₦airaland Forum

An investigation by the Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria (CHRGN) has revealed that notorious Benue militia leader, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana was killed after an exchange of gunfire with the military.

CHRGN made its findings known in a report signed by its special rapporteur, Edward Omaga and unveiled at a press conference on Friday in Abuja. 

Gana, whose act of terror lingered for over five years in Benue and parts of Taraba State was finally gunned down on Tuesday at a roadblock mounted by the army along Gbese-Gboko-Makurdi road. 

CHRGN said it then embarked on a fact-finding mission to clear the doubts of the Benue State Government and some prominent political figures in the state over the death. 

The group said it relied on information provided by eyewitnesses, other locals in the area of the incident and aggregated the views of local vigilante groups operating within that area.

It added that opinions of some political actors were aggregated as well to form a background to the amnesty programme initiated by the state government. 

As part of its findings, the coalition disclosed that "indeed there was a shoot-out between Gana and his boys in an entourage of about 20 vehicles driving dangerously along the Makurdi-Gboko road when they were accosted by troops from the 4 Special Forces Command in Nasarawa State who had mounted a spontaneous roadblock acting on Intel on the movement of a large convoy with sporadic shootings".   

It added that "indeed the late Gana who was seating on top of one of the vehicles opened fire at the military checkpoint and at that point, there was pandemonium and sounds of gunshots rented the air. 

" We also gathered that the identity of Gana was not initially ascertained, not until he was neutralized that his identity was confirmed. By then, he had sustained gunshot wounds that ultimately led to his death". 

The coalition also revealed that the state government kept the movement of Gana and his gang from the troops and this indeed caused a communication breach and the Nigerian Army acting in Intel of the movement of a large cache of arms along that axis mounted an improvised checkpoint.  

The report added, " that it was when news reached the governor that he made frantic efforts to reach the military commanders in the state, informing them that Gana was his guest and that he was on his way to Makurdi to surrender for the Amnesty Programme of the State government. 

"It was at this point the governor was informed that there had been a shoot-out with Gana and his team members and he sustained gunshot injuries. We gathered that the governor was furious and consequently called for a press conference alleging that the Nigerian Army killed Gana despite having knowledge of his movement from his base to Makurdi the state capital". 

The Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria, therefore, concluded, that there was a communication gap between the State Government and the Nigerian Army in the operation in Benue-Taraba Axis. 

It said the movement of such a large cache of firearms should ordinarily attract the attention of the security operatives if indeed the said Gana was on his way to embrace amnesty. 

While repelling the notion that it was an extra-judiciously killing, the report, however, warned state governments against initiating or implementing amnesty programmes without proper communication with security agencies.

Sustainable long-term growth and development is a function of an enabling environment for investment and entrepreneurship to thrive.

Over the years in Nigeria however while there has been a lot of talk, few governments at all levels have ever been able to articulate and give practical meaning to the concept of “creating an enabling environment” for enterprise.

China has been able to move over eight hundred million of her citizens out of poverty in four decades, by understanding and applying the concept of ecosystems.

The Chinese government where the government provides public goods and services and the environment that enables enterprises to be established and to grow, which has made China the manufacturing and logistics capital of the world, with every major industry carrying out their production in China.

The Edo state government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has successfully applied the concept of ecosystems to unprecedented impact, which has set the state up to become a major hub for an emerging industrialized Nigeria. The Obaseki job creation focus has been able to reach a combined 169thousand beneficiaries directly and several hundred thousand more indirectly, which can be confirmed by the 6% drop in unemployment rate, from 25.1% in Q2 2018 to 19% in Q2 2020, per the recently released numbers by the National Bureau of Statistics.


For political reasons there have been vigorous attempts to pour scorn on the entire programme, by the opposition even when the facts state otherwise. It is clear that Edo deserves to be put on the path of mending, in order to change the negative narratives about the state over the medium to long term, built on a solid economic and productive base rather than propaganda as has become the norm with the All Progressives Congress.

The opposition cannot claim that the World Bank that gave the Edo state government commendation, over the success of its job creation programmes, was bought over by the Obaseki administration, as the World Bank group is known to base its assessments on facts on the ground.

