but the fact remains out there that this evil terrorist has killed more Muslims and are in fact killing more Muslims. 

"These terrorist are despicable savages that know no one. So long as you don’t support their extreme version of Islam, of which many Muslims in Nigeria don’t support you are regarded as an enemy and become a target of their killings.

" We know some mischievous elements will want to play the religious card with the ongoing security challenge, we worry less about them, since many of the perpetrators of this narrow and unfortunate narrative do so for their own pecuniary gain.

"We are however concerned about our friends outside the country who may not be well informed about the intrigues and the realities of these security challenges and may want to fall for the one-sided narration of some mischief-makers.

"President Buhari’s campaign was anchored on the return of peace to the troubled northeast region and indeed everywhere else in Nigeria. This promised he has been able to fulfil to an extent with the help of the great men and women of the armed forces.

" Before the coming on board of this government almost 14 local government areas were under the total control of the terrorist group less than 18 months in an office all territories hitherto held by the terrorist have been recovered and normalcy returned to most of these areas.

" There cannot be any doubt about the government’s sincerity in the battle against insurgents and all other forms of criminality going on in the country. The president has made more funding available for the welfare and procurement of required tools to eliminate the terrorist.

" Whilst we admit the security challenges are not gone. We totally reject the attempt by enemies of the state to bring a religious dimension to the current security challenge because it is totally false and only an attempt to whip up religious sentiments to further divide us and distract us from our focus on taking out the terrorist who are the real enemies of the people.

" In the north-west region of the country where the killings are now most rampant due to activities of bandits and kidnappers, 90% of the victims are Muslims, should we then say they are being killed because they are Muslims? Take Zamfara State for example with one of the highest numbers of deaths in the North West yet over 98% of those killed there are Muslims. So would anyone now say Muslims are being targeted in the north for a genocide?

" Yes, the people killed in Zamfara are Muslims but they were definitely not killed because of their faith. The same way many Christians must have been killed in the many years of these terrorist activities but not all were killed because of their faith.

" Take the middle belt, for example, there have been decades of clashes between herders and farmers over the years, unfortunately except we collectively sit and find long-lasting solutions, peace may remain elusive in that region. There are several reasons for the conflict in that region".

The Youth Christian and Muslim Forum of Nigeria, however, called on " all Muslims and Christians across the country to unite and promote peace and unity amongst ourselves".

By Aminu Abubakar


Of the 21 Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, only few were spared of the agony of Boko Haram terrorists attacks, murder and arson, when the activities of the blood thirsty group spiked between years 2012 to 2015.
The strategic location of Adamawa State, which borders Cameroon, Borno, Gombe and Taraba States places it in the middle of the Boko Haram terrorism.

The level of insecurity was pervasive in no less than 12 local governments of the state which represents more than 50 percent of the local councils, but in terms of population, it affected over 70 percent as the terrorists activities hit mainly the most populated LGs like Yola Yola North, Yola South, Mubi North and Mubi South. The people of Ganye ,Gombi, Lamurde, Madagali, Maiha, Michika and Numan were also not spared and could not sleep with their two eyes closed as Boko Haram terrorists could storm any community within the precinct of their local councils and murder people at will.

According to a research, between January 2012 and June 2013, Yola North/South Local Government Areas  suffered the most in terms of security challenges, followed by Mubi North/South.

Yola is the state capital and has higher population hence any attack on its territory is bound to be felt in the entire state and beyond.

In January 2012, assailants reportedly attacked a church and killed 12 people while insurgents were reported to have killed four people in coordinated attacks on bars and public drinking spots. There were so many of such incidences in Yoka then.

But attacks in Mubi too have been no less devastating as the town with its huge market, had become a trading hub in the Northeast region while it also  borders Cameroon.

The strategic importance of Mubi is such that anytime the terrorists strike, the effect is felt in the whole region and across the Nigerian border as markets close and people flee to neighbouring countries raising serious humanitarian concerns.

On the night of 1st October 2012, for instance, a group of armed men attacked a student residence of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, and  killed at least 25 persons, mainly tertiary institution students, using guns and machetes.

The insurgents were to return and attack Mubi again in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Maiha also had its share of insecurity as Boko Haram atacked many communities in the LG killing many.

In May of 2013 an attack on a church and village market left at least ten dead in the village of Jilang in Maiha. 
Madagali, which is 280 kilometres from the Adamawa State capital, Yola, was also not spared.

It has come under several attacks by the insurgents that many had fled from the communities. In September 2014,  Boko Haram extended their reign of terror to Michika and even captured it after many similar attacks. Thousands of residents of Garkida in Gombi Local Government were made to flee their homes in 2014, following attacks by Boko Haram sect on Sallah day. 

Four soldiers and three other civilians were killed in that attack as property including houses and cars worth billions of naira were destroyed by the insurgents.

The situation was so bad that on May 16, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan had to declare a state of emergency in three Nigerian states, including Adamawa.

But by then, lots of live have been lost, property worth millions of naira destroyed, many displaced, hundreds abducted and many hd gone missing.

Certain families are yet to reunite several years after fleeing from Boko Haram attacks. These have been the unfortunate lot of the people of Adamawa State in several local government until the coming of the current administration. 

The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, declared war on the insurgents and the military moved in swiftly with renewed vigour than before and recaptured all the local councils in the state hitherto taken by the insurgents and freed all the captives.

In the last two years, except for the attempt to attack villages in Michika and Garkida in Gombi local government, most of the LGs in Adamawa State have remained peaceful. Mubi has since got its groove back as the marketing hub of the region while Maiha, Yola, Ganye etc have almost put the thoughts of past attacks behind them.

That the Buhari administration has been able to do this to a population of over 4 million  is a no mean feat and the economic benefit derived from this are enormous. 

Little wonder when President Muhammadu Buhari visited Yola in 2018, to declare open the anti-corruption summit in the state and to commission some  projects, crowd of supporters were also on ground at the Yola International Airport to welcome the President.

They did so because the President had been able to give them their lives back by puaing the terrorists out of the state. For us, President Muhammadu BUhari’s efforts means a lot to us in Adamawa State and its just about everything. Staying safe and alive is the most important business in human existence.


Abubakar, an educationist wrote this piece from Mubi.

HOW THE OBASEKI ADMINISTRATION IS TURNING EDO INTO AN INDUSTRIAL HUB AND MAKING THE STATE AN INVESTMENT DESTINATION THROUGH HIS INNOVATIVE POLICIES ANDINSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRIDES

Popularly known as the heartbeatof the nation, Edo state is historically an international trading hub andinvestment destination in West Africa. As far back as the 16thcentury, Benin had diplomatic relations with Portugal, an offshoot of traderelations with the European powerhouse at the time. It is safe to say that theold Benin Empire, with its paved city streets and world-class craftsmen, hasbeen attracting foreign investment long before the term was even defined assuch.
In recent times however the statehas seen her economy dwindle to the point where Edo indigenes have gainednotoriety for trafficking of young men and women to Europe to engage incriminal activity. This is not unconnected to the fact that the state had seena decline in investments while existing businesses and industrial enterprisesclosed shop, with a ripple effect on support businesses.

The administration of “Wake andSee Governor” Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, took over the state at a critical the point in time when revenues were in decline due to the collapse of oil pricesand Nigeria’s economic recession, and had the herculean task of creatingopportunities for the people of the state. The governor had the task ofcreating opportunities for the youth of the state to be engaged productivelyback home rather than seeking greener pastures in other climes.In his quiet revolutionary style,“Governor wake and see” set about his job setting about his task by creatingthe institutional reforms that would spur investment and also empower citizensof the state to invest and grow their existing businesses. The state keyed intothe ease of doing business drive of the federal government and took it a stepfurther by ensuring that key performance indices were set for importantagencies to streamline their administrative processes.A few years back, the global techleader and now development expert, Bill Gates, had argued that the governmentof Nigeria needed to prioritize human development if the country was to makeany progress. Mr. Gates had posited that the country needed to drive greaterinvestment in health and education as a panacea for economic development. BillGates might have been advising the government to look at the example of Edo the state as the Obaseki administration has anchored the longterm competitivenessof the state on a comprehensive reform of education and healthcare delivery tothe people of the state.In the Health they say is wealthand governor Obaseki has taken this statement beyond the realm of theorizingand made it a reality, creating the Edo Health Insurance Scheme and theimplementation of the Edo Health Improvement Programme (EdoHIP), which has seena revamping of the hitherto practically nonexistent primary healthcare system.The Edo BEST has been acknowledged both locally and internationally as themost comprehensive and fast-paced educational reform in the history of Nigeria,having addressed infrastructure and pedagogy in one fell swoop. The EdoGovernment Science and Technical College has also received a facility overhaul,including a 33kv line from the Azura Power Plant and a 45mbps fiber optic, the system installed to connect the school with the world.As an experienced internationalinvestment banker, Governor Obaseki understood that one of the most importantfactors of production island and its ease of acquisition and titling is key toattracting productive investment to the state. The state created the EdoGeographic Information System (EDOGIS), with a mandate to consolidate landadministration, management, registration and geographical mapping in the state,replacing the old Ministry of Lands. EDOGIS made the process of registration oftitles a seamless process, as moved the chunk of the process online and madethe charges more transparent, thereby removing much of the corruptionassociated with land acquisition and titling in the past.

