₦airaland Forum

*Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Troops write PMB emotional letter to assure of victory over Boko Haram*

.....appreciates COAS, Buratai's role in leading counter-insurgency war

In commemoration of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, some troops in the frontlines has penned an emotional letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, assuring him of victory over the already decimated Boko Haram terrorists.

In the mail signed by Adamu Abubakar and Moses Adebanjo (Staff Sergeant and Army Warrant Officer respectively), the soldiers said they are motivated by the president's “undisguised passion, zeal and honest commitment to liberate Nigeria from the manacles of Boko Haram insurgency and its latter-day variant of Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP)”.

The troops in the frontlines were full of praises for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), describing him as the “conqueror of terrorists” for leading the counter-insurgency crusade by himself.

The constant visits of Gen. Buratai to troops especially at special festivities, according to the soldiers, “massages their ego and strengthens our resolve to coast home with victory against terrorists”.

The group added that the COAS has relentlessly ensured that terrorists in whatever guise have been correspondingly dissolved by forces of the Nigerian state.

Unlike in time past, the troops revealed that the Nigerian Army has been transformed into a responsible and responsive military force, with sparkling shadows of global best practices and adequately armed with modern warfare instruments.

The troops, however, prayed for sustained efforts and upward review of their welfare package in order to fight the insurgents more ferociously.

The gallant soldiers, therefore, assured the president and Nigerians that the end is in sight for the Islamic sect as more than ever, they committed to ending the war.

Read full letter below:

We thank God Almighty for His infinite mercies that have transited us into Year 2020 gracefully. We specially felicitate and wish our President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR an exciting and prosperous New Year.

Similarly, we identify with Mr. President on the unique occasion of the celebration of the Year 2020-Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which solemnity is embedded in the commemoration of our fallen heroes and heroines.

May the federation of Nigeria find peace and security for the ultimate price these gallant military personnel paid for our liberation; may their families find endless favours from Almighty God and may their souls be granted pardon and eternal rest.

Your Excellency, we are soldier of the Nigerian Army who have served our country for over 15 years and are currently at the frontlines in Nigeria’s Northeast. We were in the Army, when Boko Haram insurgency sprouted in 2009. And we have been actively involved in quenching the conflagrations of terrorists on Nigeria at different times and locations under various leaderships of the country till this moment.

But we are voicing out our feelings for the first time in this open letter. We dare say, we are motivated by your undisguised passion, zeal and honest commitment to liberate Nigeria from the manacles of Boko Haram insurgency and its latter-day variant of Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).

We and millions of other Nigerians have observed over the years that you have provided purposeful and rewarding democratic leadership, not only to Nigerians; but has dispensed same to the Nigerian military, especially the Nigerian Army, which you anointed and mandated to terminate the reign of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. We accepted the assignment with pride.

Under your leadership as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, insurgency has not sustained or developed its famed intractable horns or migrated from bad to worse. Your leadership has proved to Nigerians and the world that with the right political will and commitment, terrorism will be repressed and finally defeated in Nigeria.

Through our interactions with our colleagues on the frontlines, we are impressed by their unanimously confessed, and evidently positive testimonies of veneration, motivation and inspiration of our troops by Mr. President through the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, whom we fete as the conqueror of terrorists.

We shall be repeating the obvious, which probably must have come to your notice earlier through public testimonies. But permit us to emphasize that Mr. President’s unprecedented commitment to the welfare of Military personnel, especially Nigerian troops in the trenches and the replication of same by the COAS; the fraternal and indiscriminate inclination of Gen. Buratai in constant communion with troops have been the most potent weapons and tonic of troops in the voracious conquest of Boko Haram insurgents and the ISWAP elements.

And bolstered by you, the Army Chief has relentlessly ensured that terrorists in whatever guise who tormented Nigerians and dragged us into the Hobbesian levels of agonies, mindless violence, gruesome deaths, abductions, displacements of whole populations and destructions in connivance with non-state actors have been correspondingly dissolved by forces of the Nigerian state. Full sanity is being restored in our nation.

Furthermore, Your Excellency, Sir, your worthy vision of transforming the Nigerian Army into a responsible and responsive military force, with sparkling shadows of global best practices have seen to reforms and innovations which have elevated the performance status and rating of the Army as its endearing legacies.

The continuous acquisition of modern warfare instruments for the Army and the development of Army’s human resources base in science and technology are certitudes of reactivation of the collapsed foundation for a perfect Army in the nearest future, which only clairvoyants can sight or discern.

Our plea is that these efforts should be sustained and troops can be better equipped, in order to fight the insurgents more ferociously. We plead that whatever the country can do to help the Army with the necessary technologies in the meantime and for future use, should be done to speedily railroad the end of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.

Consequently Sir, we seize this unique privilege of interaction with you on the occasion of the Year 2020 Armed Forces Day to implore you to combine your military experiences and the prevailing circumstances to critically examine and consider the proposal/request by the Nigerian Army for an independent Army Aviation Wing. It is festooned on the premise that it would fasten the final termination of Boko Haram/ISWAP in Nigeria.

We passionately plead and may it be your considered opinion that the FGN under your direction should not hesitate to withhold any arsenal necessary to end terrorism in Nigeria. We need Army’s operation of its air power, to eliminate lacunas or delays in counter-insurgency operations when the need arises.

Sir, it may please you to note that this kind of technology is also used by the Armies of Asian tiger countries, in battling similar national security threats like terrorism. Nigerian Army requires its independent drones and weapons in the trenches that can be deployed at night at short notice, effortlessly and effectively.

With your kind support and foresight, the COAS, Gen. Buratai has laid a solid foundation for the Army’s airwing. The establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation School and the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) are the COAS’s foresighted answers to the question of manpower that may arise for an Army air unit.

Therefore, we are always excited anytime your message of encouragement reaches us on the battlefield through the COAS. It is for us, messages of strength and inspiration which have always spurred troops to go the extra-mile in this unique assignment.

We are glad to inform you that your kind disposition and affection for us have been emulated and applied by the COAS.

The constant visits of Gen. Buratai to troops especially at special festivities such as Sallah and yuletide seasons massages our ego and strengthens our resolve to coast home with victory against terrorists.

Each time, we sight the COAS in midst of troops, we feel quite confident and convinced that troops are strongly and effervescently remembered by the Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria. And this simple, but worthy gesture unconsciously drags us into a stimulation to want to do more for Nigeria.

Your Excellency Sir, may we at the behest of troops thank you for the assurance that troops welfare will be further reviewed upwards again in Year 2020 as a source of morale boosting. We are not oblivious of the other special packages you have unveiled for troops and their families which are of immense benefits to them back home and relieved much burdens for us in the frontlines.

Our children now attend best Army schools in virtually all barracks, which are refurbished or renovated and equipped to taste with leaning materials by your administration. Our posterity has accessed this quality education at virtually no cost on our incomes. The multiple economic empowerment initiatives for spouses of Army personnel is another breathtaking burden you have lifted off our shoulders. We thank you tremendously.
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May we assure you and Nigerians that troops of the Nigerian Army are in a hurry to return home from the warfront, but have vowed that until the terrorism war is totally won. We are confident to present the golden medal of defeat of Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP elements to you in the nearest future.

My Commander-In-Chief, I have known you to be a listening leader for decades, right from your days as the Military Administrator of the defunct North Eastern State.

And by your open mindedness, there is no doubt that you will listen to everyone in the frontlines who has a message or suggestion to make to improve the Army. It is because you have remained an indisputable key component in the struggle for the liberation of Nigeria from terrorism, insurgencies and insurrections, as we are merely your foot soldiers.

We assure you by the prophetic voice of our colleagues that like others before us, we have chosen the patriotic duty to serve our country even at the cost of our lives. And so, in spite of our collective follies, artificial setbacks and difficulties, we are not undeterred and resolute to present to you the trophy of conquest of enemies of Nigeria.

Finally, Sir, we wish you a happy Armed Forces Day celebration; ditto for the esteemed members of the Nigerian Armed Forces; their families and the good people of Nigeria.

By Kenneth Esele

Perforated wisdom is man’s greatest foe right medieval times. In Nigeria, dearth of personal scruples and the commensurate eclipse of moral etiquettes have cast many into damning hell with selves. Most leaders in Nigeria today, only define virtues and values from their narrowed prisms of what is beneficial no matter how weird or even thrusted to them by the devil.

Nigerians have had to bear this burden for ages. And the trend seems to be worsening each passing day. It is reason for the commonplace and boldface reeling of lies, falsehoods and concocted “truths” even in sacred places. The proclivity to freely churn out unconscionable lies by supposed leaders is persuasively heartbroken. It is worse with some politicians or the clan of leaders bestriding the land today.

Even in church, the unrestrained proclivity to deceit, lies and mindless hoot of empty pride and integrity haunts some leaders like the putrefying smell of rotten meat. Only in Nigeria, do some clergymen and prophets fake miracles and feign spiritual powers they do not possess.

Some Nigerian politicians have “strong rooms, or shrines” which house earthly deities in the fortress of Government Houses they retreat in supplication every day before retirement to bed. But in public glare, they grasshop from one church to another in pious haughtiness and artificialized portrait of saints. But to the clairvoyants, of course, they are saints and apostle of darkness. It reflects in their thoughts, words and actions.

In this clime, it’s extremely difficult to find leaders who accurately fit into the description of upright, selfless, conscionable, honest and truthful men and women with proven emblems of integrity. That they are scarce does not presuppose their total absence. But the subsisting and insurmountable problem is that such personalities of honour and integrity are very few in this clime.

And certainly, Rivers state Gov. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is the least option in this illumination of integrity. His records of political and public life in his home state of Rivers reeks with resentful odour and filth, the type that trails the credentials of ex-convicts. In Kenya, the great people of Masai have a proverb which says; “The night has ears.” But Wike is oblivious of this reality.

But before smuggling himself into national political limelight under the Jonathan Presidency, Gov. Wike had the reputation of a dreary and scary kingpin of armed political thug for various political masters in his home state. It was his license to prominence and ascension to leadership.

Its inexplicable, but some Nigerians believe in adorning persons with crooked backgrounds. It is Gov. Wike’s incontrovertible badge in public. He could be a saint in shrines before his earthly gods, but a valiant and an evil one in public estimation.

It was therefore, baffling where Gov. Wike got the moral strength and a conscience which bespeaks of integrity to the extent of scolding the institution of the Nigerian Military and directly, the venerated Nigerian Army in such profane diction in a church, directly or vicariously guilty, with blood stained hands.

The Ambede people of theDemocratic Republic of the Congo warned in an adage that “If you carry the egg basket do not dance.” Apparently, Gov. Wike has ignored this wisdom. So consistently, the Governor haughtily brandishes his piteously deprived integrity.

Gov. Wike mouthed on Sunday, January 12, 2019 at the Inter-denominational Church Service to mark Year 2020 this Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt that “It is unfortunate that the military has lost its integrity because of some unprofessional personnel. Nobody is afraid of the military because of their unprofessional conduct. Those who come to rig election or kill Rivers people, Heaven will never remember them.”

Incredible! Assuming Nigeria is not a country of polluted values, characters like Gov. Wike have no business near the corridors of power. Now for the same man to unconscionably poohpooh the professionalism and integrity of uniformed men and the Army or its leadership smacks of the proverbial pot calling the kettle black.