The APC town criers, in the interests of the continued development of edo state, would do well to also refer to the BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit publication of November 2019, which after due diligence, confirmed that Edo State had created over 150,000 jobs between year 2016 and November 2019.

It cannot be denied that BusinessDay is an independent media outfit and one of the few Newspapers in Nigeria that cannot be said to have any partisan interests in its operations, while dishing out business and economy specific publications.


It is a known fact that Edo Jobs has attracted the largest number of private and international partners, and these wouldn’t have keyed into the programme if it wasn’t properly conceptualized and backed by verifiable good faith of the state government.

The likes of Uber, MainOne, Facebook, Google, Amazon, EdoBits, GIZ, Slot Foundation, Pan Atlantic University (SME Toolkit), Curators Academy, Amena Academy, Sabihub, PIND and eOutSource among several others wouldn’t have put their name and brands behind a project that looks or smells like the regular Nigerian government jamboree.


The naysayers would do well to consult the beneficiaries, under the auspices of Edojobs, who themselves as youth, traders, artisans and business owners around the state have come out to testify all over the internet and in their communities about the impact of the Edo Jobs programme in their lives.

Edo state is on course to become a model manufacturing and creativity hub in Africa and the APC would do well to give commendation or highlight areas where the programme can be improved upon to make Edo an investment destination rather than trying to pull down the entire programme for partisanship.

The choice before the people of Edo, in the upcoming election, is whether innovative projects, conceived and executed based on solid data collection and analysis, such as Edo Agripreneurs Scheme, Edo Independent Farmer Initiative, Edo Innovates and Edo Agric Cluster among other, should be sustained and consolidated upon and their decision will be based on facts not the tissue of lies and propaganda that has become the stock-in-trade of the sinking APC ship in the State. To give the notion that its not national but limited to Edo state

*Security: Nigerian troops deserve  commendation for killing Benue most wanted criminal - Group*

The Benue Good Governance Crusade (BGGC) says the military deserves commendation for ridding Benue of its most-notorious militia leader, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as 'Gana'. 

The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa state, Monday Ali, told journalists on Tuesday that Gana was killed at a roadblock mounted by the army along Gbese-Gboko-Makurdi road following exchange of gunfire.

The Benue State Government had in 2015 granted amnesty to over 500 persons including Gana, who were terrorising parts of Benue and Taraba states, but most of them relapsed into criminality.

Gana was later in 2017 declared wanted by the police while the Benue State Government placed an N10 million bounty on him.

In a press statement signed by its  President, Comrade Boniface Terkula, on Thursday, the Benue group welcomed the killing of Gana, saying it marks the "end of the reign of terror perpetrated by the now-deceased militia leader". 

"We commend the Nigerian troops of Operation Ayem Akpatuma and the military for neutralizing the notorious killer that Terwase Akwaza “Gana” was even as we urge them to note that their job is not yet done on account of the terrorist’s many lieutenants that have taken flight and possibly hiding among the civilian population," Terkula wrote. 

"Gana with his fighters have been responsible for killing many indigenes and other Nigerians during his reign of terror and extortion with him and his gang known to have been responsible for many of the killings around the Benue/Taraba axis. Many of these killings were staged to have ethnic colouration such that even more lives are lost in their aftermath as communities and ethnic nationalities carry out counter-attacks against the wrong enemies because they are unaware that Gana’s evil was at work.

" He was responsible for cattle rustling in the areas where he operated and this had in several instances led to numerous crisis between the Tiv and the Jukun, and on several occasions bloody and catastrophic strife between Tiv farmers and Fulani pastoralists who attack communities where their cattle have been rustled without realizing that Gana’s militants were responsible. 

" We note that Gana had prior to his death reportedly surrendered, was received by prominent leaders in Katsina-Ala and was on the way to Makurdi, the state capital, before he met his end on the way. 

" However, we are aware that Gana staged a similar embrace of amnesty at the Benue State Government House in 2015 when he and his fighters turned in as many as 200 AK-47 rifles and other guns. But Benue people to get the shocker that Gana’s surrender then was a cover to move close up and exterminate those responsible for security in the state with the killing of the Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Security,  Denen Igbane, in 2016 being the start of Gana’s return to dealing terror.

" We are not ruling out the possibility that Gana’s last embrace of amnesty was a repeat of his old trick, which would have allowed him moved the supposedly surrendered weapons into the capital and do maximum damage to a state painfully reeling from strings of violence including the ones for which he was responsible. 