The Obaseki administration wasalso quick to identify electricity as another major enabler of a betterbusiness environment and wasted no time in making unprecedented strides in thesector. The 1billion dollars Azura Power Plant came into the state, while the state government has also entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with theOssiomo power over the development of a 55 megawatts power plant to serve theBenin City Industrial Zone.
In the beverage manufacturing the sector, Guinness made 8.5billion naira investment in the state, while NigeriaBottling Company also made the expansion of its investment by about 600million USDollars. In the cement manufacturing, both the Dangote and BUA groups have alsomade investments of 1billion and 600million dollars respectively, due in nosmall measure to the enabling environment created by the visionary Obasekiadministration.
The state is on course to becomethe investment destination of choice over the coming years, as the dividends ofthe long-term investments in education, health, and infrastructure begin tocatalyze into major global and local brands making major commitments offinances and expertise in the state. Indeed the foresight of Governor Obasekihas repositioned Edo state to become a major player in attracting investmentsand creating job opportunities for her teeming and bustling youthfulpopulation.

.... urges troops to remain focused  on victory despite political sabotage

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has applauded the Nigerian Army for the prompt probe of an alleged attack on the convoy of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State which exonerated troops of any wrongdoing. 

Despite the political sabotage, the coalition also advised the troops to remain focused and avoid distraction by mischief makers whose aim is to blackmail and ridicule their efforts in the final clearance operations. 

A detailed report found Zulum's multiple claims against the military to be outrightly false. 

“Remarks of highly placed persons are capable of demoralising the troops which would negatively impact on operations and the confidence of the locals in the military," Deputy Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. Felix Omoigui revealed last week. 

And in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Wednesday, CATE said the probe is a timely intervention by the Army at the risk of some unscrupulous elements twisting the narrative to suit their nefarious motives. 

Describing the process as "fair and devoid of any form of interference", CATE said the propaganda against the efforts of the troops is gathering momentum. 

"The Coalition Against Terrorism having followed the events that led to the attack and the subsequent investigations carried out by the Army authorities wishes to commend the leadership of the Nigerian Army for carrying out detailed investigations into the event and putting issues in proper perspectives for the benefit of the generality of the Nigerian public," Onoja said.  

"It is thus our considered opinion that the investigative process was indeed a timely intervention by the Nigerian Army at the risk of some unscrupulous elements twisting the narrative to suit their nefarious motives. 

"We consequently state that the process was fair and devoid of any form of interference, and the position taken by the Nigerian Army is indeed in the overall benefit of the country. This much those against the unity of Nigeria must come to terms with.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism wishes to inform members of the general public that the propaganda against the efforts of the Nigerian Army is gathering momentum daily with countless energies channelled towards blackmail and character assassination of the leadership of the Nigerian Army. 

"The irony of the whole situation is that the conspiracy against the Nigerian Army is coming from unlikely quarters and those with a vested interest in the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency currently ravaging isolated parts of Borno State".

The coalition, however, urged members of the public to continue to disregard unsubstantiated statement by individuals and groups that do not have the interest of the country at heart.

It further charged the troops of Theatre of Operations to continue to give in their best until all the remnants of the Boko Haram elements in Borno State are cleared. 

"We are by this medium asking well-meaning Nigerians to disregard statements credited to groups, individuals or organizations indicating complicity of the Nigerian Army in the attack of the convoy of the Borno State Governor in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State," Onoja added.

"We, therefore, urge members of the unsuspecting general public to continue to disregard unsubstantiated statement by groups that do not have the interest of the country at heart and have been acting on behalf of the Boko Haram group to distract the Nigerian Army in its clearance operations in Borno State.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism wishes to encourage the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operations to continue to give in their best in service to fatherland until all the remnants of the Boko Haram elements in Borno State are cleared."

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) Network for Change has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State, for bringing terrorist activities in Yobe State to an end.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Alih Lukman, on Tuesday, the group said terrorists and terrorists activities have almost been completely exterminated in Yobe due to the commitment shown by President Buhari to end the scourge and the cooperation received from Buni.

"We call it a partnership because the kind of support the President is receiving from the Yobe State Governor is total and unhindered which has resulted in the complete change of the otherwise tense security situation in the state.

"We now have a Yobe State that is not only peaceful and calm but on a fast track towards infrastructural development," the group stated.

The APC Network observed that while the president has continued to sustain efforts at restoring peace in the state by equipping the military, the Governor on his part has continued to complement the efforts of the central government by ensuring that resources earmarked for projects are utilized for the purpose. 

"We are aware also that thousands of youths in Yobe State have been empowered and given interparental skills which have reduced crime and improved social life in the state."

The Network said it is excited that in just five years of President Buhari in office and only one Year of Buni, such level of partnership could be attained to the extent that the threats of insecurity that once plagued the state are gone for good. 

The Netwoks said President Buhari by making the issue of security a major priority of his government, has given the military the needed push which has translated into the peace and calm being experienced in many parts of the Northeast including Yobe.

The Network said Governor Buni, by making youth empowerment the central theme of the policy of his administration, has, on the other hand, made it impossible for terrorists to find willing tools to recruit informants or fighters among them.

It said though the formation of Boko Haram has been traced to a small community in Yobe State, the commitment shown by Governor Buni is a clear demonstration that terrorism could be defeated if the right approach is adopted. 

The Network noted that any time the military succeeds in an operation against the insurgents, the Yobe State governor, to show appreciation, is first to commend its efforts and that of the President whether the governor is in the country or not.

It recalled that in January when the military neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists, Governor Buni commended the military authorities and charged the troops to adopt new strategies in order to finally get rid of the Boko Haram menace.

"He particularly applauded the efforts of security operatives working under Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army for recording tremendous success in the fight against Boko Haram across Yobe State and advised the security agencies to  make the war against insurgents population-centric, by involving local people in sourcing information regarding security situations in local communities."

The Network said the Yobe State Governor also praised Nigerian soldiers for successfully repelling a Boko Haram attack on the state capital, Damaturu, in December 2019 and expressed happiness with the President for help in thwarting the evil intentions of the insurgents while calling on residents to give maximum support to security forces by providing useful information.

"We are also aware that the Governor is talking to other stakeholders in the state, such that while the Federal Government is doing its part through the security agencies, the Governor is also doing his part talking to the relevant persons to give the youths the right orientation.

"This is what we have been asking political leaders and other stakeholders to do to support the military and we are happy that someone has picked up the initiative and the result is there for all to see."

The Network called on other governors and political leaders to emulate Mai Mala Buni in giving their total cooperation to the President and to engage the youths in their states in productive activities.

Said the Network: "When the youths are given the right orientation and are engaged in productive activities, the tendency to be attracted to vices and terrorist activities would be reduced.

"The Yobe State governor is doing the right thing, governors whose states have been ravaged by Boko Haram have no option but to give their full cooperation to the President as Governor Buni is doing."

*Banditry: Arewa salutes COAS, troops for gallantry, rapid success of Operation Sahel Sanity*

The Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry (ACAB) has hailed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and troops for the rapid success of Operation Sahel Sanity in the northwest. 

ACAB said the Nigerian Army has so far exceeded expectations, returning normalcy to the once-troubled region, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto States. 

While launching the exercise in Faskari, Katsina State, in July, the COAS pledged to comprehensively tackle banditry and other crimes in the region and other parts of the country.  

And barely two months after, the Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry said the exercise is already yielding dividends aplenty, with hundreds of bandits killed and many others injured. 

Speaking on behalf of the group on Tuesday, Mallam Idris Gambo said the north is proud of the COAS and troops' modest achievements in such short period. 

"The Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry is aware of the leadership strides of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. This is evident in the exploits of Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity deployed at forwarding Operation Base Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, where it smashed a notorious illegal arms smuggling syndicate who specializes in massive arms supply to bandits in the North West from across the international borders," the group said.

"This feat is a further testament of the level of dedication by the troops of the Nigerian Army whose morale have been boosted by the innovations introduced in the operations of the Nigerian Army since the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari.  

"The various successes of Operation Sahel Sanity has further reaffirmed the confidence of an overwhelming majority of Nigerians in the Muhammadu Buhari led administration and the military to be able to arrest the activities of criminal elements that dare the peace of the citizens in North-West Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country.  

"Our appreciation goes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for leading the Nigerian Army most professionally despite the numerous operational challenges associated with conducting many operations across the country simultaneously. 

" Our appreciation also goes to the troops that have been dedicated and steadfast in the trenches, ensuring that the enemies of Nigeria are not allowed to disrupt the peace of the country through their nefarious activities."

The Arewa group also hailed the citizens of Zamfara and Sokoto for supporting the Army in its quest to rid their states of bandits and other criminal elements. 

It said the success of the Operation Sahel Sanity should serve as a wakeup call to other states on the need for synergy. 

" The Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry herby state that Zamfara State and its citizens have shown that the quickest way to defeat any insurgency is by collaborating with the security agencies while shunning conspiracies and sabotage that will ruin the efforts of the military," the statement added. 

"The political authorities by this action have indeed set a worthy example for other states experiencing acts of criminalities as the task of curtailing the activities of criminal gangs is not for the security agencies alone, but rather that of active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders including the citizens.

"We wish to state that this statement of fact must be the watchword moving forward as we are all expected to join forces with the Nigerian Army in ensuring that all parts of Nigeria is safe for all concerned in our quest for sustainable peace and development. 

The group, however, called on all Nigerians to continue to show solidarity with the COAS and the troops in their various operations across the country.  