While delving into detailed antecedents of Gov. Wike’s pathetic past is wasteful and needless, a rewind of one or two incidents would really hint of the concealed persona in Gov. Wike. In 2015, during Wike’s permutations to grab power, he allegedly sponsored silent elimination of opponents in the state. Gov. Wike violently hijacked the 2014 PDP governorship primary in River state and crowned himself the party’s flagbearer for the 2015 guber polls.

This undemocratic act generated multi-layered controversies and crisis in the state. The then sitting President Goodluck Jonathan summoned a meeting with all the 15 rival aspirants’ to Wike, party stakeholders and chieftains at Lagacy House, Abuja, the headquarters of his 2015 Campaign Organization. Gov. Wike stunned Abuja residents when he stormed the venue of the meeting with armed thugs before the arrival of Dr. Jonathan. The seated guests were mercilessly tortured and scattered.

Wike’s struggle to grab power at all cost in 2015, orchestrated the violence and killings in 11 out of the 23 LGAs in the state. At least 19 persons were killed in Rivers state as revealed by the Prof. Chidi Odinkalu-led Rivers Commission of Inquiry set up by the then outgoing Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

The report ranked Rivers topmost in electoral violence and killings. The same scenario played out during the National and State Assembly rerun elections in the state, with Gov. Wike now as substantive Governor. And exasperated Odinkalu remarked, “It also shows how and why Rivers State and Nigeria must end impunity for political violence.” It was a tacit reference to Wike’s barbaric actions.

The Commission of Inquiry probed a total of 275 different violations centered on killings, injuries to persons, arsons and destructions. And from the suspected 236 alleged perpetrators identified in the course of testimonies, 120 named perpetrators were Gov. Wike’s staunch political thugs/supporters.

The same scenario repeated during the 2019 general elections in Rivers state, where Gov. Wike was desperately seeking for reelection. A short dossier of that elections indicated that a soldier and five other persons were killed; several others injured in the instigated violence that trailed the Presidential and National Assembly elections at Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers state.

A chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of Andoni LGA , Chief Mowan Etete, was killed alongside his elder brother and cousin in Asarama by suspected thugs of Gov. Wike; just as APC’s state Publicity Secretary, also Chris Finebone disclosed the cold blooded murder of the party’s ex-officio, Ignatius who was shot dead at Ajakaja Andoni by suspected thugs.

These are some of the many odd deals Gov. So, the Army or the APC could have masterminded the murder of their members? Wike and his supporters used every violent arsenal to either compromise or thwart the 2019 electoral process in the state. Security agents arrested top officials of Wike’s government and loyalists in possession of illegal and sensitive INEC electoral materials, as they were ferrying to secret places for massive thumbprinting.

That Gov. Wike’s mandate both in 2015 and 2019 have been confirmed by the courts based on Nigeria’s defective laws and justice system does not vitiate the fact that Gov. Wike is a serial election rigger or fraudster, who is savouring a mandate soaked in blood of the innocent. Where such a leader got the impetus to shout or feign integrity is the greatest tragedy of the democratic cum leadership experience in Nigeria.

Everyone is imagining what persuasions’ compelled Gov. Wike to mouth integrity crafted to mock the Nigerian Army. When did the word lose its genuine meaning to levels where dishonorable leaders like Gov. Wike plays basketful ball in its court? That’s why an African proverb says, “Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs.” Wike’s grandstanding is rooted in this African crack wisdom.

Like the Gambians say, “If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail.” Gov. Wike’s main problem in life is barren integrity and he feels every other person or institution suffers from his deformed morality and disfigured conscience.

What else does anybody expects from Wike who is perpetually at war with himself; at war with antigraft agencies and physically fights security agents, including the DSS? His deviation into the recent attack on the reputation of the Nigerian Army is a belated effort to salvage his battered image. It has failed and would continue to fail, unless he embarks on genuine self- reformation and internal cleansing.

And it is not something achieved by trick or such childish antics. The Ethiopians say, “You cannot build a house for last year’s summer,” and it will take Gov. Wike’s genuine efforts to erase his polluted past.

Cheryl Hugheswarns that “The truly scary thing about undiscovered lies is that they have a greater capacity to diminish us than exposed ones. They erode our strength, our self-esteem, our very foundation.” Sadly, Gov. Wike has found himself on such limiting humiliations in spite of his rise to leadership because his lies and hypocrisy are exposed. It’s an understandable nightmare for him of some sort!

But the Nigerian Army is consoled by the words of American novelist Frederick Douglass who said, “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” The Nigerian Army prefers to be true to itself, uphold its stainless integrity because like Stephen Covey; “Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.”

If Gov. Wike’s antagonism to these virtues is what he terms integrity, then the Nigerian Army should stay miles away from Wike's brand of integrity. It only exists in Wike’s thinking faculties and vocabulary.

Esele is a public affairs commentator and wrote this piece from Badagry, Lagos.

*Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks: CALSER mourns Nigerien troops, insists on UN global sanctions for France, other promoters of terrorism*


The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has grieved with the government and people of Niger Republic over the death of its troops, forthwith calling for a sanction on France and other sponsors of terrorism in Africa.

The group made this known at a candlelight procession held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on Tuesday night in honour of the slain Nigerien soldiers.

The Niger government declared a three-day of national mourning after 89 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base on Thursday.

Heavily armed militants invaded an army outpost in Chinagodrar in the country's west, near the border of Mali, prompting the country's president Mahamadou Issoufou to axe its Army Chief.

In a sober march, CALSER mourned with the Francophone nation and further raised the alarm about foreign entities backing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the continent.

CALSER’s convener Princess Ajibola, in her statement, blamed the United Nations for seemingly not doing enough to stop the subversive activities of countries that are sponsoring terrorists to destabilize Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

Ajobola singled out France, which routinely have been fingered to be behind terrorism in Africa, especially owing to the Lake Chad resources.


The group, therefore, called on the European nation and others “ eager to drown West Africa in blood to heed lest they take the larger ember of the fire they are stoking to their bosom”.

The group of Nigerians further besieged on the United Nations “ to remove their heads from the sand and stop playing the proverbial ostrich”.

In a situation where the UN doesn't take any action, CALSER advised authorities in Niger to bring the harshest repercussions yet upon the terrorists.

Read full statement below:

Lovers of humanity,
Permit us to begin this address by inviting us all to join in the observance of a moment of silence for the troops of Niger Republic who died in an operation against terrorists and over 100 persons from an attack on humanity. As we observe this moment of silence, let us also have in our thoughts the fallen heroes on our side of the border, Nigeria. Not to be left out are the innocent people that these depraved terrorists have targeted each time they are faced with the reality that the military of sovereign states shall always triumph over terrorists.

May God grant eternal rest to the departed gallant ones and give their relations the fortitude to bear the loss. As we stand with the people of Niger Republic as that nation marks a 3-day national mourning, let us be united in one prayers that evil no matter how long it takes can never overcome light.

The Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) may think they have done their worst through the attack on the troops leading to such casualty on the government side, but one is reassured that the soldiers inflicted an equally high casualty on the terrorists by killing 77 of them. All the lovers of humanity, those who abhor human suffering and the diminishing of the value of human live through acts of terrorism, see the attack as the continuation of the culture of cowardice for which the terrorists are well known. It is the strongest confirmation yet that the terrorists and their sponsors are scared stiff of the multinational alliance that has placed their ranks in disarray.


The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) sees the attack as the latest proof yet that there are foreign entities that have continued to support Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists with not just logistics, medications, food and weapons but have increased their support to make the straggling remnants of the terrorists to be needlessly deadly. We fear that the foreign interests have now added training and supply of intelligence to the terrorists, which led these troops having to pay the supreme price.


For this we place the blame squarely on the United Nations for not doing enough to stop the subversive activities of countries that are sponsoring terrorists to destabilize Nigeria and the rest of Africa even now that they have lost control of the demons they created, which has resulted in countries other than Nigeria being attacked on such a massive scale. We call on the decision makers in the United Nations to remove their heads from the sand and stop playing the proverbial ostrich. The problem that geo-strategic interests of certain countries have created in the Lake Chad Basin has grown from being Nigeria’s headache to be a West African regional nightmare. It is a matter of time before it becomes the death knell of the world and humanity in general if the United Nations continues to be a slave to the political correctness that has prevented it from intervening being decisive in coordinating world action against terrorism in the region.


We call on those that are eager to drown West Africa in blood to heed lest they take the larger ember of the fire they are stoking to their bosom. Of particular note is France whose activities in the Lake Chad Basin have been geared towards ensuring ascendancy for the terrorists. That country has persistently been linked to the terrorists’ weapon acquisition and other material support that they enjoy. There have been instances where France has passed funds to the terrorists under the guise of paying ransom for its abducted nationals in clear violation of the position of respectable nations that do not negotiate with terrorists.

France sees nothing wrong with terrorist financing neither does it have qualms about the logistics it provided being used to kill the troops of a sovereign nation that happens to be its former colony.

In the face of the deliberate arms wringing and purposeful inaction on the part of the United Nations, we urge the authorities in Niger to bring the harshest repercussions yet upon the terrorists. They should be taught the lesson they have refused to learn that their being sociopath does not in any way lessen the value of the life of humans particularly those that have volunteered themselves in the service of their nation.

They should be dealt with in a way that they will refuse to lend themselves as merchant of death for immoral foreign interests.

The Republic of Niger should have also learnt it lessons now that allowing the terrorists to find safe haven in its territory after successive attacks on Nigeria is both a threat and danger to not only Nigeriens but the rest of Africa. The Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists are akin to wild animal, at best feral species, that cannot be treated as domestic breeds. The death they dealt to others must now be visited on them with an intensity that will reassure the civilian population that they will be safe from the terrorists. Also, the gallant troops that died should not be allowed to have died in vain.


CALSER appeals to the Nigerian Military to prepare a befitting reception for the terrorists that will soon be attempting to escape the consequences of their indiscretion in killing the Nigerien troops. Any terrorist attempting to escape from Niger should be made to realize the mistake of their way as such murderers should arrive into hails of bullets. We must not allow them to have one hour of rest before being dispatched to the great beyond to answer for the sins they have committed against humanity.

*Stop this dance of shame, Wike warned over attempt to demonize Nigerian Army's integrity on Armed Forces Remembrance Day*

Following scathing remarks in the build up to the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Niger- Delta Change Ambassadors Forum (NDCAF) has warned Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to desist from any further attempt to demonise the Nigerian Army.

The South-South based group gave this reprimand at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday to address what it described as “the unholy dance on the grave of Nigerian fallen heroes by Governor Wike”.

During a church service on Sunday to mark this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor downplayed the contributions of the gallant troops, especially at the last polls.

However, the Niger-Delta Change Ambassadors advised public office holders such as the Governor Wike, to desist from statements that are capable of causing disaffection in the polity.

In a statement signed by President, Comrade Asamowei Ebiakpo, the group believes Wike's comment is a attempt to cause an unholy distraction in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria.

According to them, the governor is still pained by the Army's resolute stance and timely intervention at the last general elections in Rivers state, without which the state would have erupted in violence.