" The conflicting accounts of how Gana met his end, however, calls for investigation so that all concerned can get closure. While the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State, Major General Moundhey Ali, said Gana was neutralized when he engaged troops at a roadblock other accounts said he was arrested on the way to Makurdi in the company of some those who earlier received him in Katsina-Ala. 

" We believe an investigation will get to the root of what truly transpired. Where the investigation establishes that there was an extra-judicial execution, anyone found culpable in the act should be dealt with in accordance with the law". 

The Benue Good Governance Crusade, however, urged the military and the law enforcement agencies not to dwell on this controversy, allowing the militants under Gana’s command to flee and regroup to do more harm as was the case after the demise of Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram founder. 

" We appeal that the last of Gana’s followers be hunted down and brought to book now unless of course they embrace the amnesty programme and submit themselves for rehabilitation and reintegration into society," the statement added. 

" We further appeal to political, religious and traditional leaders in Benue state not to comment on Gana’s demise in a manner that idolizes him and become rallying cries for his militants since the state will pay dearly for such indiscretion".

Our Members Don't Engage in Illegalities: NYCN to the Self Appointed CBT President

Our attention at the Secretariat of the National Youth Council of
Nigeria has been drawn to certain falsehoods being peddled by
one Maxwell Akwuruoha, who is parading himself as the purported
President of the Computer Based Centers Proprietors Association in
Nigeria, against the person of the Registrar of Joint Admission and
Matriculations Board, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede and on the Integrity of
the teeming Nigerian Youth.

In a Press Conference organized by the Leadership of the NYCN,
The Council President; Amb Sukubo Seraigbe Sukubo said, Maxwell
Akwuruoha, whose status as a self -appointed President of a body
of CBT Centers’ Owners has been summarily denied by several
proprietors of CBT Centers dared to suggest that Prof. Oloyede was
executing a plot “to undermine CBT operators to build JAMB mega
centers across the country”.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria has been a worthy partner of
JAMB and had worked alongside Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in reforming
the hitherto badly run drainpipe that JAMB had become under
previous leadership, while consolidating on the migration to the use
of technology, even at a time some beneficiaries of the old order
were claiming that Nigeria is not ripe for technology-based testing.
Nigerians are aware of the more transparent manner in which the
examinations are now conducted and results disseminated, as
attested to by the broad range of stakeholders that are involved in
the process on different levels of supervision and observation, which
the NYCN has actively participated.

Without even going into describing the person of Prof. Is’haq
Oloyede, who is well known for his unwavering dedication to
defending and promoting the laws in every capacity he has served
in the Nigerian public service, it must be put on record that the said
Akwuruoha is a questionable character and lacks the locus standing
to speak on behalf of CBT operators in Nigeria. It is a verifiable fact
that he is not currently an owner of a CBT Center, having been
blacklisted for serially and intentionally violating the rules of
engagement as provided by JAMB.

For such a questionable character to purport to speak on behalf of such group, with a noble assignment in helping to mold the Nige ria’s leaders of tomorrow, is a travesty of all known principles of justice and fairness.

It is a matter of public knowledge that the management of JAMB
had exercised its right, in the interest of preserving the integrity of its
processes, to ask erring centers in a clear breach of express
procedural instructions they had been given. For anybody, no less
a serial violator of JAMB rules who had been so punished
appropriately, suggest that it was a witch -hunt born of sinister
motives is an unpatriotic act that is tantamount to an attempt to
undermine and circumvent the best interests of the long -term
sustainability of the state.

While we acknowledge that there were some errors, on the part of
JAMB’s technical services provider, as happens from time to time
even under the watch of technology giants, there is no excuse for
the CBT operators to have circumvented the process and
capitalize on the loophole to exploit Nigerian youth and "alleged
that the fraud was committed to allowing innocent Young Nigerians
meet up deadlines" The CBT operators involved should count
themselves lucky that they were only axed from JAMB and that
they were not sued for attempting to smear and defame the
the good name of JAMB as an organization.