"We consequently wish to state that there are worthy lessons to be learnt and emulated as provided by the Zamfara and Sokoto examples. Nigerians must also develop the habit of appreciation of our troops that have been engaged in the task of keeping Nigeria safe and secured at every point in time. 

"The Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry enjoins Nigerians from all walks of life to see the Nigerian Army as partners in progress and as well inculcate the habit of appreciating their invaluable sacrifices in the war against criminal elements that are bent on seeing to the regime of sorrow, tears and blood. 

"The Arewa Crusaders Against Banditry wishes to state that it is not yet Uhuru, as the task before us requires continued cooperation from all and sundry in North West Nigeria as well as other parts of the country. This is true must be seen as a collective endeavour, rather than the responsibility of the Nigerian Army alone."

PRIMING EDO STATE TO BE A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF SKILLS TO ENABLE NIGERIA COMPETE ON THE GLOBAL SCENE



The world is undergoing transformation at an unprecedented pace and scale, with the fourth industrial revolution advancing at a rapid speed, driven by data and powered by hitherto unimaginable computing power in mobile devices. 
This transformation of the economic landscape presents nation-states with opportunities and threats that could either propel them into relevance or move them further into irrelevance. 
China in the last 30years has been able to move about 800million of her citizens out of extreme poverty, while growing to become the second-largest economy in the world, through a deliberate policy of human capital development that has led the country to acquire expertise that has led it to become a major manufacturing and export hub in the world today.

Nigeria has within this period been a major importer of virtually all of her needs while exporting her finest human resources especially those in the youthful age bracket who seek greener pastures in Europe, Asia, and America. Edo state has acquired a reputation as a major exporter of migrants seeking greener pastures and having to resort to crime in Europe, driven by the fact that many of the young in the state had lost hope of moving up the ladder of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. 

Successive governments had failed to create enough opportunities for Nigerians in Nigeria and Edo state was no exception to this rule as the wave of migration both legal and illegal continued to gather momentum. In his campaign in 2016, Governor Godwin Obaseki made it clear that his administration would focus on building a digital economy to enable the youth to fulfill their God-given potentials and move up the rungs of the economic mobility ladder, without having to resort to crime.

Upon assuming office, the governor launched the Edo Skills Development Programme (Edo Jobs), to create employment opportunities for about 200 thousand citizens of the state. There has never been a shortage of “youth empowerment schemes” in Nigeria that have become channels for diverting state funds to vested interests and for funding crony/patronage networks, without any significant benefit to the society. 
Edo Jobs, however, was a first-of-its-kind program due to the fact that it was so brilliantly conceived that it attracted partners from the private sector and international development institutions.

Being a thorough professional and visionary, the governor domiciled the project in Edo State Skills Development Agency, led by the 36year old Ukinebo Dare as Managing Director. The state government took a different approach to the Edo Jobs initiative, wherein the goal was to build a large pool of employable youths rather than the usual system of giving handouts without proper data or impact monitoring and evaluation mechanism being put in place. Edo Jobs commenced with a statewide registration of the youth and their categorization based on interests, educational level, and skills, which then guided the implementation of the program.

The Edojobs job matching portal was created to connect job seekers with job opportunities.  EdoInnovates was conceived to train talents in the state around ICT knowledge and to help them become entrepreneurs and freelancers. Edo Production Centre, a 23thousand square meter property with constant power availability, was also created as a warehouse for industrial opportunities for the youth to have access to knowledge, equipment, and markets in various vocational enterprises including artisans and small scale manufacturers such as machine fabricators, waste recyclers, pencil, producers of pencils, toothpicks, furniture, hair extensions, among others.
In the last four years, Edo Jobs has matched over 50thousand youths to jobs, while about 30thousand have been upskilled, with over 20million Naira given in grants through a pitch competition. 
The state now boasts a vibrant and growing community of digitally literate youth who are already doing freelancing jobs and earning in dollars. The Edo Jobs program has also targeted specific interventions at returnees from Libya and other countries, to enable them seamlessly reintegrate to socio-economic life back home in Nigeria.
The Edo Jobs program has been so successful that it has attracted a diverse base of partners including partners such as GIZ, DFID, Oxfam, SOS Nigeria, MainOne, Slot Academy, and the Bank of Industry. About 160thousand youths have been reached through the Edo Jobs program, with the numbers set to grow even more in the coming years.
Edo Jobs is a clear example of the way government programs ought to be structured with private sector partners, to ensure accountability and sustainability of government interventions over a longer timeframe to enable the people to reap their multiplier effects. 
The Edo Jobs programme has made huge strides in aggregating demand for jobs and consolidating supply in Edo state through a structured skill acquisition system. This model ought to be emulated by both the Federal and state governments in Nigeria to arrest the downward slide of employment and underemployment figures in the country.

President Buhari has liberated 5 states from Boko Haram terrorism - Amnesty Report

A report by Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) says President Muhammadu Buhari has effectively stamped out Boko Haram terrorists from five states in the northeast. 

The 36-page report, titled "Commendable Feats and Successes of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration in the War Against Insurgency in Nigeria" examined the country's fight against insurgency in the last five years. 

Renowned scholar, Prof Oluwale Ogundipe, Dr Ibrahim Mansur, Dr Okey Okechukwu, Comrade Ibrahim Abubakar of the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) all joined GAW's country representative, Terrence Kuanum to unveil the report on Monday in Abuja in the presence of top government functionaries, academics and civil society groups. 

According to the report, the emergence of President Buhari in 2015 saved the country from impending collapse and disaster. 

"Nigeria was indeed on the brink and was in dire need of a saviour that would lead the onslaught against the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents that were gathering momentum every passing day," it read in part. 

"The periods of 2010 to 2015 was indeed gloomy when the Boko Haram insurgents overran a military base in Baga, Kukawa local government area in Borno state, in what remains the deadliest Boko Haram attack in the history of the insurgency in North-East Nigeria.  

"The 2015 Baga massacre was a series of mass killings carried out by the Boko Haram insurgents between January 3 and January 7 2015. Baga and at least 16 other towns were destroyed as over 35,000 people were reported to have been displaced, with many feared to have drowned while trying to cross Lake Chad and others trapped on islands in the lake."

The report, however, noted that "Boko Haram has been significantly downgraded since the coming on board of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. 

"The insurgents have been pushed back and restricted to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin Region around the Borno axis, where they no longer control any territory as was the case before."

While admitting pockets of attacks occasionally experienced in Borno, GAW hailed the president for liberating five states and restoring normalcy. 

Among others, the report acknowledged that President Buhari instilled professionalism and innovations in the operations of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

It added that "the Muhammadu Buhari administration also entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian Military that ultimately saw to the renewed vigour in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram insurgency as well as other forms of criminalities in the country. The era of massive corruption in the Military has also been curtailed through the multilayer processes introduced in line with global best practices in defence spending.  

"This reports also identified that there has been an improved defence budgeting as well as the provision of training for officers and soldiers in counterinsurgency operations."

GAW, however, recommended that all relevant stakeholders must continue to render support to the efforts of the Federal Government towards addressing the pocket of security issues in the country. 

It further called on the "political leadership of the various states in the country to dutifully align themselves with working solutions and not promote divisions along ethnic or religious lines. 

" The various security agencies must continue to promote credible Intel on the activities of criminal gangs in the country and sharing same in a process that will not compromise the system. 

"The government must begin the process of identifying and prosecuting those found guilty of aiding and abetting the activities of terrorist and militant groups in the country.

"The government of Borno State must come to the table by tasking all stakeholders in the state to proffer solutions that would assist the armed forces  in dislodging the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents perpetuating violence in Borno State."

Absence of Boko Haram in Gombe, another gain of Buhari’s administration- Goje


The complete flushing out of Boko Haram terrorists and other violent groups in Gombe State has been achieved through the sustained efforts and commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to secure Nigera, a prominent progressive politician, Alhaji Ali Goje , has said.

Goje , who hails from Gombe state in a chat with newsmen in Abuja, said Gombe has benefitted immensely from the President Buhari administration in the area of security.

He said this is another great achievement of the Buhari administration that is often overlooked but is of utmost significance to the people of the state and Nigeria. 

While recalling what Gombe went through in the past, Goje said it was so bad that  Gombe State was considered as one of the sleeper cells of Boko Haram where they keep reserve fighters who many times unleash violence on the people of the state .

He said in addition to the terrorists who were threatening the peace and security of the state, there was a whole clan of political thugs being raised in the name of Yan Kalare and Sara Suka who were equally tormenting the people of the state.

He said the combination of these violent groups,  enthroned a regime of violence in Gombe and made life unbearable for the common man in the state.

"People were afraid to go about their normal businesses because of the activities of terrorists who had gradually crept into the state and were manifesting in many forms.

"Many parts of the state came under attack from the terrorists,  the height of which he said was the attempt by Boko Haram to overrun Gombe town in 2015.

He said the explosions and sounds of gun shots arising from that incident alone when the Boko Haram seized a checkpoint and tried to enter Gombe before they were repelled, was traumatizing enough. 

Goje also recalled that prior to that incident, the Boko Haram had twice in 2014, stormed a French-owned cement company, Lafarge, as they attacked two towns in Gombe state, Bajoga and Ashaka, raided banks and burnt government buildings as well as political party offices

He said though the terrorists were pursued by the military for five kilometres, from Bajoga to Ashaka, after three hours of fighting, the fear that gripped Gombe from that encounter was palpable. 