The Niger- Delta Change Ambassadors Forum, therefore, advised Mr Wike to show respect for apolitical institutions such as the Nigerian Army, whose constitutional mandate requires that the territorial integrity of the country is preserved at all times.

The group added that the timing of his utterances is an indication that Mr Wike is ungrateful for the sacrifices of the gallant troops and he is indeed dancing on the graves of Nigeria’s fallen heroes .

Read full statement below:

I welcome you all to this important gathering that was occasioned by the remark by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, labeling the Nigerian Army as an organization without integrity.

This press conference is necessary to put issues in proper perspective and to advise public office holders such as the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to desist from statements that are capable of causing disaffection in the polity.

The Niger-Delta Change Ambassadors Forum is alarmed that a governor of a state that is meant to rise above board in national issues, has decided to condescend to an unenviable height in an attempt to score cheap political points.

We wish to state that Governor Nyesom Wike’s statement on the Nigerian Army lacking integrity is not just of poor taste, but also an attempt to cause an unholy distraction in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria.

Governor Nyesom Wike must admit that his major grouse with the Nigerian Army is its resolute stance and timely intervention in the 2019 general elections in Rivers state, without which the state would have erupted in violence due to the planned activities of his political thugs that were mobilized to wreak havoc on innocent and unarmed citizens in the state.

This undeniable fact is mainly responsible for the bulk of the uncomplimentary remarks on the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army during and after the general elections of 2019 by Governor Nyesom Wike.

The Niger Delta Change Ambassadors Forum wishes to state that while it is within the constitutional provisions of the Governor to comment on national issues, it is also sacrosanct that he realizes that he ought to be guided by decorum, first as a citizen of Nigerian that is bounded by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and secondly as the Governor of a State in Nigeria.

A situation where caution is thrown into the wind is unacceptable and calls for concern from all well-meaning Nigerians that are desirous of the continued growth and development of the country.

Governor Nyesom Wike must at all times show respect for apolitical institutions such as the Nigerian Army, whose constitutional mandate requires that the territorial integrity of Nigeria is preserved at all times.

Governor Nyesom Wike must be reminded that he is also bonded by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be circumspect in his public conduct at all times and all situations in the overall interest of the country.

To choose such an auspicious occasion as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to vent his frustrations and his ill manners is a display of Governor Nyesom Wike’s ingratitude to the sacrifices of our fallen heroes who gave their lives for the unity of our great country.

We wish to state that this is indeed an exhibition of the deep hatred that Governor Nyesom Wike has had for the Nigerian Army from time immemorial due to his aggressive and despicable brand of politics.

The Niger Delta Change Ambassadors Forum is tempted to state that the numerous atrocities of Governor Nyesom Wike might be the driving force behind its irrationality in his public conduct in recent times. Most probably, the blood of innocent Rivers people that he sacrificed in the actualization of his political ambition is haunting him and would continue to haunt him until he desists from such despicable behaviors.

The Niger Delta Change Ambassadors Forum wishes to state that Governor Nyesom Wike’s statement against the Nigerian Army is indeed dancing on the graves of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

We wish to, at this point, encourage members of the general public to always view with a pinch of salt statements emanating from Governor Nyesom Wike and his cronies for lacking in merit and still not in the national interest, but selfish interest.

*Armed Forces Remembrance: Wike would have spilled more blood if not Army - Group*

The Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) has suggested that there would have been massive blood bath in Rivers State during the last elections if not for the presence of the military.

The group believes Governor Nyesom Wike would have had a filled day and spilled more blood had the gallant troops not been on ground in the oil-rich state.

GGAC made this assertion at a press conference on Monday in Abuja in reaction to the governor's utterances ahead of this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Mr Wike, at a church service on Sunday, accused the military of “unprofessional” conduct during the last polls and proceeded to urge Nigerians not to throng out to celebrate the 2020 Armed Forces Day.

However in a statement signed by convener, Comrade John Odusote, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre rubbished the governor who they claim hired political thugs to rig the ballot, leading to bloodshed.

According to Mr Odusote, more blood would have been spilled if not for the brave and uncompromising Nigerian Army personnel on ground during the exercise.

The fact that Mr Wike made such utterances in a church, the group believes, is an indication that he is troubled by the innocent souls he destroyed or wasted to acquire political power.

The GGAC, therefore, described his call on Nigerians to snub the sacrifices of “noble and selfless men and women as well as the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Military” as “ absolutely hollow and meaningless noise”.

Read full statement below:

Compliments of the season, as the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and active crusaders for public progress and good governance in Nigeria. We also wish you a blissful year freed from the sickening entanglements of the preceding years.


GGAC has observed that Nigerians have kicked-started the week-long activities for the 2020-Armed Forces Remembrance Day throughout the federation since last week with Friday Prayers in mosques and inter-denominational church services. The activities would round-up this week, with the customary laying of writ on the tomb of the unknown soldier, a proud and reflectively solemn national event in all ramifications.

However, in a deliberate, premeditated, absurd actions and incoherently reckless utterances, Rivers state Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in his characteristic manner of farcical grandstanding, erraticism and empty ego attempted to discolour the shine and reverence of this patriotic and solemn national culture of commemorating our fallen heroes and heroines and also, celebrating those still in active service in protecting and defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our dear country, Nigeria.

We viewed with angst and dismay, a speech last Sunday, January 12, 2019 during an Inter-denominational Church Service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, which went viral on both traditional media and social media platforms, credited to Gov. Wike, in which the Governor ignored his shameful moral baggage and undemocratic conduct by unconscionably questioning the professionalism of uniformed men and by extension, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

After profusely acknowledging the Nigerian Military in curbing the threatening armed criminal activities of kidnappers, cultists, insurgents and armed robbers in the country generally, Gov. Wike in his usual senseless arrogance proceeded to urge Nigerians not to throng out to celebrate the 2020 Armed Forces Day, alleging involvement of the military in electoral heist in the 2019 general elections.

We wish to state unequivocally that no Nigerian Governor or leader anywhere has indulged in such bizarre conduct and utterances like Gov. Wike consistently demonstrates in his contorted piousness and deceptions of some gullible Nigerians.

Gov. Wike so shamelessly mouthed on the internationally revered Nigerian Military that; “It is unfortunate that the military has lost its integrity because of some unprofessional personnel. Nobody is afraid of the military because of their unprofessional conduct. Those who come to rig election or kill Rivers people, Heaven will never remember them.”

There is no modicum of doubt that Gov. Wike is sustainably haunted by the innocent blood of his kit and kin he massively murdered in cold blood to ascend the leadership of the state in 2015, beginning with his party- the PDP’s primary elections to the actual governorship ballot. And the records are clear and in public domain for all Nigerians to verify.

We are aghast with Gov. Wike’s recent outbursts concerning the 2019 general elections in River state, wherein he accused the Nigerian Military of complicity in rigging the ballot. But the reverse is the case. It is a known and indisputable fact that Gov. Wike drafted top appointees of his Government including commissioners and hired political thugs to rig the ballot for him and the PDP.

Wike and his goons would have spilled more blood had the Nigerian Army personnel on Election Duty shirked from their responsibility of protecting the electoral process and the sanctity of the ballot box. And indeed, that was the experience, anywhere his hired merchants of death through election rigging escaped the eagle eyes of security agents. They killed massively.

GGAC emphasizes that it was the Nigerian Army which actively frustrated the multi-layered plots of Gov. Wike and his armed brigades with their vigilance in River state. Each time there is an election in Rivers state, Wike persistently turns the state into a theatre of war, blood and sorrows. It has earned the state the unenviable epaulet of “Rivers of Blood,” by the Nigerian media.

With the latest utterances’, it’s clear that Gov. Wike is not only haunted by the blood of the innocent, but tormented by spirits of his slain brothers and sisters in the state, which he viciously gunned down in the demonic quest to grab state power at all cost.

Perhaps, Gov. Wike is demented to a fault; if not outright and calculative executive mischief. Or else, we wonder how Gov. Wike would have forgotten so soon the incidents during the 2019 general elections. The Governor personally or through his close aides made covert and public attempts to bribe and influence soldiers on Election Duty, which the apolitical, neutral, unbiased and professional officers rejected severally?

Could Gov. Wike in truth tell or deny to Nigerians that in the days preceding the February 23, 2019, Presidential and National Assembly elections and even on the day of elections, his henchmen were not arrested in different parts of Rivers state in possession of unapproved electoral materials?

Can Wike hold his head in high esteem as a leader and refute the standing fact that troops deployed to safeguard INEC sensitive materials at CBN branch Port Harcourt, on election eve and that these covert operators did not attempt to bribe and induce the soldiers?

Were his hatchet men, comprising Major A.P. Ubah and some policers namely, DSP Oyoku Ifelle (Camp Commandant, Rivers State Government House), Sergeant Akanu Garba , Inspector Hyacinth Oboi and Sergeant Nketan Chucks, not arrested by a team of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division Headquarters over attempts by Gov. Wike’s proxies and cronies to bribe them to release sensitive electoral materials to electoral undertakers?

After investigations, the suspects who approached the soldiers on duty in a Range Rover belonging to the DSP, ostensibly led by the Camp Commandant Rivers State Government House, the suspects had various incriminating items in their possession such as the sum of N2.25million; INEC 2019 electoral tags and customized Rivers State Government House brown envelopes. And the sum of N500,000 (five hundred thousand) was also found in the Toyota vehicle of Major A.P. Ubah and just like, the multiple other confessions aligned to the actions of a coordinated syndicate assigned to rig the elections?

Furthermore, and in good conscience, Can Gov. Wike disclaim that on Saturday, February, 23rd 2019, a member of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Opokri Wanaka, in company of Dr. Reason Onya Williams, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development paid unscheduled visit to troops camp at Akinima and sought to see the Commander of the troops at the location? And and upon meeting him, offered the officer some amount of money, but it was rejected? What was the experience of the troops at Mbiama Bridge, when a white Hilux vehicle with Rivers State Government Reg No. L02-03 RV RIVERS and eight occupants was halted for a search?

The soldiers discovered to their consternation a carton and two bundles of INEC 2019 presidential election ballot papers in the vehicle. Later investigations disclosed that none of the six occupants were neither INEC permanent nor adhoc staff or even security agents. What does Gov. Wike want Nigerians to believe? Is it that State Assembly member, Hon. Okpokri Wanaka, his commissioner, Dr. Onya Williams, Gov.Wike and others were both organizers and participants in the elections?

When has it become lawful for serving state governors to usurp the functions of INEC to deploy staff in an election as demonstrated by Gov. Wike severally? Why was it expedient for Wike to put a call to the officer who arrested Okpokri and his team of election riggers?

But in his usual bullying style and grandstanding on his senseless and defence of dubious actions, Gov. Wike was miffed and barked, claiming, it was wrong for security agents to parade state government officials who were on election duty. By implication, it confirmed the grandeur rigging Wike and his team unleashed on the 2019 general elections in the state. Why was Wike’s commissioner found in possession of electoral materials? The later denials were belated attempts to save his face, which had already been rubbed with mud and his integrity impugned.

Angrily, he claimed, “The army cannot be a judge in their matter. You cannot parade officials on legal electoral duties. You cannot change the narrative. They have violated all known laws.” But the question is that were the Wike’s arrested aides’ part of INEC staff in an election they assigned themselves the unlawful job of secretly ferrying materials to some destinations without INEC staff or approval? This is the reasoning of a power-drunk and someone who rode to power with a known reputation of a political thug, who believes everything must work in his favour by hook or crook.