The National Youth Council frowns at the self -serving attempt by Akwuruoha to drag
the Nigerian youths into his well deserved travails and shall not tolerate any attempt, under whatsoever guise, to use the interests of the youth of Nigeria to advance personal interests by people who lack credibility. The management of JAMB, for the record, has performed creditably well and given the organization a human face, while making it easier for all stakeholders to access the Board that in turn onboard and resolve them satisfactorily.
Therefore, the National Youth Council considers the position sold to the public by Maxwell Akwuruoha as repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.

It is necessary for the management of JAMB and the legitimate CBT Centres' owners to take further steps in stripping Maxwell Akwuruoha of his pretenses and attempt to speak on behalf of law-abiding CBT Centres' owners across the country.

This will serve as deterrence to others who might want to toe the unwholesome and puerile steps of Maxwell Akwuruoha to undermine the interest of a national examination body and take undue advantage of Nigerian youths.

Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has written to Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United States that the alleged $757 million Dollars domiciled in an account in his name; was authorized by him in error; from a Rivers State Government Account with Access Bank Plc. The Nigerian most corrupt governor according to CNN letter reveals that a similar letter was also written to a bank in Switzerland; stating that a similar authorization was made in error.

The letter stated that the said transfers to both banks were for the purchase of security Helicopters, payments to a foreign company to combat malaria in Rivers state by using helicopters to spray mosquito insecticides, and for the purchase of an official residence for Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, in America.

The letter further explains that, the payments for the security helicopters, and mosquito insecticides to fight malaria were made through other sources, after the funds had already been transferred abroad. He reminded the bank that the Rivers state law on his severance package, provides for an official residence for a former governor; of which he chose to have his residence in America.

Amaechi said that, this law was later amended to have his official residence built in Nigeria, after the funds had already been transferred to Bancorp/Minnesota Account. Mr. Amaechi said these changes were the reasons he communicated the consultants for purchase of security helicopters, his official residence in the U.S and the Insecticide companies not to access the funds; since they have been paid through other sources.

On receipt of the governor's letter by the Bancorp Bank, the bank has written to the Federal Government of Nigeria to repatriate the said funds to Rivers State treasury. Investigations further revealed that President Buhari is not disposed to this request to repatriate the said funds without a trial of the former governor; to ascertain the governor's alleged errors in these transactions.

" Why would it take Christiane Amanpour of CNN, to remind Amaechi of such errors of over N80 billion Naira public funds in two different countries, and why in his name ?" Queried the Presidency.
Recall that Christiane Amanpour accused the former governor of Rivers State; Mr. Rotimi Amaechi of stacking the sum of $757 million dollars (N80 billion Naira) in Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United State. - Hope For Nigeria.

ATTEMPT TO TARNISH THE REPUTATION OF OCEAN MARINE SOLUTIONS (OMSL) AND CAPT. HOSA OKUNBO

BY JACKSON UDE

Our attention has once again been drawn to another, in the series of orchestrated, sponsored and malicious media onslaughts and blackmails against our company, OMSL and our respected chairman, Capt. Hosa Okunbo.

In the latest tirade tweeted by one Jackson Ude, whose trade in stock has been to fabricate utter falsehood and disseminate via multiple social media platforms, the pen-for-hire writer alluded to an alleged Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP) contract, and attached bank statements from January to February, 2018 purported to reflect our transactions.

It is very laughable that Ude and his sponsors, as well as those mischievously escalating the fake news, clearly got it wrong, as their fabrication has holes in it.

Blinded by mischief and pull-him-down syndrome, they ought to have known that OMSL was not in contractual relationship with TFP as at February 2018. That assertion is completely false.

It should be stated that Jackson Ude is in the trade of tarnishing Nigerian brands with unsubstantiated contents. He had unsuccessfully attempted in 2015 to scandalise our company and Capt. Okunbo by creating a non-existent story linking us with the activities of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke while in office.

Only weeks ago, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had to petition the Inspector-General Police, demanding a thorough investigation of the blogger after publishing malicious story, in which he alleged that the suspended acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, facing a presidential probe, told the investigative panel that he gave N4bn to Osinbajo. Not only has Magu debunked the claim; the panel has also released statement putting a lie to Ude’s allegation.

This is calling on unsuspecting public to be wary of Ude’s shenanigans, as we also wish to sound a note of warning to all those who have made it their pastime to sponsor malicious write-ups, tweets and online publications against OMSL and our chairman, that their day of reckoning is not far away.