The politician said as if that was not enough, youths in the state were drawn to violence by the patronage of local politicians who engaged them as thugs who go about killing people and burning houses of political opponents. 

He said the situation was so bad that people could not move freely as they could be attacked directly or be caught in any cross fire.

Goje says he strongly believes that the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari has helped to restore normalcy, peace and tranquility to the nooks and cranny of Gombe State. 

He said that is why Gombe, though in the Northeastern part of the country, has remained  one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today. 

"When President Buhari was sworn in, things began to change. I don't know whether to call it body language, but immediately he won the 2015 election, we began to see improvements in the security in Gombe. 

"When President Buhari finally directed the relocation of the operational headquarters to the Northeast, that was when it dawned on us that finally, the solution to our problems had come and we have not been disappointed since then," stated.

Goje said from 2015, many of the terrorists were arrested and many of them fled to Chad and parts of Borno as they couldn't stand the heat of the onslaught against them.

The politician recalled that in 2018, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested a bomb specialist who makes Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) for  Boko Haram, in Gombe which marked the neutralisation of their activities in the state.

He thanked President Buhari for restoring peace and security in Gombe saying it is something the people of the state cannot forget in a hurry.

"You know they say it is who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. We have worn the shoes of terrorism and political violence and we are now wearing the shoes of peace and calm so we know the difference, Goje stated.

He said people in Gombe now go about their normal businesses without fear of being attacked or bombs exploding and called on the government to sustain its efforts so that meaningful development would thrive in the state.

Hon. Goje called on the government and people of Borno and other parts of the Northeast to embrace the President’s efforts so that terrorism would be given the final push out of Nigeria. 

"Let us join hands and collaborate with the President, those of us from the Northeast should not allow other interests to deny us of the joy and peace and security, Mr. President means well," he added.

By Mohammed Haske


On the 4th of November 2011, the two major towns of Damaturu and Potiskum in Yobe State were on fire following coordinated bombing and shooting attacks on police and other facilities in the State. 

Residents of the two towns for several hours could not fathom what was happening as they ran in different directions for dear lives. 

At the end of the pandemonium which were confirmed to have been attacks caried out by Boko Haram, no less than 150 persons lay dead and several buildings were razed. 

As the Boko Haram terrorists were turning Yobe State upside down, its members were also causing havoc in Maiduguri as they attacked the convoy of the then governor, Kashim Shettima and two of their suicide-bombers attempted to blow up the military Joint Task Force headquarters in Maiduguri in a botched suicide attack on the same day.

All these happening in one day, gives an idea of the kind of terror the people in the Northeast part of the country were being subjected to before the coming of the current administration.

Markets, schools, worship centres and other public buildings became no go areas for several months for fear of bomb and gun attacks.

Those who have no compelling reasons to stay in any of the five Northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe Stats hurriedly stalling economic activities in those states. 

Access to education and medical care became a tall order as security even such places could not be guaranteed. 

The Boko Haram were having a field day as they were even threatening to match to Abuja to bring down the central government. 

The situation was so bad in 2011, that the Boko Haram terrorists had moved from attacking ordinary residents to threatening the highest symbol of constituted authorities in the states, the governors.

Spokesman for Boko Haram at the time, Abu Zaid, threatened that the Boko Haram would hunt down the governors of Borno, Bauchi and Gombe if they fail to apologise to them. "We would not relent in our efforts of searching for them until they come out publicly and apologize," he was reported to have said.

Then Bauchi State governor, Malam Isa Yuguda and his former counterpart in Gombe State , Danjuma Goje were so stricken with fear that they had to buy spaces in national dailies to apologise to the terrorists as demanded.

The two publicly appologised  Boko Haram, for any rights violations suffered during the military crackdown on its leaders in 2009.

Said Yuguda, "I apologise to the members of Jama'atu Ahlussunnah lidda'awati wal Jihad for perceived injustices caused them as they have the full rights to be protected by the law," 

While Goje said: "As a true Muslim, who believes in peace and brotherhood, I hereby tender my public apology to the organisation for any wrong done to it in the course of performing my duty as the then governor of Gombe State".

The Borno State governor on his part offered amnesty to the terrorists as a way of placating them.

Adamawa too had its bitter taste of the nasty experience with frequent attacks and shootouts, bomb attacks on police stations,  banks worshippers centers, etc..

But with the coming of the current administration the people of the Northeast no longer live in fear.

Adamawa has become safe and peaceful while economic activities and spiritual functions have resumed fully. 

The people of Damaturu, Potiskum, Geidam and other towns constantly attacked  y terrorists in the past, have put such gory incidences behind them.

The atmosphere of peace  and calm is even more pervasive in Gombe and Bauchi states where the insurgents have been completely flushed out.

In most parts of Borno, normacly has also returned.

Most of the rural areas vacated for fear of attacks are now occupied.

The suicide bombers have been frustrated as their attempts have been detected and stalled.

Abduction of young women and girls at random has also been stopped.

The people of the Northeast are immensely grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari who made it a priority to secure and return peace to the terrorism ravaged states of the Northeast. Every time one travels to the Northeast, one cannot help but notice the hope on the faces of residents.

Haske a public affairs analyst wrote this piece from Yola.

*Insurgency: Gov Zulum given 7- days ultimatum to apologize to PMB, Nigerian troops over false accusations*

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has received a seven-day ultimatum to apologize to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian military over a series of false accusations levelled against troops on the frontlines.

The North East Peace Assembly (NEPA) said failure to do so means he would be compelled to tell the world about his secret pact with Boko Haram and its sponsors. 

This was contained in a statement signed by the group's leader, Mallam Musa Babangida, on Saturday, following an investigative report which rubbished the governor's latest allegation claiming troops' involvement in agricultural activities in the northeast. 

In the statement titled, "Gov. Zulum; reclaim your honour by tendering an unreserved apology to Nigerian Army for consistent defamation of character", the North East Peace Assembly demanded that Zulum do the needful to redeem his already battered image.

It said the governor is fast "carving a niche for himself as an astute fabricator/inventor of sensational fake news" and Nigerians now perceive him as "one of the many covert forces promoting Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria".

"The North East Peace Assembly (NEPA) wishes to animate the conscience of Borno state Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum to claim his honour and dignity for unswervingly portraying himself as a leader who regales in peddling blatant lies on the Army. He must do it within seven days of this publication and upon failure, Nigerians should compel him to tell the rest of the world, the secret pact he has signed with Boko Haram and its sponsors," the statement reads.   

"This reminder and even outright request to Gov. Zulum is prodded by the findings and release of the report of an Investigative Team set up by the Army leadership to verify the authenticity of Zulum’s latest allegations that soldiers in the war front have coercively seized farmlands and fishing rivers from locals and converted same for personal farming and fishing activities.

"For the records, let us remind the disco-ordinated Gov. Zulum that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is too professionalized and disciplined to engage in such acts of subversions and maltreatment of the same people it has devoted years to exculpate from the shackles of Boko Haram terrorism.

"Additionally, like the falsity of the seizure of farm and fishing enclaves; Gov. Zulum’s hasty conclusions that soldiers were behind the Boko Haram attack on his convoy near Baga is the most absurd, illogical or ridiculous reasoning and conclusion by a leader of his status. Gov. Zulum is fast carving a niche for himself as a purveyor of twisted facts and astute fabricator/inventor of sensational fake news.

"Nigerian troops in the battlefield have never engaged in any act of sabotage or complicity in the counter-insurgency operations; inclusive of Zulum’s wretched farming and fishing allegations and the alleged attack on his convoy by  Boko Haram in Borno state. For the umpteenth time, the Special Investigative Panel has exonerated soldiers of any sabotage or complicity as bandied by Gov. Zulum or others before him."

Beyond mere apology, the group, however, asked the governor to comply and support the fight against insurgency in Borno. 

"We strongly believe this is the only alternative at the disposal of Gov. Zulum now and he must bring his head down to comply in the interest of peace. It is only then, Nigerians will know, he is truly committed to the war against insurgency in Borno State.

"However, should Gov. Zulum be obstinate over this plea or fails to tender the apology, it will show clearly that the Governor knows what the rest of Nigerians don’t know about Boko Haram and definitely unhappy that Nigerian troops are in Borno to defend the country."

EARL OSARO ONAIWU AND THE POLITICS OF HATE AND INGRATITUDE

Like any competitive sport, politics is sustained by keeping to the rules and being gracious towards competitors.

The practice of denigrating opponents ultimately is a zero sum game that nourishes desperation and a win at all cost mentality, while losers resort to scorched earth tactics, leading to an atmosphere where governance becomes an exercise of trying to find a needle in a haystack.


It is rather sad and disheartening to see that an Edo man who contested for Governorship and failed several times who was never castigated and has benefited so much from very prominent sons of Edo.

Earl Osaro Onaiwu's recent outburst on Captain Hosa Okunbo's open letter and that of Hon. West Idahosa which wasn't directed to him and had practically nothinghing to do with him.

These prominent and highly respected Edo son's has reached the zenith of their endeavours in life and deserves to be respected to mention but a few, captain Hosa Okunbo and the Likes of many others, though it is in the public domain that Captain Hosa sponsored Osaro Onaiwu's daughters wedding at the time and also paid the medical bills of his late brother Dr. Onaiwu of blessed memory. In addition Osaretin his brother had also worked for captain Hosa for about three years and we all knew what happened then.