The unholy invasion of the electoral process in 2019 by Gov. Wike, evident in incidents of bribes and violence to influence the outcome, spared no one. Nigerians can testify how a group by the identity, “UK Matters Most,” led by the convener, Mr. James Moore, stormed #10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace as well as the Westminster Parliament all in London, in protests demanding that the Prime Minister must initiate action over allegations that Gov. Wike bribed British consular officials.

The group accused Gov. Wike of bribing consulate staff in British High Commission office, Abuja concerned with election duty with the sum of $1 million to prepare, twist and stamp a false and misleading information on conduct of the polls in Rivers state. Gov. Wike may wish, but cannot erase these glaring evidences of complicity in destroying the sanity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

Nigerians must know that Gov. Wike is a dangerous character and his pursuit of power at all cost is strewn with satanic machinations perpetually. So, blood and arsons or whoever it affects does not prick Wike’s conscience, insofar as the end justifies the means, the Machiavellian style.

A Governor with such rotten records of electoral heist, killings and bloodletting in his quest for power cannot under normal circumstances, be bold enough to attempt to ridicule an institution like the Nigerian military; particularly, the Nigerian Army and its leadership of corrupting an electoral process. Rather the military, saved and rescued the system from the devilish machinations and destructions’ of power broods like Gov. Wike and his cahoots.

Therefore, the public proclamation of Gov. Wike during the 2020-Armed Forces Day in a Port Harcourt church and on sacred altars of God Almighty is indication that the Governor is troubled by the innocent souls he destroyed or wasted to acquire political power in the presence of God Himself. It is sacrilegious enough.

And calling on Nigerians not to celebrate these noble and selfless men and women as well as the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Military is absolutely hollow and meaningless noise. We know, Nigerians have consigned to the trashcan. Nigeria’s democracy must be saved from sinister political hawks and power monks like Gov. Wike.

It unfortunate that Gov. Wike doesn't even know when it is time to play politics and a time for governance. As a man enjoying a repeated stolen mandate gotten with the blood of Rivers people, he should savour the crooked victory quietly rather than playing the ostrich.

The only way Gov. Wike can assuage the pains of Rivers people is to concentrate on delivering good governance to the people. But the resort to hurling meaningless and useless darts, in the hope of defraying the spirits of innocent souls haunting him is no panacea to it. It only demonstrates that the relentless spirits of Wike’s victims are driving him to an irrecoverable madness.

Gov. Wike may wish to retreat into his shell and ponder deeply; genuinely atone for his sins and beg forgiveness from the people for his violent crimes against his own people before the day of reckoning hits him hard. Its pointless seeking sensational escape by blaming the Nigerian Military through such reckless utterances. Clinging to his current disposition now is one sure step to his final perdition.

Thank you all for your audience.

By David Onmeje

Wonders shall indeed never end in Nigeria. We are in a clime where careless statements are issued without minding the consequences of such statements on the psychological and physical state of the people. In this case, a situation where a governor of a state is as careless as the average meat seller in the market speaks volumes of the calibre of persons that occupy public offices in Nigeria.

As a start, I do not think Governor Nyesom Wike is eminently qualified to speak on issues surrounding integrity. I say this because history is replete with acts of his that are unheard of in terms of morality, respect for human dignity, respect for the rule of law, respect for the people, and as well as respect for the constituted authorities in the country. For Nyesom Wike, it has been a life of absolute disregard for societal norms and values.

The recent statement credited to Nyesom Wike stating that the Nigerian Army has lost its integrity is, in my opinion made in poor taste and meant for mischief purposes. Unsurprisingly, I could not come to terms with his posturing given the fact that the occasion where he made those scathing remarks was at a church service marking the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

His utterances were definitely not in line with the aim of the day, and I can bet that the presiding pastors would have felt ashamed that the governor had turned their auditorium into a campaign arena to get back at those whom he perceives as political opponents. And for strange reasons, the Nigerian Army is one of those Governor Nyesom Wike has chosen to disparage for inexplicable reasons.

I must add that if all governors in Nigeria carry on like the governor of Rivers state, then Nigeria can be conveniently labeled a banana republic because he represents all that should not be in governance. My curiosity with Wike's bias against the Nigerian Army took me to the conduct of the 2019 gubernatorial elections in River state where he roundly and unintelligently accused the then General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Rivers of all sorts of crime just because the GOC refused his bidding during the elections.

This much was discovered when the GOC went public to state that indeed Governor Nyesom Wike made overtures to him in an attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Having failed in this regard, a heavily funded slander campaign was launched against the Nigerian Army in a puerile attempt at painting the organization as lacking in integrity, while in truth, the one lacking in integrity is the governor who is known as a serial election fraudster from his days as the chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

I must add that I am still at a loss as to why Governor Nyesom Wike is so bent on dragging the reputation of the Nigerian Army in the mud. It would have made some sense if the accuser in question is a man of integrity himself. But a situation where the word integrity has no meaning in his dictionary leaves more to be imagined. For governor Wike, life is war. He is at war with virtually everything, including the way he speaks, as evident in his recent diatribe against the Nigerian Army.

I am tempted to state that Governor Nyesom Wike might be experiencing some form of internal disorders that is known to just a few people around him, hence his erratic behaviors. Little wonder why he is at war with himself? Little wonder why he is at war with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), little wonder why his approach to issues is laced with erratic misadventures.

Let me state this in unequivocal terms that this recent attempt by Governor Nyesom Wike at painting the Nigerian Army in bad light is yet, another failed attempt in his book of catastrophe, where the Nigerian Army occupies virtually all the chapters for refusing to do his bidding in compromising the integrity of the general elections in Rivers state.

Just maybe to Governor Nyesom Wike, integrity is about saying what is untrue in order to mislead the members of the unsuspecting general public. Integrity is also when morals are sacrificed at the altar of selfish and personal aggrandizement. Integrity is when a dog is given a bad name to hang it. All of these are tenets of integrity according to the dictionary of Governor Nyesom Wike.

I would also like to use this medium to advise Governor Nyesom Wike on the need for him to urgently retrace his steps in his campaign of slander against the Nigerian Army. This is on the heels that it is common knowledge that his grouse with the Nigerian Army stems from the insistence of its commanders to be on the side of truth and national interest.

Governor Nyesom Wike must retrace his steps and desist from insulting our sensibilities with his diatribe against the Nigerian Army. Unless he wants to pretend he is not aware of the fact that the Nigerian Army is actively engaged in operations around the country simultaneously. Therefore, this distraction is highly unnecessary and should be discontinued in the interest of peace and tranquility. The Nigerian Army does not fit into Governor Nyesom Wike's definition of integrity. And it would be in their best interest to stay away from Wike's integrity mantra.


Onmeje wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

By Peter Otene

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." ---Theodore Roosevelt
 
It is absolute trite repeating the visible and unassailably signposted positive impacts of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari on combating Boko Haram insurgency and its Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorist’s booster in Nigeria. It is clear-sighted enough that despite the odds stacked against the conclusive prosecution of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen TY Buratai has sustained its determination to defeat, rather than being defeated by the terrorists.

Anywhere one encounters Nigerian soldiers either on the battlefield or by the roadside, in the Northeast, they exude passionate, courageous and irrevocable spirit of certainty in finally subjugating the evil tormenting Nigerians. Sometimes, even in video clips from the Northeast theatre of the war, released intermittently on social media, Nigerians sight soldiers jubilantly displaying acts of gallantry, when they triumph over Boko Haram insurgents. More penetrating is seeing troops fighting and caring for the old and young; children and women who are most times rescued from the terrorists and even administering oral polio vaccine as a first step to living a normal life again.
It is representatively symbolic of general excitements and the humane reflection of troops in the frontlines to show rare kindness and love. It inspires and assures of the troops’ anticipated last victory against Boko Haram at the cost of anything, including sacrificing their lives.


Today, Nigerian soldiers anxiously look forward to that hour with eagerness; the day they would be feted with garlands as heroes and heroines of counter-terrorism globally. The meekness and affection of troops towards those they fight for can only be found in rare cases and only amongst the Nigerian troops confronting the insurgents.
 
Leader of the counter-insurgency operations and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. TY Buratai has effectively worked on the hedgy psyche of troops in confronting terrorists on the battlefield. Nigerian soldiers are no longer the previously known demoralized lot, which flinched in the frontlines in the face of danger. Nigerian soldiers have no cause to again protest against lawful directives from their commanders or freely indulge in mutiny against superiors because of the injustice in the system, which also gravely affected their welfare. The narrative is discernibly not the same. 

Media reports recount that from September to December 2014 alone, Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers faced Court Martial at different times on charges of mutiny over the counter-terrorism war in the Northeast. Sadly, many were convicted for mutiny and were jailed for various terms or even sentenced to death. Sometimes, expositions on such unfortunate incidents in Nigeria’s years of counter-terrorism combats preceding the Buhari Presidency are hotly disputed or challenged with a partisan flavor by some Nigerians.

But a report in the BBC News anchored by Ross Will, published on September 16,  2014 stated that 12 Nigerian soldiers “… have been sentenced to death for mutiny and attempted murder after shots were fired at their commanding officer in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri in May… Front-line troops often complain that they lack adequate weapons and equipment, while there have also been reports that they have not been paid or properly fed.”
The Guardian (online) published on same date, reported that “Demoralized soldiers have told the Associated Press that they are outgunned by the insurgents, frequently are not paid in full, and feel abandoned on the battlefield, left without enough ammunition or food. Endemic corruption in Nigeria means millions of dollars budgeted for the fight against the extremists goes missing.”


And in another report by the Independent (Online) by James Rush dated December 18, 2014 also chronicled such mutinies and convictions of 54 soldiers for refusing to battle Boko Haram insurgency. The report served the world the same nauseating narrative bordering on welfare of soldiers.
It said; “Troops regularly complain they are outgunned by the militant group, while some have also claimed they were not paid in full or were "abandoned" on the battlefield without enough ammunition or food.”
Apparently, the Nigerian Government and Military authorities of the time, probably never heard the voice of William Lyon Mackenzie King, a Canadian politician who once clamoured that;  “If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.”

Our country was embarrassed with a dozen of such ugly incidents of mutiny or withdrawal from the battlefront in the face of menacing enemies before the Buhari Presidency. It manifested mainly because the welfare of soldiers, and even troops on the battlefield in the Northeast was largely ignored and neglected. It created the atmosphere for the expression of rampant mutinies and its damning negative effects on the counter-insurgency operations.   
But Gen. Buratai has acted differently as a leader and soldier who knows the pains of soldering and the inescapable reality  of placing premium on soldiers welfare, as Sidney Sheldon, famed American novelist contemplated thus; “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.
The principle of welfare of soldiers and troops is a two-pronged approach. It is undeniably welfare, that is prompt payment of salaries /allowances and special interest in their families. And secondly, the provision of adequate and sophisticated fighting equipment for soldiers to protect the people and themselves in the battlefield.
Gen. Buratai has remedied both problems since becoming the helmsman of the Nigerian Army, by elevating soldiers’ welfare with an unbeatable attention and focus. He religiously sticks to Army’s welfare remuneration packages as stipulated by extant laws.  Salaries are paid promptly, and same for allowances, which are paid fully to soldiers and troops in the Northeast or those elsewhere within Nigeria, on special assignments.