We have put our legal team on notice to deal with such malicious write-ups.

We also urge the general public to kindly disregard the Ude mischievous tweets and similar others, for what they are: blatantly false and malicious.

Human Rights Activist, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, has described the current peace and security being enjoyed in parts of Borno State as comparable to what is obtainable in Rome and other peace capitals of the world.

Ikpa said he is making the comparison based on what has been achieved in terms of peace and security in the southern parts of the state and some major towns in the state where peace has returned.

The activist, who is currently on a tour the Northeast with a non governmental organisation, said what he has seen in areas that have suffered the worst forms of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists has rekindled his confidence in Nigeria and the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

Contributing an interim report of his findings while assessing the level of normalcy that has returned to the crisis ravaged state, Ikpa said it is unbelievable that within a short period of time, that peace and normalcy would return to certain parts Borno State to the extent that people do not consider threats by insurgents as something to be worried about anymore.

Ikpa said the general climate in Borno South senatorial zone is that of peace, hope and confidence as against the impression that people of the state living in fear. 

The activist said from what he has observed, it is the insurgents that are now living in fear as they are constantly on the run living in bushes and taking to their heels at the slightest view of troops.

He said the people of Southern Borno State from what he has seen so far, consider the Boko Haram terrorists as mere irritants who have been placed where they belong by the Nigerian military. 

"That fear that people usualy have when Boko Haram is mentioned is no longer there. "The military has demystified the group and exposed them to be a group of rag tag urchins seeking relevance.

"The days when people run to hide when the hear the name of Boko Haram is over with the coming of this administration coupled with how they've been degraded and subdued, the people have seen them in their sorry state and no longer fear them but even pity them," he stated.

The human rights activist said residents of the state capital of Maiduguri, are now living a typical example of how to ignore irritants. 

"They go about their normal business with calmness that you begin to ask yourself whether you're in Borno State.

When I spoke with some of the people to know where they derive their confidence from, I got to understand that they have come to realise the insurgents are not what they claim to be going by the defeat they have suffered in the hands of the military in recent times."

Comrade Ikpa said his visit to Chibok, Damboa and Askira Uba which were some of the worst affected areas has revealed to him the extent of the sacrifice made by the Nigerian army to protect the territorial integrity of the country and the success recorded.

He said, "These are areas people dare not go as the insurgents had a at time taken over them and were exercising control over them as if it was their country.

"But go there now and see how the military has secured the place by stationing men and officers in strategic positions."

He said places like Gwoza and Biu which were equally being threatened by the insurgents in the past cannot remember the last time they lost sleep as a result of insurgency. 

"The people of Gwoza, if you remember very well, even came out to applaud Nigerian troops when  they were passing by as a result of the sacrifice they made to liberate them from the insurgents."

He called on the people of the other parts of the state to emulate the people of Southern Borno and extend a hand of coperation to the military. 

The activist is also of the opinion that if the people of the other zones can call on the insurgents to surrender, they would listen to them and lasting peace would return to the state. 

"They'll listen to them because they're their people and in order for the state to reclaim its glory as the Home of Peace," he stated.

Comrade Ikpa lauded the military for their efforts in the Northeast and Borno in particular saying they have won back the confidence of the people and prayed they be rewarded for their efforts.

He also acknowledged the contribution community leaders in the state saying without their coperation not much would have been achieved in sustaining the peace. 

He commended the Buhari administration for doing all in its power to restore the entire country back to normalcy and the much achieved in that regard. 

"Buhari on inauguration as president, promised Nigerians three things and one of them is to improve on the security situation in the country and I think he has achieved that with what I have seen in Borno," Ikpa concluded.

Boko Haram: Zulum and the new direction for peace in Borno State

By Richard Murphy  

It was American author and philosopher, John Fuhrman who once stated that "Successful leadership comes from the willingness to, at first, do something incorrectly, face the consequences, make adjustments, and do it again – until you get it right."

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, as a good leader, has demonstrated a belief in dynamic leadership that learns from experience and brings out the better in him.
The governor may not have heard of the Fuhrman philosophy but going by the current cooperation he is giving the Nigerian military it could be said that Zulum may have decided to make adjustment to his earlier stance in order to bring quality leadership to his people.