Haven't contested for governorship several times and failed, Earl Osaro Onaiwu would now go as far as attempting to maliciously malign these highly respected great sons of Edo whom he had one way or the other benefitted from, it is completely unacceptable. Honor should be given to whom it is due.


That a man of Earl Osaro Onaiwu's standing would choose to throw caution to the winds over a political game in which he isn’t the front line player or even the umpire, is a worrying omen as the election draws nearer.


For a man who has been a beneficiary of the political system of the state to begin to throw insults against prominent Edo sons, of whose benevolence he has received in the past, is a reason for well meaning stakeholders in the state to pause and reflect on the direction in which “the heartbeat of the nation” is headed.

If the current trend continues, being characterized by a seemingly intractable progression in error, it appears that the next elections in Edo state would be heated up.


Politics must be a contest of ideas to win the people over to the platforms that best represent their aspirations and paint a better future for them.



The good people of Edo state deserve better leadership and persons such as Earl Osaro Onaiwu must take the lead in elevating the quality of politics being played in the state.


In his exalted position he ought to be calling erring youth to order instead of choosing to walk the path of maligning others for cheap points.


The people of Edo state do not need a more heated polity and persons like Earl Onaiwu must consciously and consistently commit themselves to ensuring that the decibels of the drums of war are reduced and eliminated completely.

Elections will always have winners and losers, but the challenge before the people of Edo state is to unite across party lines to develop the state after the ballots have been cast and the new government sworn in.


A situation where elders of the state in positioning for personal interests choose to act like bulls in a China shop at such a critical stage in our political evolution is unbecoming.

By Bukola Olasanmi

President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of his words. During the 2015 elections, he promised to do three things, improve on the economy, tackle corruption and address the insecurity in the country.

He has since assuming office started the fight against corruption from which millions of dollars have been recovered by the government and many serving and former public officials brought to book.

The current administration by the introduction of the Treasury Single Account and Bank Verification Number, BVN, also blocked major conduits for corruption.

The economy has also been on a steady rise since the stabilisation of the exchange rate, increased investment in the agricultural sector and stability of the banking system.

While much has been achieved in the areas of improving the economy and fighting corruption, the focus of this piece will be on security and how the current administration has succeeded where others feared to tread because of the impact it has had on all citizens especially the masses.

Before the coming of the current administration, the level of insecurity was so high that Boko Haram terrorism extended to all the states in the Northeast except Taraba, that life became a living hell for the people of Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Gombe States.

More than 20 local councils in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States were captured by Boko Haram and placed under the administration of terrorists.
Major towns within the axis like Potiskum, Buni Yadi, Biu, Madagali, Gwoza, Garkida, Bama, Baga, Monguno, Benisheik etc. all lost their peace as the insurgents could invade any at will and sack residents.

It was so bad in the country that the Boko Haram terrorist hoisted their flags at Gwoza, excised it from other parts of Nigeria and declared their caliphate there. They did not stop at that but extended their nefarious activities to other states outside the Northeast like Kano and Abuja targetting high profile personalities like the emir and the Inspector General of Police and sensitive buildings like the United Nations building in Abuja and the headquarters of the Department of State Security. States like Niger, Plateau and Kogi State precisely, Okene and Koton Karfe, began to feel the negative impacts of the terrorists.

Extending their tentacles became so easy that the insurgents began planning to settle and extend their reign of evil to Lagos. But as Mr. President took over the mantle of leadership and kept to his words to secure Nigerians, he directed that the operational headquarters of the fight against insurgency move to the theatres of operation. From that moment, things began to change.

The terrorists, seeing the depth of intelligence put into security and the commitment of the government towards fishing them out, fled from Abuja to other places.

The effective monitoring and surveillance mounted in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and Plateau made the terrorists in those states to also flee. Most of them were later confirmed to flee to reinforce their fast diminishing strongholds at Sambisa forest which was being battered and their members were being pushed to the fringes of the Lake Chad.

The Northeastern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe that were being traumatized by the terrorists began to heave sighs of relief as the Buhari administration, through reinforced coordination and strategies sacked the terrorists elements in those states and people began living their normal lives.

The livestock market at Potiskum has since bounced back attracting traders and other business interests beyond the shores of Nigeria while Mubi has retained its verve with schools and other activities resuming in full swing.

With sustained efforts, the Boko Haram miscreants and ISWAP activities have been confined to few border communities in Borno State. Even within Borno, places that were hitherto tormented by the terrorists like Gwoza, Izge, Biu, Benisheik and Konduga, have been liberated and kept free from their operations. 

No doubt, President Buhari has kept his promise of eradicating terrorism in all these states and what is left today is the remnants of the terror group in parts of northern Borno. Nigerians are happy that President Buhari has not disappointed them with his promises to make Nigeria secure for citizens. 

The level of economic activities within the states liberated from terrorism has quadrupled and many who were displaced in various parts of the country have returned to their communities. 

Food security has been enhanced with the increase in the production of farm produce that are found only in those states. The general atmosphere in Nigeria has been that of fresh air and the people are happy that they have been enabled to pick up the pieces of their lives. General Buhari's credentials as a man of integrity has been enhanced with these achievements.


Olasanmi is a journalist and wrote from Abuja.

Yoruba Youth Group blast Fayose over attacks on Bode George, Obasanjo.

A Pan Yoruba Youth organisation, National Committee of Yoruba Youth NCYY, has described recent verbal attacks on two Yoruba Elders, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Chief Olabode George by former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose, as lacking the virtue of the Omoluabi culture, that Yoruba people are known for, especially in their public conducts, towards the elderly in the society.

The group said Fayose's outburst, even though not new to the public, reflects the extreme bad taste, that Fayose's knowledge of public communication, has become synonymous to.

Reacting through a statement jointly signed by Akindele Lawson and Saheed Bello, Coordinator and Secretary respectively, the youth group said rather than accepting the cautions made by these elder statesmen to characters like Fayose and other public office holders of his type, Fayose resorted to his traditional public conduct of exhibiting tendencies alien to the Yoruba virtue of Omoluabi and respect for elders.

"Fayose's attack on Chief Olabode George, is not only a futile attempt at twisting the fact, it also clear demonstrate Fayose's perpetual behaviour as an ingratitude character, who have since forgotten how the goodwill of leaders, like Chief Olabode George, ensured his first ever emergence, as the Governor of Ekiti state. Was Chief Olabode George not an older person, when he mobilsed the party's machinery and every needed support, for the emergence of Mr Fayose as candidate of the PDP and his eventual victory at the poll in 2003."

“It is unfortunate that someone who have been privileged to have occupied the exalted seat of the Governor of Ekiti state, will continue to exhibit lack decency in public communication, thereby confirming our belief that Ayo Fayose, cannot act at anytime, beyond his intellectual capacity,” .

The group further said the Mr Fayose has formed the habit of casting aspersions and spreading falsehood against perceived political opponents, thereby making him a huge embarrassment and disgrace to the highly urbane and educated Yoruba people.

The group said it will continue to expose Fayose as a barefaced liar, saying it will no longer tolerate his reoccurring disrespect, for any Yoruba elder, whatsoever.

*Ebonyi natives write Buratai, hail COAS over Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, other achievements*

Some well-meaning indigenes of Ebonyi State have applauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai for the siting of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakiliki, the state capital. 

In an open letter on Friday, the group, under the auspices of Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja (AEIA) also commended the COAS for the success of various operations in the state and across the country. 

According to the letter signed by its president, Comrade Collins Ezedike, the Ebonyi indigenes said the army facility "would go a long way in providing quality medical services to the people of Ebonyi as well as other neighbouring states". 

The letter said, "The Association of Ebonyi People in Abuja wishes to use this medium to extend our total appreciation to the indefatigable Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the wonderful initiative of the establishment of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

"Our stomach is indeed filled with joy and appreciation for the choice of Abakiliki as the location for the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital. We are incredibly humbled by the decision of the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army to choose Abakiliki from the list of cities in the whole of South-East Nigeria.  

"Dear Chief of Army Staff, we the members of the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja is aware of your support and commitment towards peace and stability in the state that has resulted in the drastic reduction in the activities of bandits, kidnappers, ritualist and other criminal gangs in the state. "

The group added that it is well informed of the COAS' support and commitment towards peace and stability in the state that has resulted in the drastic reduction in the activities of bandits and other criminal activities. 

Describing the Army chief's commitment as "unflinching", the group further saluted his "courage, foresight, dexterity and doggedness in leading the troops to victory in the war against terrorism, militancy and banditry" 

The Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja, however, assured the COAS of its total support and sustained cordial relationship with the state government and the entire Ebonyi people.   

"The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja wishes to inform you that the people of Ebonyi State would continue to extend its support to all the army operations in the state as well as in other states in the south-east region. It is also our desire that the fruitful relationship between the government of Ebonyi State and the Nigerian Army is sustained now and in the future," the letter added.

"As members of this association in Abuja, we wish to on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Ebonyi state and other states of the federation extend our appreciation to you and also to inform you that you have our support always. 

"We also pray that God continues to grant you the wisdom to continue to lead the Nigerian Army as they carry on with the task of protecting lives and properties in Nigeria, as well as preserving the territorial integrity of the country.  

"The good people of Ebonyi state would not relent in its support for the Nigerian Army in its various operations in the state and other neighbouring states as the success of the activities of the Nigerian Army would indeed be beneficial to all of us in the country. 