It is a rewarding departure from the tradition of the past and reason troops on the frontlines are voluntarily goaded to extra-miles and into the deepest valleys with him in the counter-terrorism wars for the past four years. The psychologocal impact of this welfare is now being reflected in the troops. They have learnt to be humane towards those they fight with their lives to protect.
The successes recorded by the Army under Gen. Buratai are incalculable and proudly commendable because of this simple commitment.  
The Army Chief frequently visits troops at various locations to either supervise or celebrate special festivities like Sallah, Christmas/New Year with troops.
An anonymous thinker hints about the secret of loyal followership by stressing that "To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a special heart that listens."  Another anonymous author espouses this same idea by saying, “Empathy is the most important leadership skill needed today!”
So, all the times, when Gen. Buratai visits troops, he dusts his toga of a boss and descends to the level of freely interacting even with the least junior Army Personnel during bonfire carnivals for the celebrations. The Army Chief has convened several open parleys with troops in the Northeast. Through such fora, he listens to personal problems of troops, even those concerning their families and instantly acts on them. No subordinates would like to disappoint a leader who exhibits such leadership empathy, mien and actions as one finds in the COAS.     
  
Gen. Buratai treats every soldier like his personal child. He follows them to the warfront; fights with them in the trenches and offers assistance to all indiscriminately. He ensures troops are not deprived of anything, even if it means sleeping on the open corridors of the Presidential Villa to get the attention and approval of the Commander-In- Chief, President Buhari.
It is one of the secrets of Gen. Buratai’s winning formulae against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, who are fruitlessly, very desperate to reverse the gains.


Buratai  is a living library of Congress on the art of asymmetric warfare and counter-terrorism. He knows the antics and how to extract his targeted results. His bag of strategies and tactics, cannot be exhausted in a single write-up. But welfare of soldiers has been a major influencer and energizer of troops for his successes as anti-terrorism Chief in Nigeria. Most importantly, an average Nigerian soldier today cares because he has a leadership that cares about him and his family.

Probably, let the rest of Nigerians ruminate about what American politician, Kirsten Gillibrand said about the Armed Forces of his country; “The brave men and women who have served - and those who continue to serve - our armed forces have selflessly sacrificed for our nation, and we owe it to them to provide the best services and protections available when they're overseas and after they return home.”.

Otene is a humanitarian worker based in Maiduguri.

By: David Onmeje

Until state creation propelled by the crave for rapid development, thrusted the balkanization knife into the old Anambra state to birth a fresh Enugu state, the coal city was the heart of South-eastern Nigeria. It bubbled with commerce and industry, which spilled into other cities of the region.
Enugu state would remain a bride to be courted by every South-east man or woman for many generations to come. Every one who presides over the state, attempts to answer to its multiple developmental needs. But the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has dispensed exceptional leadership as the political leader of the state in the last four and a half years.
His leadership is unique as can be attested to by his numerous achievements. Ugwuanyi was entrusted with public service at a time Nigeria was seeping through sickening and frustrating economic woes and multifaceted challenges.

At the occasion of the 2019 Democracy Day held at Okpara Square in Enugu, which Gov. Ugwuanyi dubbed, “Festival of Gratitude and Praise,” the Governor confirmed that ; “The laudable goals we have achieved appeared impossible at that time owing to the realities on ground: huge debt profile of the state pressing down our neck and huge salaries and pension arrears confronting us.” But Ugwuanyi’s dispensation of genuine leadership in austere times has singled him out prominently as a prudent manager of both human and economic resources; a visionary and grassroots leader. His scorecard in the last few years has somewhat become a national anthem, recited in the nooks and crannies of the state by people savoring his leadership ingenuity and reputable organizations alike.
Are Ugwuanyi’s transformational efforts in Enugu state really deserving of such loud eulogies? Of course, the verifiable evidence supports such exciting assertions for a Governor who started the journey in May 2015 and celebrated with the epaulet of “Gburugburu” by his people. He articulated the vision of his administration on a four-point agenda, clarified as employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and social justice.

It is understandable that there is a culture by Nigerians to dispute the achievements of their leaders because of the proclivity to deceit. But Gov. Ugwuanyi gets his accolades beyond the borders of the state and from reputable organizations which silently scrutinize his government’s performance. A mid-2019 report by the National Bureau of Statistics named Enugu state as one of the six states in Nigeria, which recorded the highest net gains in full-time employment between 2017 and 2018 with a figure of 122,333.

Enugu state under Gov. Ugwuanyi is also rated by the Financial Derivatives Company as one of Nigeria’s Most Financially Stable States with Lagos and Kano states. This accolade is in an era where most states loudly bemoan economic crunch.
Further testimony of Ugwuanyi’s commendable performance preceding the encouraging reports came from a World Bank Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria report. It decorated Enugu State as the third best state to start a business in Nigeria after Abuja and Lagos, as the Governor pursued his dream of activating Enugu as a recognizable economic hub in the country through investor-friendly policies.

Therefore, these feats were not attained by mere wish, but through meticulous planning, prudence and beneficial application of resources. To get himself financially armed for the enormous challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi had to change the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from its poor earnings to an appreciable level of generation and remittance to support development initiatives.
His reforms overhauled the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which jerked up the IGR from a paltry N14 billion in 2016 to N18.4 billion and to a record N22 billion in 2017. Enugu state’s internal revenue generation performance was ranked among the best 10 in the country by BudgIT, a civil group that advocates transparency in governments’ earnings and expenditure. And the inauguration of the Enugu State Ease of Doing Business Council early 2018 smoothened the path, as the Governor untied the knots that initially slowed down transactions.

His faithful implementation of the reforms compelled the recognition of Enugu state among the five states in the federation to earn Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards 2019.
After creating a favorable business environment, Gov. Ugwuanyi pursued his dream for a boisterous economy and rewarding investments for Enugu state. He organized the first Enugu State Economic Summit in history. It was branded ‘Oganiru’ and attracted the in-flow of investors far and near to the state.

The people are already savouring the benefits noticeable in the completion of the HELIU Estate project in Enugu and the Dragon Market in Dubai modelled Lion Business Park, a PPP arrangement between the Enugu State Government and a Chinese Investment Company, erected on an expansive land. And to further animate the socio-economic environment, work on the abandoned Enugu International Conference Centre is nearing completion. This edifice which was abandoned by the past administration when completed is capable of hosting international events including global summits for Heads of government from any part of the world.

Quite impressively, Gov. Ugwuanyi did not embezzle or divert the improved IGR unlike his predecessors who turned same into an ATM machine for family use. There were months same was used to pay salaries and pensions of workers, which is permanently fixed for 23rd of every month even before the federal allocation hits the account of the state.

Interestingly, the Governor commits whatever allocation accrued to the state to massive rural transformation. Ugwuanyi’s passion for rural dwellers, whom he fetes as the “the true heroes of democracy” because of consistent neglect and obscurity from government patronage is legendary. It is very heart-warming to see how the administration sought to change the narrative in order to put smiles on their faces.
Therefore, his administration has completed the construction of urban and rural roads projects spanning over 300 kilometers. It has enhanced intra and inter-state connection of the people, much as maintenance of infrastructures erected by past administrations became a prime policy of his administration.
The Governor has uniquely touched the hearts of the people of Nkanu West LGA, by constructing the Agbani-Amurri road, this was a community that was once condemned to neglect by both the federal and state government for over 100 years. Similarly, the people of Akpugo zone for the first time since the creation of Enugu state are enjoying the first government project in their community with the newly constructed Ogonogoeji-Ndiagu-Akpugo road from the point of Atavu Bailey Bridge to Afor Onovo.

The Governor has also flagged -off the construction of four rural roads in the state at the cost of about N1 billion and covering over 100 kilometres .

Moreover, Gov. Ugwuanyi has taken the notch higher in roads construction by awarding contracts worth N2.4 billion for six major roads. It also covers the historic 35 years deplorable Eha-Amufu-Nkalagu federal road at Isi-Uzo LGA among others. This gesture remains a day dream to the people as the community did not have the usual big wigs to influence any development to their region until the divine coming of Ugwuanyi.

To further assuage the years of pains of neglect of rural dwellers in the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi initiated the “Choose-Your-Project” (CYP) policy and the Visit Every Community (VEC) programme, (VECP) schemes . The programmes allow key stakeholders in each of the 17 local government areas in the state to identify priority projects of choice worth N100 million and N10 million respectively for government to execute in their domains. He has kept faith in this covenant with the people and over 35 development projects have been executed under the CYP; while VECP has over N5 billion already disbursed to communities in answer to this special rural intervention. That his administration has committed about N45 billion into road construction in the state is not news; the real excitement is the practical evidences of expending such monies dotting every part of the state. It is impossible to embark on a 10 minute drive without coming in contact with at least three of these fabulous engagements to demonstrate that Enugu is indeed in God’s hands.

The state capital, Enugu has received a fair share of the “Gburugburulisation” as a visit at night will convince anyone that Dubai is indeed real and possible in Nigeria and just to ensure that it competes with other world cities in terms of world class infrastructure and facilities.
Gov. Ugwuanyi has installed 25-units of 60 KVA and 10 units of 200 KVA generating sets to power street lights in the metropolis. Cleanliness they say is next to godliness, the God-fearing leader has complemented the efforts of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) by constituting a special task force to arrest the menace of indiscriminate waste-disposal to restore the scenic aesthetics of the coal city.

It is therefore apt to add that his administration has also launched the programme of continuous road maintenance in Enugu metropolis christened “Operation Zero Potholes” and the Enugu Clean Team Project as part of measures to enforce urban renewal and cleanliness of Enugu city. There is no doubt that these are yielding the much desired dividend as the potholes are fast vanishing away. The urban renewal initiatives are working to specifications, as the committee on Enugu State Urban Renewal is always at work to closely monitor and supervise the total implementation of the initiative.

The people of Enugu state have described Ugwuanyi’s passion for safety of lives and property as exceptional. His inauguration of the Security/Neigbourhood Watch Endowment Fund and the Enugu State Justice Reform Team (ESJRT) to work favorably on his defined terms and results. Many citizens and residents have very good testimonies to Ugwuanyi’s credit as not only a man of peace but a peacemaker and lover of peace to a fault.

A civil servant, Mr. Mike Uzoh emphatically says, Enugu state is comparatively peaceful as incidents of ritual killings, banditry, insurgency and other such armed criminalities have considerably reduced in the various communities of the state. He said, under Ugwuanyi, the “The case of kidnapping has only been heard once or twice,” in the state.
A commercial bus driver, Mr. Ejike Obieyem collaborates it as he asserts, “You can bear me witness on the population of persons and vehicles on our major roads, market areas, banks, churches, mosques, among others. People are really coming into Enugu to settle down with their families as a result of insecurity in their former states and stations.”

There is no doubt that Gov. Ugwuanyi has etched his name on the sands of time, as a Governor whose vision has sighted Enugu as an African version of Dubai and is working assiduously to consummate this reality.