Those who did not understand the dynamics of leadership had thought that going by the comments of the Borno governor on the military in the past, that he is one who sees nothing good in the institution and would always prefer to confront the military.

The governor had on few occasions challenged the military in what many have interpreted as his disposition to antagonize the institution. 
He had for instance accosted military men on check point  duties in Maiduguri in January and accused them of extorting commuters.
He also accused troops of abandoning the people and fleeing when there was an attack on Auno, near Maiduguri.

The height of it all was when he blamed the attack on his convoy on the military and threatened that after Sallah that he is going back to Kukawa and that if the military are not ready that he will use hunters to recapture Baga.

But lately,  the governor has shown remorse for his hot air vituperations on the military and has been accommodating and extending hands of cooperation with the troops.
His words at the Nigerian Army University Biu launching of the Buratai Centre at Buratai was captivating enough to show that he is a dynamic leader who wants to solve problems.
He was bold as a leader to apologize to the military at that occasion and even went ahead to praise their efforts. 

Zulum on another occasion at Ajiri village of Mafa Local Government Area while addressing hundreds of the newly returned IDPs,  called on unrepentant members of Boko Haram to lay down their arms saying  his government is doing everything possible to return all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral homes. The governor said the Boko Haram members should know that the IDPs who have returned or willing to return to their communities are directly or indirectly parents or relations of the insurgents that are eager to pick up their pieces and continue their normal lives.

He said, "I am using this medium to call on Boko Haram sect to lay down their arms for peace to reign in our dear state and the country at large.
"I am appealing to all of you to continue pray for the restoration of peace and cooperate with the security agencies in the fight against terrorism." By these submissions, the governor can be said to be charting a new course for peace in Borno State.

His call on the terrorists to surrender and lay down their arms for peace to return is one of the ways experts have suggested for peace to return to the troubled state. This is because, as troops engage the insurgents in combat, there is the need to appeal to their senses of reasoning and persuade and convince the youths about the stupidity of their actions by people they know and respect. 

This is a genuine call that must be matched by actions and all the stakeholders in Borno State must come together to support him. 
The truth is, if every family in Borno State is calling their own to order and every elite in Abuja is calling out the terrorists, while every stakeholder is denouncing the terrorists as the governor has done, it will mark the end of the terrorists as they will also know that  Borno like other states in the Northeast east is no longer available for their evil ways. 

Experts have posited that once the terrorists are ideologically disarmed, the citizens will see the need to support the military and in less than no time the war would end. As the governor now accepts that the military is working and commends their efforts, it is sure bet that they will be encouraged to do more.

This is preferable to the earlier position of the governor that seeks to undermine their efforts. To be sincere, the military has given much to Borno that they deserve nothing less.

Between April and July this year, the military liquidated over 2,000 of the insurgents including not less than 20 of their top commanders while many of their informants were arrested. 
The military also made many of the terrorists to surrender and lay down their arms having come under superior fire power.

The efforts and sacrifice of the military since the insurgency began in 2009, cannot be over emphasized. The military since the coming of the current administration has been able to overrun the operational base of the Boko Haram terrorists at Sambisa forest and recaptured not less than 11 local councils in Borno State alone.

 The Nigerian military has made it possible for many IDPs to return to their communities and open up roads that were hitherto made too dangerous to travel on by the insurgents such that between 2015 and 2018 people do not need to cross check before setting out on any journey within or outside the state .

The Nigerian military had this year also been able to ward off attacks in so many locations in the state including the latest attempt to penetrate Maiduguri, the state capital. This is apart from the many interventions on the socio economic sphere like the building of universities. 

Of no less significance, is the call by the Borno State Governor on the terrorists to surrender. This is a big initiaitve coming from the governor as it would send the right signal to the insurgents that the political class that they are wary of is ready to accept them. This is Something that the political class in Borno have failed to do over many years ago. 
As Zulum has taken that initiative, it is not too late for others to follow as that would complement what the military is doing .

All Borno and Zulum’s kinsmen that want to support his administration must wake up to this call made by Zulum. They must support the Governor as he leads this politico-diplomacy engagement to end of Boko Haram in not only Borno State, but Nigeria as a whole.


Murphy is a security expert and wrote from Calabar.

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.