"The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja is proud of your loft achievements as Chief of Army Staff, and it is our prayers that God grants you wisdom in the task at hand. We are grateful for your kind gestures towards Ebonyi, and we promise to always extend our support to you at all times. "

Northern patriots show appreciation to Buhari, say President has liberated 5 North-East States from terrorists

The Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) has expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for stamping out Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in five states in the North-East. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Nuruddeen Dodo said Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States are experiencing a new lease of life, thanks to the president. 

According to the group, President Buhari has so far kept his campaign promise of ending insurgency across the region. 

With sustained onslaught by the troops and cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, the northern patriots assured that Borno too will be free from pockets of attacks as being experienced. 

"The Coalition of Northern Patriots is using this press conference to profusely thank Mr President, President Muhammadu Buhari on his gigantic efforts of totally riding Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States of Boko Haram terrorism," the statement reads. 

" The Coalition of Northern Patriots as critical stakeholders is aware of the tremendous efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari towards seeing to an end of the Boko Haram crisis in Borno State as the last remaining state in Nigeria for the administration to fulfil 100 per cent of its promise in 2015. This much is evidenced in the renewed onslaught by the Nigerian military against the remnants of the Boko Haram terror group and a complete overhaul of strategies by the security architecture.

" This is also on the heels that the Nigerian Military was able to corner the remaining Boko Haram members in their hideouts in Borno State and as the Chief of Army Staff has been leading the final onslaught. This is a welcome development, and we wish to state that baring all unforeseen circumstances,  Boko Haram would be routed out of Borno State through the concerted efforts of the various security agencies. 

"We also wish to appreciate MR  President who has indeed lived up to expectations in the war against terrorism. His commitment and passion towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency have come at a great sacrifice to him and his family." 

While saluting the brave troops and the security chiefs for this feat, the group called on the Borno State government and all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the president in his efforts to address the threats posed by the remnants of Boko Haram in the state. 

Going further, CNP, however, warned persons and groups secretly extending covert support to Boko Haram in Borno to "desist from such ignoble enterprises."

The statement further cautioned international NGOs in operation in the state to quit engaging in acts that would jeopardize the efforts of the Nigerian Military in their various operations.

...warns citizens against promoting false narratives

Following a report by the United States over plans by Islamic militant group, al-Qaeda, to infiltrate Southern Nigeria and expand its network across West Africa, the Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria (CATN) has charged the police, Department of States Services and other security agencies to be on red alert.  

The anti-terrorism organisation also warned Nigerians to equally be vigilant and avoid promoting attempts by some individuals or groups to sow unwholesome propaganda at a time the military has shoved these terrorists to obscure parts of the north.

The Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria gave this charge at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Barr. Abdulmalik Alfa said all hands must be on deck to compliment the efforts of the military. 

According to Alfa, the police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, DSS and other stakeholders have critical roles to play to support the troops. 

"There is no doubt that the sustained offensive by the Nigerian Army against the Boko Haram terrorists and other militant groups across the country has indeed placed these nefarious groups in disarray," he said. 

"This fact was buttressed by the exploits of the Chief of Army Staff, who had been leading the charge against the Boko Haram terror group by physically relocating to North-East Nigeria and directing the counter-insurgency operations.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria has, on numerous occasions encountered the Nigerian troops in operations in North-East Nigeria during some of our on the spot assessment surveys in North-East Nigeria. This is indeed commendable and mostly responsible for the abandonment of the mission of the terror group towards expanding their nefarious activities to other parts of the country.  

"We consequently wish to state that there is an urgent need for other critical stakeholders to join hands with the Nigerian Military by extending support in areas necessary towards addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group in the country. 

"We also state that the Nigerian Air force has a critical role to play in the war against terrorism by ensuring seamless cooperation with the ground troops in their various operations. This is the applicable norm in countries battling insurgencies. The Nigerian Airforce as a critical stakeholder should continue to sustain and weaken the terrorists through airpower while the ground troops continue to engage in clearance operations. 

"The Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria also states that from our preliminary reports, other security agencies such as the State Security Services, Nigerian Police, the Civil Defense, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Nigerian Immigration and the Nigerian Customs Service all have invaluable roles to play in addressing the various security challenges in the country.  

" We wish to state that the Nigerian Police Force, as well as the DSS, have the responsibility of ensuring that they secure areas that have been cleared of Boko Haram terrorists because the operations of the Nigerian Army is mobile and not stationary. After liberating communities of Boko Haram elements, it is expected that the security of these communities automatically rests on their shoulders. "

CATN, however, urged the international community to render genuine assistance to Nigeria due to the country's strategic importance in the African region and among the comity of nations. 

Going forward, it advised the US and others to adopt "proper channels of sharing Intel with the security agencies in Nigeria rather than going public as this would go a long way in ensuring that Nigerian citizens do not panic unnecessarily given the sensitivity of such information and the impact it would have on the psychological wellbeing of Nigerians.

"We wish to at this point state that there is a need for the anti-terrorism wing of the Nigerian Police Force to be on alert to ensure that terrorist cells do not spring up anywhere in Nigeria. This is especially necessary with the recent Intel of the attempt by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group to set up terrorist cells in some parts of Nigeria." 

While calling on Nigerians to avoid being used to promote terrorists' agenda, the group urged "security agencies to be vigilant in their operations to ensure that terrorist networks across the world do not infiltrate any part of Nigeria."

By Prince Emmanuel Odigie
 
Like any competitive sport, politics is sustained by keeping to the rules and being gracious towards competitors.  It also feeds on loyalty to leadership and followership.  In this write up, it will be pertinent that I don’t address Osaro Onaiwu as an “Earl”.  This is because with that name, which is associated with nobility in the great United Kingdom, Osaro Onaiwu had, for so many years, dressed himself in a borrowed robe.

The story of how he came by that name, to some of us who know his pedigree right from his Ikeja heyday when his reputation was suspect on account of his involvement in some sleazy deals, is blowing in the wind. And, because the name-“Earl”-was borrowed, Osaro Onaiwu has not been able to either exhibit the virtues of the name or keep fidelity to the nobility of it.

Having failed abysmally on several occasions to live up to the billing of that name, I am at no pains at all to just refer to him, in this write-up, as Osaro Onaiwu-the scoundrel. And, I challenge him to prove otherwise.

It is granted that the practice of denigrating opponents ultimately is a zero-sum game that nourishes desperation and a win-at-all-cost mentality; and, where losers resort to scorched-earth tactics, leading to an atmosphere in which governance becomes an exercise of trying to find a needle in a haystack.

I am saddened to see that Osaro Onaiwu, who failed awfully in business and had also contested for the governorship seat and failed on the number of times he did, and who was never castigated for doing so and had even benefited so much from very prominent sons of Edo, is engrossed in an odious pastime of casting aspersions on well-respected Edo leaders who tower above him in honour, dignity and integrity.

Specifically, Osaro Onaiwu's recent outburst against my mentor and elder brother, Captain Hosa Okunbo, tantamount to crossing the line. He had also taken misguided swipes at respected lawyer and former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiogie West-Idahosa for no just cause. I have yet to see anywhere in which the recent activities of Capt. Hosa Okunbo and Hon. West-Idahosa had directly touched on the person of Osaro Onaiwu to necessitate his unconscionable assaults on these leading lights of Benin Kingdom.

These prominent and highly respected Edo sons have attained the zenith of their endeavours in life and deserve to be respected. There are many others who are also in that category.   But my main concern is Capt. Hosa Okunbo that Osaro Onaiwu had gleefully clobbered for whatever reasons.  I have taken it upon myself to respond to Osaro Onaiwu because he had not only shown how hateful and envious, he is of Capt. Hosa but also how ungrateful he has been to the man who had shown him brotherly love.

For instance, it is public knowledge that Capt. Hosa sponsored Osaro Onaiwu's son’s wedding in 2015 and had also patronized his failed public relations company, RED CARPET, on several occasions. Capt. Hosa also contributed to the medical bills of his late brother, Dr Onaiwu, when he was critically sick. I challenge Osaro Onaiwu to debunk my assertions.

I am not done yet. Capt Hosa played a major role in Osaro Onaiwu’s father’s burial as can be attested to by his family and, in addition Etinosa, his brother had also worked for Captain Hosa during the construction of the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja for about three years. I am very much aware of what happened then and how Osaro Onaiwu came to beg Capt. Hosa on behalf of his brother for his misdemeanor for which Capt Hosa had to forgive his brother. I take personal responsibility for divulging these facts without recourse to my elder brother and mentor, Capt. Hosa, who keeps persuading us not to join issues with some of these fellows.

Could Osaro Onaiwu’s irrational attacks on Capt. Hosa just be about politics? Or could they just be an avenue to actually express his unmitigated envy towards a man that had consistently shown him love and compassion? Or could they just be that God has allowed forces greater than him (Osaro Onaiwu) to use him in propagation of acts of ingratitude to really show that he is indeed an ungrateful wretch, unknown to Capt. Hosa?

Having contested for the governorship position several times and failed, that Osaro Onaiwu would now go as far as attempting to maliciously malign Capt. Hosa, et al, these highly respected great sons of Edo whom he had, one way or the other, benefitted from, is completely unacceptable. Honor should be given to whom it is due. Capt. Hosa deserves honour.  Other well-meaning leaders of the great Benin Kingdom deserve honour.