Onmeje is a public affairs analyst based in the United Kingdom. onmejedavid@outlook.com

*Arch- Bishop, inter-faith group lauds PMB on war against insurgency, religious tolerance*

.... impressed with President's appointments in security and economy

Pentecostal Arch-Bishop of South- South, Dr. Julius Ediwe, has showered praises on President Muhammadu Buhari for remarkable successes recorded in the war against insurgency and religious tolerance among various groups across the country.

Dr. Ediwe who is also the Grand Patron of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisation for Peace spoke on behalf of the group in a press conference on Wednesday.

In his speech titled “Saluting the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against terrorism and religious tolerance in Nigeria”, the cleric reckoned that Christian and Muslim co-existing peacefully regardless of religious and ethnic affiliations over the years is the handiwork of Mr President.

He added that since President Buhari assumed leadership in 2015, the country has become more united and focused amidst the myriads of challenges and evil permutations confronting it.

Dr. Ediwe, on behalf of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups, lauded the effort of President Buhari and urged him to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The respected preacher pointed out some critical sectors, such as the “leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele”.

According to the clergy, Nigeria never witnessed such transformation as experienced under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dr. Ediwe, however, urged those that are bent on causing disaffection in the country to support the current administration and spend more time interceding for President Buhari.

Read full address below:

I bring Calvary greetings to you all under the auspices of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace in Nigeria.

This press conference could not have come at a better time than now in appreciation of the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that our great country Nigeria is indeed placed on the enviable path of progress as evident in critical sectors in the country such as security and religious tolerance amongst the various religions in the country.

As you may be aware, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace are in the vanguard of promoting peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various religious groups in Nigeria. We are more than anything else committed to seeing a united, secure, and vibrant Nigeria that would indeed reflect the dreams of the founding fathers of our great country.

This much has been seen in the way and manner our Christian and Muslim brothers have continued to live as one regardless of our religious and ethnic affiliations over the years.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is highly appreciative of efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in keeping the country united and focused despite the myriads of challenges confronting it since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

We are cognizant of the fact that agents of doom and darkness have been put out of business, and this hasn't gone down well hence the nocturnal sponsorship of violence in the country through proxies and unorthodox means.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari's efforts in his fight against Boko Haram terrorist group have been outstanding. It is indeed a testament to an unalloyed commitment to leaving Nigeria better than he met it.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups is appreciative of this laudable effort and wishes to charge President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The tolerance of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari towards all religions in Nigeria is indeed worthy of note. This is so in the sense that the focus and emphasis have always been merit and competence above religious and ethnic considerations.

This stance of President Muhammadu Buhari is evident in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, such as the leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele, to mention but a few.

The promotion of merit above mediocrity and ethnic bigotry in the selection process for critical sectors such as security and the economy is indeed commendable and has seen to the various successes recorded in Nigeria since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country.

The National interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace wishes to state that the focused leadership as provided by President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed defied all the evil permutations of those against the continued peaceful existence of Nigeria, we say this due to the avalanche of progress that has been recorded in the critical sector of the economy as well as the multiple gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.

This highly negates the evil narrative bandied around by some mischievous elements in the public space attempting to paint President Muhammadu Buhari as a religious bigot and an ethnic champion.

We dare say that in the annals of Nigeria, there has never been a President who has indeed displayed respect and tolerance for our religious and ethnic diversity as President Muhammadu Buhari. This much he has proved to all well-meaning Nigerians in the quality of appointments in critical sectors of the economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari has carried on without fear or favor; he has indeed displayed true statesmanship that is required of any president in a plural country like Nigeria. It would indeed be common sense for those who have been blinded by their selfish interest to see the enormous good the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari has done to our great country.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is indeed a witness to the transformation experienced in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari, and that is why the organization has made it mandatory to always intercede on his behalf in prayers and supplication to God for wisdom, strength and the courage to continue to lead Nigeria on this path of national recovery.

This Press Conference would be incomplete without sending a word of advice to those that are bent of causing disaffection in the country. Even though it is incomprehensible that some organizations under the banner of religion have been propagating falsehood against unity.

These organizations must do well to desist from such enterprise as it is against the preaching of peaceful co-existence, as explicitly stated in the holy books of the Bible and the Koran. They must desist from playing politics under the umbrella of a religious organization to pollute the body of Christ in Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations believe that there is strength in our unity, and as such, we must embrace one another in love and peace. The focus instead should the offering of prayers for the President in his quest to take Nigeria to greater heights. For what shall it profit them to heat the polity unnecessarily with calls and postulations that are unfounded?

They must, as a matter of urgency and sober reflection, spend more time interceding for President Muhammadu Buhari and not to allow themselves to be used by power grabbers that mean no well for the unity of Nigeria. We wish to state that the unity of Nigeria is indeed sacrosanct.

Thank you all, and God bless and keep Nigeria United in Jesus' Name.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has sounded an alarm over France's alleged donation of weapons to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, describing it as a “breach of international laws".

The Centre brought this to the fore at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja to address what it described as “reported concealed arms shipment into Nigeria from France".

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service had reportedly seized a truckload of arms from the European nation, concealed as relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State.

President Emmanuel Macron's government has repeatedly been fingered to be sponsoring terrorism in Africa and the latest news further compounds the situation.

Despite refuting the reports, CALSER'S convener, Princess Ajibola believes France is simply weaponizing information – manipulating facts to aid its destabilization agenda in Nigeria.

Princess Ajibola revealed that it was Macron's government that pressurized the Republic of Chad to withdraw its 1200 from the collaborative anti-terrorism war in the areas where that country’s borders overlapped Nigeria.

CALSER, therefore, demanded that Nigerian authorities should proactively probe back to early period of the Boko Haram insurgency with a view to identifying the roles played by France.

It further called on the United Nations to investigate this provocation by France as it poses threat to world peace and stability.

While advising the Federal Government to boycott any diplomatic ties with the French nation, the Centre believes its Ambassador should be expelled until there is visible changes.

Read full address below:

Gentlemen of the press, we invited you to this press briefing following the disturbing news backed up with images and videos of the discovery made by the Nigeria Customs Service of arms shipment from France into Nigeria. More worrisome is the fact that the shipment was disguised as relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-east of Nigeria, the same people whose lives have been upended by the terrorists being supported by France.

We have also noted that efforts are on by France, through its national broadcaster, France 24 and other willing platforms, to discredit the pictures by claiming that the seizure of the weapon caches was from another time and place or that the images had appeared under different circumstances and contexts. But to us in CALSER, that is the nature of propaganda – France is simply weaponizing information – manipulating facts to aid its destabilization agenda in Nigeria.

The discovery of the concealed stash of weapons is unfortunately not an isolated incident considering that IDPs had in the past reported aircrafts of French origin air-dropping supplies to terrorists at odd hours. It equally tallies with and answer the question of how Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists come about the endless supplies of sophisticated firearms that encourage them to attempt taking on the military of nations.

The world must also not lose sight of the pressure that France mounted on the Republic of Chad to withdraw its 1200 from the collaborative anti-terrorism war in the areas where that country’s borders overlapped Nigeria. Terrorists have since started exploiting that vacuum to attempt incursions into Nigeria from Chad, which practically implies that France has pulled Chad out of the counter-terrorism war.

The combination of these developments has seen Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists renew their murderous activities of killing innocent people, razing down communities, abducting women and children while actively attacking Christian Communities in what is an open attempt to spark off sectarian strife. This is the legacy that France is resolute on bequeathing Nigerians.

CALSER is today asking: France, why are you sponsoring a war on Nigeria? France why are you financing the abduction of our people, children and women? France, beyond the greed for cheap natural resources, what do you stand to gain from the bloodbath that you are promoting in Nigeria? When will France accept that the era of colonialism is long past and African countries should be the masters of their own destinies? What will it take for France to stop its war against the stability of Nigeria and by extension Africa?

We demand that the authorities in Nigeria proactively investigates not just this latest cache of weapons being sent to Boko Haram/ISWAP by France but should probe further back to cover the period of Boko Haram’s insurgency with a view to identifying the roles that France has played in the growth of terrorism in the region. The outcome of such probes should be made available to the relevant supra-national bodies, especially the United Nations (UN), which must step in to play its role.

The United Nations must step in to investigate this provocation by France because of the threat it poses to world peace and stability as well as the capacity to cause untold human suffering for Nigerians.

Nigeria must also not rule out expelling the French Ambassador to Nigeria until that country decides to act responsibly and call off its attacks against Nigeria by cutting off support for terrorists that are troubling Nigeria.

On their part, Nigerians should begin a boycott of all goods and services of French origin as a way of expressing their displeasure at the massacre being planned against them by France. Nigerians should further prepare to take their own destinies in their own hands by moving in on French interests in the land where it fails to halt its assault on Nigeria.

Thank you for listening.

By David Onmeje

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is an enigmatic soldier, admirable leader and astute administrator. He is a soldier who knows his direction in all circumstances. His leadership vision of the Nigerian Army is anchored chiefly on professionalism and he has effectively lived this dream these past few years in transforming the Army.

Every day, Gen. Buratai’s actions show tenacious pursuit of the vision and agenda of repositioning the Nigerian Army into one of the very best around the world. His uncommon reforms and innovations in the last few years have elevated the Nigerian Army to an enviable pedestal. Gen. Buratai is not a flippant leader; he blends his words with verifiable actions.
The Army Chief has promised Nigerians that he must finally terminate the reign of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in the country.  And he is sparing no effort in this direction. So, in another surprise outing, Gen. Buratai shocked his troops and Nigerians alike at the beginning of  Year 2020  by personally leading troops for  the anti-insurgency clearance operations in Nigeria’s  Northeast for the umpteenth time.

The COAS   led troops to climb the craggy Limankara hills in Borno  as part of the COAS' exceptional operational visits to Boko Haram hideouts in the state. It is one of the locations, encased by a rugged terrain where remnants of terrorists find fortress.  He combed the place and thereafter, visited multiple other areas in the region to boost troops morale.

It is an apt indication that Gen. Buratai is not only providing good leadership to the Nigerian Army by routine office work, but he is also best in the trenches.  He saunters on the field and into the trenches from time to time with troops.
A core plank of Gen. Buratai’s vision to make the Nigerian Army professionally responsible and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles is the welfare of troops and their families. So, he has berthed massive renovations, constructions of new offices and residential accommodation for soldiers and numerous other empowerments and developmental projects.
Almost every day, Gen. Buratai commissions a project somewhere in the country or lays the foundation for a development project in various parts of the country. The previously loud grumblings of soldiers over poor welfare have dissipated because Gen. Buratai has instituted and sustained the culture of enhanced comfort for Nigerian Army personnel.
And sometimes, he stretches into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects for Army’s host communities. For instance, by the end of 2019, the Nigerian Army  had   reconstructed and commissioned the collapsed pedestrian metal bridge at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, which links students’ hostels and lecture halls. It’s a rare community service from an institution like the Nigerian Army.
Quite tragically, when the bridge collapsed as a result of a heavy downpour, it consumed the lives of three students and injured several others. Same day, the Army Chief also commissioned new accommodation blocks for soldiers at School of Armoury, Bauchi and another 10  new blocks of 8 apartments at Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai Village in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Obienu Barracks in  same Bauchi.

At the Gibson Jalo cantonment in Adamawa, Gen. Buratai commissioned Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition Centre, Accident and Emergency Unit and also, performed the foundation laying of perimeter fence in the barracks. Similarly, at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Gen. Buratai has constructed the officers’ transit accommodation, with the nomenclature Col Nebo Hall and the headquarters main gate. It is fairly difficult to say, any Army formation in Nigeria  or any section of the country has not felt the impact of Gen. Buratai’s leadership of the Army.

Gen. Buratai has built new schools; renovated and upgraded existing ones for the Nigerian Army  like the Nigerian Army Aviation School. But the wonder of it all is the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB). It is incredible to discern how Gen. Buratai conceived this laudable initiative. It is even more endearing how he has been able to aggressively build NAUB within a span of two years. NAUB commenced operations in 2018, but it is like a varsity in existence for more than three decades.

Today, the first Army university in Africa is expanding in physical structures, academic enrollment and staff strength with the speed of a tornado.   A few days ago, Gen. Buratai   inaugurated an ultra-modern and gigantic building complex for the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences of NAUB, co-funded by the Nigerian Army and the FGN.
The science faculty complex comprises of 47 offices, 24 classrooms, lecture halls and  three laboratories. A sight of the commissioned marvelous architectural edifice would tempt a visitor to believe he has found himself in  a  foreign university. But certainly no! It is in Nigeria and in Borno, a state and community once ravaged by terrorism. It is really a magnificent sight to behold.

The beneficial impact of the university to the host and indeed, all Nigerians is unimaginably enormous. In fact, even its admission policy is skewed in favour of civilians, who have been allocated 75 percent of quota, while the military and para-military agencies collectively share the remaining 25 percent.
With this daily exhibition of positive results, Gen. Buratai has demonstrated his knack for leadership excellence as evidence in the massive infrastructural improvements at NAUB within the shortest time. This is a remarkable departure from established norms in Nigeria  where it takes approved new higher institutions a dozen years to find their operational pulse.

But the COAS has effortlessly broken the jinx.
The Army boss is a realist to the core and a selfless leader. He believes in turning everything he touches into gold. Excellence in all assignments has been his guiding ideology. He hardly misses his targets. He leads for the benefit of the people, detached from his personal interests, a mark of true and committed leaders anywhere in the world.
Gen. Buratai believes in the consummation of splendor and  hard work. The university in Biu  is one of the numerous achievements of his administration. At its inception, Gen. Buratai promised Nigerians to make NAUB a world class university. And  he has left nothing to chance, but is  vigorously pursuing this ambition as evident in  the results.

It explains why many Nigerians are puzzled with Gen. Buratai’s persona. People have continued to ask where Gen.  Buratai derives his wisdom? Nigerians angle to know   what inspires his exceptional vision, ideas and the strength of a workaholic?
So, aside his military career, Gen.  Buratai is an uncommon farmer.  Buratai owns a personal snake farm, a money- spinning venture only for the brave, like he indubitably typifies. Not many Nigerians are courageous enough to go close to a snake. But Gen. Buratai does not only keep them quarantined in a farm, but he plays with them as pets.

Though interested in agricultural investments, but as the COAS he avoids conflict of interest. Rather, he has launched the Nigerian Army farms for soldiers and their families. He is not into personal rice cultivation or any crop that would conflict with what the Nigerian Army has initiated for soldiers.
He has rather introduced and supported empowerment schemes such as  the Barracks Investment Initiative Programme for the skills acquisition and empowerment of Nigerian Army personnel and their families. Gen. Buratai remains a great, reputable and archetypal leader of his generation and for many years to come in the history of our country.

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

...... berates Chad over withdrawal of troops on counter-insurgency operations

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has condemned the kidnap of Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika, Adamawa State, Mr Lawan Andimi.

The group, in a statement on Monday, blamed the Boko Haram/Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) and withdrawal of 1,200 Chadian troops meant to be supporting the counter-insurgency efforts for the abduction.

According to Roland Okupe, Director of Communication and Strategy, CALSER said this was another demonic plot by the terrorists to whip up sectarian anger targeted at breaking Nigeria up along religious lines.

CALSER alerted “Nigerians and the rest of the world to the fact that Boko Haram/ISWAP are now pursuing the last leg of their agenda which is to target people of a particular religious group for evil as to portray Nigeria and the government as an ineffective in tackling the scourge of terrorism.”

The Centre, therefore, appealed to Nigerians not to fall for this ploy by ensuring that they take holistic views of issues relating to the new wave of attacks by these terrorists.

While demanding that Boko Haram/ISWAP immediately release Andimi and any other abducted Christian, the group urged “the military and other security agencies not to leave any stone unturned in bringing perpetrators of the act to justice”.

Read full press statement below:

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CLASER) has condemned the kidnap of the Michika branch chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr Lawan Andimi, and the Boko Haram/Islamic State West African Province (ISWA) attack that made his abduction possible.

The attack and the abduction of the clergyman who is also a CAN Chairman in Adamawa State, by criminals operating under extreme Islamic ideologies is another demonic plot by the terrorists to whip up sectarian anger targeted at breaking Nigeria up along religious lines.

The terrorists have discovered that they are no longer able to sow terror in the hearts of Nigerians hence the resort to provoking the Christian community into feeling persecuted in the hope that they will then launch indiscriminate attacks on Muslims in a way that will result in mutual destruction of the adherents of both major religions in Nigeria.

CALSER therefore alert Nigerians and the rest of the world to the fact that Boko Haram/ISWAP are now pursuing the last leg of their agenda which is to target people of a particular religious group for evil as to portray Nigeria and the government as an ineffective in tackling the scourge of terrorism.

We appeal to Nigerians not to fall for this ploy by ensuring that they take wholistic views of issues relating to the new wave of attacks by these terrorists who now seem fixated on causing sectarian provocations in the hope that the strategy will help them destabilize Nigeria.

Such strategy could only have been arrived upon by the terrorists after review of their persistent recent failings and losses to the Nigerian Military that have ensured that they no longer have free reign to torment innocent Nigerians.

While demanding that Boko Haram/ISWAP immediately release Lawan Andimi and any other Christian they might have abducted, we urge the military and other security agencies not to leave any stone unturned in bringing perpetrators of the act to justice.

Meanwhile, CALSER has noted with disappointment the decision by the authorities of the Republic of Chad to pull out the country’s 1,200 troops that were meant to be supporting the counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria.

In our view, the Chadian troops withdrawal is hasty, poorly thought out and badly timed. The withdrawal should have been put on hold considering other world occurrences with geo-strategic consequences for the counter-insurgency efforts in the lake Chad Basin. There has also been injection of logistic support for the terrorists reportedly by Chad’s colonial boss, France, which would have necessitated that the withdrawal be delayed until the region becomes more stable.

The troops withdrawal if the face of glaring persuasion to the contrary is another conspiracy by France and their allies to further expose the people of north east Nigeria to harm consistent with Boko Haram/ISWAP agenda to destabilize Africa, which they have unfortunately sanctioned.

This behaviour is totally irresponsible as it is inhumane, it is a failing that can only be remedied by Chad re-committing and deploying fresh troops to replace those they have pulled out in error.

*TETFUND: 21 CSOs dismiss calls for Bogoro's investigation as diversionary plot to derail crusade for transparency*

No fewer than 21 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has dismissed calls for the investigation of Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, describing it as “diversionary plot to derail crusade for transparency”.

The CSOs was led by Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA), Coalition for Transparency and Accountability (CTA) and Equity Initiative among others.

The group undertook a survey of the activities of TETFUND under the leadership of Prof. Bogoro, consulting relevant stakeholders in the critical tertiary education sector.

In its report signed by National President, Comrade Joseph Guona, the Coalition revealed that the call was from disgruntled sources, unhappy with some of the new initiatives introduced by the executive secretary upon assumption of office in 2019.

The committee also revealed that some vice-chancellors of some universities are not pleased with the monitoring team deployed by TETFUND to all project sites across the country.

Bogoro's insistence on due process, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of government business also hasn't quite gone well among the tertiary institutions top shots.

The Coalition, therefore, described the report as “blackmail” and “distraction tool employed by some disgruntled vice-chancellors and contractors who have made several attempts at compromising Professor Bogoro”.

Read full report below:


PREAMBLE:

There was a recent call by some civil society organizations for a probe of the activities of TETFUND under the leadership of Professor Suleiman Bogoro. Consequently, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations devoted to the entrenchment of transparency and accountability by public office holders undertook an investigative study to look at the allegations leveled against Professor Suleiman Bogoro to put issues in a proper perspective for the relevant stakeholders as well as the members of the general public.

The coalition of civil society organizations was mandated amongst a host of other endeavors to unravel the actual state of affairs at TETFUND under the watch of Professor Suleiman Bogoro and to look at the performance of Professor Suleiman Bogoro as executive secretary of the agency.

THE INVESTIGATIONS:

The Coalition undertook a survey of the activities of TETFUND under the leadership of Professor Suleiman Bogoro by consulting relevant stakeholders in the critical tertiary education sector. This consisted of site visits to select tertiary institutions where it was indicated TETFUND made interventions.

The various projects initiated by TETFUND were scrutinized based on quality, cost, and deliverables. The committee also interviewed TETFUND contractors to understand the contract award process in effect in TETFUND, as well as the various milestones for payments.

It also interacted and scrutinized the procurement process in place in the agency with regards to adherence to due process and other ethical stipulations. The committee looked at the welfare of staffers of the agency.

THE FINDINGS:

In the course of the investigations by the coalition of CSOs, it was discovered that the genesis of the call was from disgruntled sources, mainly those who are not happy with some of the new initiatives introduced by the executive secretary upon assumption of office in 2019.

The committee also discovered that the procurement process in the agency is subject to multi-layers of scrutiny before awards letters are issued, as against the norm where contractors besiege the agency’s headquarters with referral letters and business cards of the high and mighty in the country.

The committee discovered that vice-chancellors of some universities are not happy with the monitoring team deployed by TETFUND to all project sites across the country. Their grouse is that Professor Suleiman Bogoro has disregarded their inputs in the way and manner projects should be executed in their various schools.

It was also discovered that some of the vice-chancellors who are used to nominating contractors that would execute TETFUND projects in their schools under the previous administration are not happy that the system introduced by Professor Bogoro had taken such privileges away from them.

Staffers of the agency explained that there was a menace of poorly executed TETFUND projects across the country because some of the contractors nominated by the vice-chancellors do not have the required competence and in most instances, they cut corners at the end of the day. The resultant effect is poor jobs, which defeats the aim of the interventions by TETFUND.

It was also discovered that Professor Suleiman Bogoro seems unpopular in some quarters in TEFUND because of his insistence on due process, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of government business.

It was discovered that the recall of Professor Suleiman Bogoro as Executive Secretary of TETFUND was as a result of the rot in the system and the need to sanitize the agency. The honorable minister of education was said to have scrutinized the records of past executive secretaries and found Professor Suleiman Bogoro's short-lived tenure as one of the most transparent in the annals of the agency. This consequently accounts for his recall and with a mandate to sanitize the agency for optimal productivity.