That a man of Osaro Onaiwu's supposed standing would choose to throw caution to the winds over a political game in which he isn’t a player, let alone a frontline player or even the umpire is worrying. For a man who has been a beneficiary of the political system of the state and the eleemosynary acts of Capt. Hosa to begin to throw insults against him and other prominent Edo sons is a good reason for well-meaning stakeholders in the state to pause and reflect on the direction in which “the heartbeat of the nation” is headed. It shows that some persons like Osaro Onaiwu have lost their moral compass.

If the current situation in the State, characterized by a seemingly intractable progression in error by some individuals, including Osaro Onaiwu, continues, then, it does appear that the next election in Edo State could be a victim of desperate manipulation by those who want to hold on to power in spite of their abysmal performance in office in the last four years. But I am rest assured that the good people of Edo State, through their eternal vigilance, would put them and their collaborators, like Osaro Onaiwu, to shame.

Whereas, politics must be a contest of ideas to win the people over to the platforms that best represent their aspirations and paint a better future for them; the good people of Edo State deserve better leadership. It is sardonic of what they claim to stand for if persons, such as Osaro Onaiwu, are not taking the lead in elevating the quality of politics being played in the state.

In his supposed exalted position, Osaro Onaiwu ought to be calling erring youth to order instead of choosing to walk the path of maligning others for cheap points or recognition.

The people of Edo state do not need a heated polity ahead and after the scheduled September 19, 2020 governorship election. Persons like Osaro Onaiwu must consciously and consistently commit themselves to ensuring that the decibels of the drums of war are either drastically reduced or completely eliminated.

Elections will always have winners and losers, but the challenge before the people of Edo state is to unite across party lines to develop the state after the ballots have been cast and the new government sworn in.

A situation where elders of the state, in positioning themselves for personal gains and promotion of parochial interests, choose to act like bulls in a China shop at a critical political intersection in our State’s political evolution is unfortunate. We sincerely do not deserve it and the political shenanigans being promoted at the expense of our commonwealth and destiny of our teeming youth population must stop.
 
▪︎Prince  Emmanuel Odigie sent this right of reply from Benin City.

EdoDecides2020: Selfish Politicians Exploiting the Vulnerability of the Poor Masses During Campaigns Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic.


As political activities continue to take center stage leading to the Gubernatorial election in Edo State come September 19, The political class in the state are using the process to exploit the vulnerability of the poor masses in the state by their total disregard for the INEC and NCDC guidelines on political rallies and campaigns.


In the last one week, I took my time to monitor campaigns and rallies in the state and observed the huge crowds that are mobilized to the venue of these rallies and campaigns by the major political actors in the state with many of these persons not wearing facemask of even adhering to the social distancing protocol but on the contrary, you could see the political bigwigs wearing face mask to protect themselves while the poor masses a left bare.



In a bid to find out why some of these persons attended such rallies and campaign despite the spread of the covid-19 virus, it wasn't far fetched that money was involved.



I decided to speak with a few of them I met with and they gave same answers that they were paid between 1000 - 3000 naira to attend the political rallies i then reminded them that the covid-19 virus was still very much active even though they laughed it off and said God forbid it wasn't their portion to get infected with the virus as they only came out to look for daily bread especially at this very period that they are guaranteed of making some little change during the campaigns in the state.



When will our political class begin to put the interest of the masses first?



Benedict Aguele wrote this piece from Benin City, Edo State Twitter: @benaguele

By Hyacinth Ogbu

Worldwide, the Army traditionally plays the role of securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. Excitingly, in Nigeria, the Army has gone a notch higher by establishing its imprimatur as a strong agent of development through the provision of awful and charming infrastructural facilities and social amenities to various communities in the country which play host to them.

Never in the recent history of Nigeria has the country been troubled by multifaceted insecurities than what it is experiencing at the moment. To say, civil security has been overwhelmed by these orchestrated insecurities is stating the obvious. However, the Nigerian Army has never belched each time it is called for intervention; but rescues the endangered Nigerians.

And almost always, the Nigerian Army has been the last resort and proved its mettle as the guardian angel of the Nigerian people. In the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and North Central, the Army has shadowed as great and admirable emancipators of a people trapped by a vicious circle of violence and bloodbath.

Even with the resurgent insecurities, the Army has risen to task, especially in containing the acts of armed banditry and other criminalities troubling the Northwest. The launch of “Operation Sahel Sanity” by the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai has landed with resounding success; restoring peace and security.

President Muhammadu Buhari has never flinched on his responsibility of deploying the Army to assist civil security to provide security and to ensure that there is peace in every part of Nigeria.

But sometimes, appreciation from beneficiaries of an effort or project is difficult and rare. It is normal with human beings. In any case, one part of Nigeria that deeply appreciatives and excited with the Nigerian Army is the Southeast. This is a region once held captive in their fatherland by armed criminal elements.

These evil men masterminded gruesome murders, violence, constantly sealed up the Southeast unlawfully and recklessly in exercise of barbaric might. Citizens were subjected to untold hardships in the region. Innocent and law-abiding Nigerians became targets of molestations, harassments and intimidations by the criminal elements assembled into various gangs. Many Ndi’gbo and our visitors were even afraid to travel home to celebrate yuletide and new yam festivities because these elements laced the killings with armed robbery and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai launched the first military exercise code named “Operation Python Dance I” (Egwu Eke I), spanning from November 27 to December 27, 2016. The one-month military exercise crushed the season of armed robberies, kidnappings, cultism, inter-communal clashes, herdsmen-farmers clashes and associated violence in Nigeria’s Southeast region. The Army patrols, road blocks and checkpoints restored instant peace, tranquility and security to a people immensely troubled by bands of armed criminals, ethnic militias, miscreants and hoodlums.

Similarly, a repeat edition of the “Operation Python Dance II” (Egwu Eke II) was also conducted in the Southeast a year later, in 2017. It recorded similar positive impacts in securing the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians in the region. Largely, the Nigerian Army has been able to rescue a region once in the jaws of armed men, tormentors and killers. Every part of Nigeria has experienced the saving interventions of the Army.

But apart from performing its natural and constitutional obligations, the Nigerian Army has marketed itself uniquely under the Buhari Presidency and its leadership by Gen. Buratai for introducing a third mandate in its operations. The Nigerian Army today is vigorously pursuing the agenda of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in various sectors in host communities across Nigeria.

Anywhere there is the presence of the Nigerian Army, the host communities have had the special privilege of benefitting from water, road, electricity projects or health services. It is a deliberate strategy by Gen. Buratai to win the heart and minds of host communities as well as endear them to the Army. These critical capital projects have immensely supported civilian populations.

Therefore in 2017 in the Southeast, the 82 Division, Nigerian Army built an over N200 million water plant at its Abakpa Cantonment Enugu. It was personally commissioned by Gen. Buratai. The water treatment plant with a capacity of over one million litres per day was conceptualized to serve the military personnel of the Abakpa cantonment and the members of the host community of Abakpa.

Strikingly, though, the primary source of the water plant is the Ekulu River, but the efforts of the Nigerian Army in constructing the water treatment plant is the first time the Abakpa community accessed treated, portable and hygienic water in the history of their existence. The residents were faced with the severe problem of availability of water. The natives usually go to distant places in search of water to perform domestic chores. But the Army had ended the era of suffering over water.

And the Army has not rested on its oars in pursuing the agenda of repositioning the Army as well as consolidating on CSR gestures and benevolence to host communities. A few days ago, Gen. Buratai performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital at Nkwagu Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.

The Army Reference Hospital is conceptualized as a world class and state-of-the-art hospital designed to serve both the Nigerian Army personnel and the civil populace in the South-East region of the country generally. Access to quality healthcare has been a major problem in most communities in Nigeria. This is where the excitement over the project is derived.

Therefore, the decision of the Nigerian Army to avail the people of the Southeast this rare health facility is commendable and a legacy the people will enjoy for generations. It is an indication that the Army leadership, does not only think about security of the people, but also the health and physical wellbeing of Nigerians.

An elated Ebonyi state Governor David Umahi was full of eulogies for the Nigerian Army. The action of the Army leadership in establishing the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Abakaliki has for the umpteenth time confirmed to the Governor that the Service Chiefs are indeed committed to defending the territorial integrity of the country and fond of the Nigerian people.

This latest action by the Army has compelled Gov. Umahi to stoutly dispute the National Assembly (NASS)on sack of the Service Chiefs. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Gov. Umahi hotly disputed the position of the NASS demanding for the sack of the Service Chiefs in the wake of resurgent insecurities.

The Governor rather canvassed for more support and funding to security agencies. Particularly, Umahi echoed that the Nigerian Army is not only appreciated in the region, but a blessing to the Southeast.

His words; “I want to disagree with the National Assembly in my own view about the change of service chiefs. One thing I have realized is that we like change too much in this country. We want everybody to taste every seat. That is not what we need at this critical time of our security challenges. What we need is cooperation with the security agencies. The Chief of Army staff is also a very committed person. Very friendly to the civil society.”

Interpreting the issue with the eye and wisdom of an elder and a true leader, Gov. Umahi aligned with the position of President Buhari by insisting that “I will be suggesting to Mr. President in support of his retaining the Service Chiefs that we should increase their funding of the Armed Forces, we should increase their logistics, we should increase the programme that will bring information to the security agencies.”

He added; “So, I support Mr. President that instead of changing the Service Chiefs he should rather increase their funding and increase the frequency of his meetings with them. And also encourage civil society to come up with information that will assist the security agencies.”

Clairvoyant minds have sighted the capacity of the Nigerian Army and believe that with a little support by government and the civil population, Gen. Buratai’s leadership of the Army will surmount all insecurities soonest. Gen. Buratai’s leadership of the Army has seamlessly continued to win more converts for the Buhari administration, in degrees even far more than the core politicians.

The latest verdict of Nigerians in the Southeast is crystal that the Service Chiefs, particularly the COAS are all performing excellent jobs. Gen. Buratai particularly has brought uncommon values and panache to the Army such as professionalism, discipline, loyalty and patriotism. Even the doubting Thomases are now beginning to see the wisdom of President Buhari in insisting on still keeping the Service Chiefs in office. The effects are palpable, as seen by everyone from the activities of Operation Sahel Sanity in the Northwest to now the Southeast. #


Ogbu PhD wrote this piece from Ebonyi State University,

Boko Haram : Understanding Why Borno Elites Must Do More

By Pita Agbese

No insurgent group can operate for long by relying exclusively on its own resources. To operate beyond a few weeks, an insurgent group requires external resources such as money, territory, weapons, intelligence, materiel, and new recruits. It may also need ideological support derived from common ethnic, religious or regional identities. These resources may be given voluntarily, or the insurgent group may acquire them forcefully through looting and pillage. For instance, the insurgent group may be able to raise a huge sum of money from groups in the diaspora with which it shares bonds of ethnicity or religious identities. Such an avenue of funding from Palestinians living outside the Israeli-occupied territories has been crucial for the survival of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Without cutting off its sources of funding, it is difficult if not impossible to defeat an insurgent group. Thus, the resiliency of an insurgent group is the function of its support base.
Boko Haram, an insurgent group based largely in the North East geopolitical zone and using terrorism as its main insurgent strategy, has been terrorizing Nigeria and its closest neighbors, Chad, Cameron and Niger, since its violent phase began in 2009. It has survived, despite military and diplomatic onslaught by Nigeria and its neighbors, for more than eleven years. Part of its ability to survive has been its clever adaptability to changing circumstances, For instance, by establishing linkages with Islamic terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Islamic State, it has been able to draw on weapons, funding and fighters. As important as foreign assistance has been to Boko Haram’s resiliency, it could not have operated without assistance, voluntary or coerced, from its immediate geographical area of operation. It first, much of this assistance was coerced. Boko Haram would raid a village and steal food, looting banks and pilfering other essential commodities. It also killed people, abducted women and children and conscript men and young boys as fighters. Boko Haram has relied on assassinations of targeted individuals and those opposed to its ideology. Terrorizing people in the North East Zone and pillaging their resources allowed Boko Haram to sustain itself. Terrorism and pillaging were particularly useful to the terrorist organization when it seized a large swathe of Nigerian territory even before receiving outside help. Today, it no longer controls much of any territory. The thirteen local government areas that it had seized have been taking away from it.
Although Boko Haram no longer controls any definable territory of the Nigerian federation, it is still able to launch deadly attacks on the Nigerian population and the Nigerian armed forces. As military operations against the terrorist group has mounted, it has resorted to ambushing Nigerian soldiers. It is no longer able to launch spectacular attacks as it did in bombing police headquarters and UN offices in Abuja, but it remains a very deadly force. It has killed scores of Nigerian soldiers in the last few months. Much of its successes against the soldiers has derived from its ability to gather actionable intelligence on troop movements.

There are speculations that Boko Haram gains intelligence on troop movements because of saboteurs within the armed forces. While such rumors cannot be dismissed with flippancy, it must be noted that Boko Haram cannot gather such intelligence and operate with deadly accuracy without some open or tacit support from the local communities where it operates. Whether such support is voluntary or coerced, it must be recognized that military actions alone, short of a scorched-earth policy, would not eradicate the scourge of Boko Haram. As frustrating as it is not to unleash every firepower in the arsenal of the Nigerian armed forces against Boko Haram, that frustration must be tempered with the reality that fighting against Boko Haram in ways that violate Nigerian and international law would be counterproductive.

The only viable option is to engender greater cooperation from the communities where Boko Haram operates. First, it must be clearly demonstrated to the communities that despite sharing ethnic, religious and regional affinities with Boko Haram, Boko Haram’s goals are antithetical to the welfare, peace and security of the zone. What does Boko Haram want and how are its goals and objective in direct conflict with the interests of the people in the region? The terrorist group has spelt out its goals and objectives. It has also vividly made clear through extreme violence, the strategies it uses and intends to use in achieving its set goals and objectives.
Boko Haram’s aims and objectives are quite clear. Its’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, has publicly stated what the group stands for. As he puts it, “we are an Islamic caliphate. We have nothing to do Nigeria. We don’t believe in this name.” Among the most fundamental of Boko Haram’s goals and objectives are following: the overthrow of the Nigerian government and its replacement it with an Islamic State; the rejection of Westernization, including forbidding any participation in Western-style political activity such as voting in elections and running as candidates; and prohibition against engagement in social activities. Boko Haram also rejects Western-style secular education and it seeks to replace secular education with an unspecified Islamic education. The terrorist group is particularly vehemently opposed to girls receiving Western education and it has demonstrated its disdain and its total rejection of Western education by killing students, abducting them and forcefully marrying off the female students, and bombing schools as well as assassinating teachers. Boko Haram rejects the Nigerian government labelling its leaders, even if they are Muslims, as infidels.
Until March 2015 when Boko Haram was forcibly driven out of the Nigerian territories that it had seized, Boko Haram had established what it called an Islamic State in those territories. We therefore have a clear idea of the type of society Boko Haram would create if its goal of overthrowing the Nigerian government was met. It would be a deadly and an ultra-conservative and highly theocratic state. Although it would be said to be an Islamic state, it would have very little resemblance to Islam. While Islam reveres learning and knowledge, Boko Haram’s Islamic caliphate would be anchored on abhorrence to learning and knowledge. It would be a caliphate steeped in ignorance and fear of knowledge. Boko Haram’s caliphate, from what we saw of the territories that it briefly administered, would be a highly autocratic state. It would not be rooted in justice, even for its Muslim population. It would also be a state anchored on prejudice as the non-Muslim population under its control would be subjected to extreme oppression, brutality and brigandage. Shekau himself has justified the abduction of non-Muslim girls proclaiming that Islam gives him right to enslave such abductees.

Most of the victims of Boko Haram’s capricious rule would be Muslims. This is already quite clear. Although proclaiming that it was fighting for Islam, most of Boko Haram’s victims have been Muslims. Yes, Boko Haram has attacked churches and killed hundreds of Christians but a large majority of its victims, in terms of those assassinated and bombed out of existence, have been Muslims. Thus, for Muslims openly and tacitly supporting the terrorist group, the sobering lesson is that if Boko Haram succeeds in its objectives, Muslims would be the worse for it. Muslims would not receive any education at all because while Boko Haram makes vague references to Islamic education, the contents of such education remain inchoate. Moreover, where are the teachers who would provide Boko Haram’s style of Islamic education?
Second, the fact that Boko Haram is willing to bring in foreign terrorists to help it overthrow the Nigerian government should be of concern to people in Boko Haram’s major theater of operation. If Boko Haram succeeds, it would deprive the people of their Nigerian identity without being able to provide a better identity for its inhabitants. A Boko Haram caliphate over Nigeria would be a pariah state. It cannot count on cooperation among its neighbors. It would have to deal with the Western countries whose culture and whose education Boko Haram has rejected, from a very weak position.

What Must Be Done

The Nigerian military needs maximum cooperation from communities in the North-East Zone to be able to decimate, and ultimately, eliminate Boko Haram. Some of the communities have set up vigilantes in the form of civilian joint task forces. This is commendable. Some members of these outfits have paid the supreme sacrifice as they have been killed by Boko Haram. While this level of cooperation is appreciated, it is not enough. The military needs other forms of proactive cooperation. It needs prompt and effective intelligence on Boko Haram to enable it launch attacks on the group and in helping to forestall attacks by Boko Haram. The military also requires the communities to stop aiding and abetting Boko Haram and from shielding Boko Haram leaders and fighters from justice.

It is equally important for people in the North-East Zone to recognize that Boko Haram cannot overthrow the Nigerian government or over-run the entire country. At best, Boko Haram may succeed in capturing and holding a swathe of the country but its ability to extend its territorial control beyond a few local government areas in the North-East is highly circumscribed. We have seen the dastardly acts that pass for Boko Haram’s administration of a conquered territory. I do not think that most people in that part of Nigeria would look forward to that type of violent, oppressive and capricious governance.

While some people may be taken in by Boko Haram’s trenchant criticisms of the Nigerian government as corrupt, it should be noted that Boko Haram does not present any viable alternative to corruption in Nigeria. In fact, a Boko Haram administration, as we have seen in the brief period it governed the occupied territories, is far more corrupt than the Nigerian government whose corruption Boko Haram condemns. It is corruption for the Boko Haram leadership to send young men, other people’s children, to die while Boko Haram leaders stay away from the battlefield.

Communities in the North-East must refrain from cooperating with Boko Haram, openly or tacitly. They also stop seeing members of Boko Haram as their own people. Boko Haram does not see them as their brothers and sisters, fathers and grandfathers and mothers, sisters and aunts. They just see them as objects to be sacrificed to attain their atrocious and immoral goals and objectives.

Prof Agbese is a scholar at the University of Northern Iowa, USA.