The highlight of the findings indicated that the bold step taken by Professor Suleiman Bogoro to retrieve over N10 billion from non-performing institutions in recent times was the final straw that ignited the campaign of slander against him through the sponsorship of malicious publications in the public space as well as the enlistment of shadowy civil society organizations with no track record to attempt to blackmail Professor Suleiman Bogoro into submission.


CONCLUSION:

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations sees the call as a distraction tool employed by some disgruntled vice-chancellors and contractors who have made several attempts at compromising Professor Suleiman Bogoro to no avail.

The call for investigations is part of the larger blackmail plot orchestrated to mislead the relevant authorities as well as the members of the unsuspecting general public. The request is lacking in merit as there is no iota of truth in the allegations bandied in the public space.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations wishes to inform members of the general public that the call for the probe of Professor Suleiman Bogoro is laced with malice and of poor taste. It consequently behooves on all well-meaning Nigerians to see through the mischief and ignore it in its entirety.

*US/Iran Face-Off: Group calls for red alert on IMN members over threat to American, British citizens in Nigeria*

The Global Action for Peace has alerted the United States of America and Britain over the safety of its citizens in Nigeria following threat by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The proscribed radical Islamic sect had hinted of an impending attack on foreigners after a military action by the United States of America led to the death of top Iranian military commander, General Qassem Soliemani, in Iraq.

This is unsurprising as IMN, formed about four decades ago, advocates the creation of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria.

It was heavily influenced by the Iranian revolution, which saw Ayatollah Khomeini take power in 1979 after the overthrow of the US-allied Shah in a popular uprising.

In a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, the Global Action for Peace revealed that the threat issued by the IMN to citizens of the US and the United Kingdom in Nigeria is an “affront to our collective sensibilities as Nigerians, which must be looked into by the security agencies.”

On behalf of the group, convener, Dr. Joseph Agbo stated this action is an indication of the zero regards they have for the constituted authorities in the country.

The Global Action for Peace, therefore, urged these nations to blacklist the sect known for violence and bloodshed.

It further advised the United States and the United Kingdom to see this as a clarion call and activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria in curtailing the threats posed by the IMN.

Read full text below:

The Global Action for Peace wishes to use this medium to inform members of the general public of the threat posed by the banned Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) to citizens of the United States of America and the United Kingdom in Nigeria. This is on the heels of the military action by the United States of America that led to the death of General Qassem Soliemani, a top Iranian military commander in Iraq recently.

The Global Action for Peace views with concern the posturing of members of the IMN that was evident in the public demonstration in some parts of northern Nigeria declaring a “jihad” on the United States of America and the United Kingdom. These threats are very typical of the terrorist activities of the IMN as an organization whose ideology is deeply rooted in violence and religious intolerance.

This action by the IMN should give all well-meaning Nigerians a cause for concern given the fact that the Federal Government of Nigeria hasn’t made any official statement given the position of the United Nations over the military face-off between the United States of America and Iran.

However, you may recall that it was because of its extremist and terrorist tendencies and the attendant dangers it posed to national security that made the Kaduna state government and later the Federal Government of Nigeria to proscribe the activities of the IMN in Nigeria.

The Global Action for Peace wishes to state that the threat issued by the IMN to citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom in Nigeria is an affront to our collective sensibilities as Nigerians, which must be looked into by the security agencies.

The action of the IMN is an indication of the zero regards they have for the constituted authorities in Nigeria, hence their disregard for the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Global Action for Peace wishes to alert the relevant authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom that given the antecedents of the IMN that is rooted in deep hatred for those that do not share in their ideology, there is a high tendency that they would go a step further from the protest to inflict bodily harm on citizens of the United States of America and the United Kingdom in Nigeria through violent means.

This is also on the heels that it is an incontrovertible fact that the IMN has Iran as their spiritual base as well as the support base for the entrenchment of their nefarious activities all over the world. This is cognizant of the fact that there are indications that Iran may turn to targets in Africa to exert revenge using proxies such as the IMN.

The Global Action for Peace consequently wishes to draw the attention of Nigerians, as well as the security agencies of the apparent threat to life and properties by the adherents of the IMN in Nigeria. This is because of the ongoing mobilization by the leadership of the IMN to carry out massive protests across the country with specific directives from the Iranian authorities to target US and UK citizens.

The Global Action for Peace wishes to state that it is on record that the Nigerian authorities have, on numerous occasions, indicated how the IMN as agents of the Iranian government had engaged in terrorist activities in Nigeria that have brought untold hardship and bodily harm on innocent and unarmed Nigerians. Also, the IMN has, on numerous occasions, confronted security operatives in Nigeria, including one that led to the death of a senior police officer and many others.

We must, therefore, be concerned that the current situation across the globe demands action that the IMN be put on the terror watch list of the United States and the United Kingdom, and measures put in place to protect US and UK citizens in Nigeria.

The Global Action for Peace wishes to reiterate that should the IMN not placed on the terror watch list, their propensity to carry out the whims and caprices of the Iranian authorities on US and UK citizens in Nigeria would be institutionalized.

The posturing of the IMN is indeed a red alert, and as such, there is every need for all hands to be on deck to tackle whatever violent uprising that the IMN is planning in Nigeria.

The Global Action for Peace wishes to advise the United States and the United Kingdom to see this as a clarion call and activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria in curtailing the threats posed by the IMN. This is highly necessary given the fact that the IMN is now a global threat.

By Sani Mohammed
 
“I can't but say it is an awkward sight to see one's native land receding through the growing waters; it unmans one quiet, especially when life is rather new.”  ---Lord Byron
 
There is no place like one’s native land or country. It is one’s best alluring place of shelter or retirement in life and even in death, after all worldly adventures.  All the niceties life has bestowed on you streams from the blessings and protection of one’s place of ancestry.
Ordinarily, everyone sacrifices everything including his personal life, where possible to protect or glorify his native land. Jamaican legend, Eric Donaldson reminded humanity decades ago about the beauty of one’s land of birth; in the song titled, “This is the land of my birth.”
And the lyrics pays glowing and positive salutations to virtues of Jamaica, his homeland. It is pregnable with lessons for Nigerians, especially the tycoons of the Northeast region.
The Northeast region has been infested with Boko Haram and the latter-day infusion by  the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorism for more than a decade. It was caused by the insensitivity and greed for political power by some politicians in the region.
However, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been able to arrest the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism substantially in the past four years. But it is not yet uhuru!
 
The people  of the Northeast are still on the verge of savouring total liberation from Boko Haram as remnants of terrorists are still on the prowl. Ostensibly, the Boko Haram/ISWAP influence in the region is not as bad as obtainable in the past.
 
What is incontrovertible and  every Nigerian can attest  is that insurgency in the Northeast has caused appalling magnitude of devastations, destructions and ruination of cities, communities and villages in the Northeast. It has reduced most parts of the region to rubbles.
Schools, markets, shopping malls, hospitals, farms, private houses and lots more have tasted the arson and violence of Boko Haram terrorists. With the restoration of reasonable peace and security, the scars of war inform beggingly that the Northeast is in dire need of reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding. The surviving victims of Boko Haram/ISWAP deserve compassion.
 
The Buhari Presidency has launched initiatives in this direction, prominent among them is the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) as answer to the development needs of the war-torn region. The President invested an initial N10 billion start-off funds into NEDC. But by every nuance of assessment, it is like a drop of water in the ocean. Government will continue to sustain it. 
Surprisingly though, leaders of the Northeast region; very and influential in business and leadership are contented with the posture of aloofness in the rebuilding process of this region. Almost everyone of them has not sensed the compelling need to assist the Federal Government of Nigeria to finally obviate the residues of terrorism in their native land.
The indifference these wealthy businessmen and women have advertised on the insecurity and destruction of their land by Boko Haram confounds infinitely. How Boko Haram metamorphosed into ISWAP is what should concern them.  
Nevertheless disappointingly, the tycoons of the Northeast are the least pricked[TNNP1]   by a humanitarian instinct. Like King Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned, the tycoons in the Northeast prefers to indulge in merriment elsewhere while their land burns to ashes.    
The Northeast region parades over 10 billionaires on world’s top ranking of richest or influential men. Personalities like Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd),  former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Mele Kyari, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Ambassador Babagana Kangibe, Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif, Gen. Bulbwa Marwa among others hail from this region.  It is shameful that they unconcerned with the plight of their traumatized and ruined  people.  
 
Cory Booker once said, “Patriotism is love of country. But you can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen. We don't always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good.”     
But regrettably, these billionaires and influential men from the Northeast are more comfortable to pleasantly to watch their country homes burn down to ashes without any assistance to the people. It is hard to believe, much as it runs against any vestige of wisdom or brotherhood.  
Some of these tycoons have business investments in the same region. But even the demands of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has not invoked any empathy in them to deploy such instruments  to assist their distressed kith and kin nor  bring peace to the Northeast?
It is strange that these Northeast tycoons have not deemed it necessary to also intervene in the rebuilding and reconstruction process of the ravaged Northeast in any way to give back to their constituents, a small portion of their enormous endowments. This does not happen in other climes.
 
The traumatized people of the Northeast are deserted at the hour of need by their own people. Why has none of the tycoons thought of extending humanitarian support to victims in order to help them rebuild, new homes or shops destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency?  Have they contemplated empowerment schemes for idle youths in order to divert their attention from Boko Haram or other criminal enterprises?
 
It is saddening that wealthy and influential Northeast men and women have abandoned whatever it will require to breath fresh  life into a once boisterous region to government, philanthropists outside the region, foreign countries and Non-Government Organizations’ (NGOs). But it must be brought to their notice that insofar as the region remains a ghost of its former self, they have also deprived themselves of a peace of mind.
 
This is heartless to say the least. Yet the tycoons confront the same neglected when seeking political power or favors’  and preach  assorted platitudes of redemption.  This current posture is akin to desecrating the sanctity of their native land or mocking their ancestors who tethered them in an unbreakable fraternity.  These Northeast influential men and women should have a rethink and retrace their steps. Can they hold their heads in high esteem they meet their peers in other regions?
 
It is instructive for them  to endeavor to learn and apply the wisdom of former American President, Abraham Lincoln who said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
 
If the task of rebuilding and reconstructing the ravaged Northeast region is not all-inclusive, it may take a dozen years for the region to have a semblance of an ideal life. Let God Almighty touch the hearts of these tycoons from the Northeast to do the needful, by exploring areas of intervention to fully recover their native land  from the fangs of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism.  
 
 
Another former American President Theodore Roosevelt reminds that “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”  The Northeast tycoons have a moral obligation to champion the crusade to fully regain their native land from  lost glory, Boko Haram and ISWAP.


Mohammed is a field researcher for the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Econmic Rights ( CALSER).

By Ali Ali

Zamfara state has continued to be in the news of late for inexplicable reasons. Only recently, the state governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, repealed the state pension law that granted the former governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari and his co-travelers stupendous pension benefits that defeats human comprehension in a sane society. And of course this was applauded by well-meaning Nigerians.

This is aside from the supposed 10 million naira “upkeep” allowance that he deemed entitled to as a former governor of a state he practically ruined. This is the story of Zamfara state in a nutshell. But it didn’t end there, there is also the issue of armed banditry that left hundreds of women and children dead, and yet the then governor was busy gallivanting the globe.

I recall there was also another instance when there was an outbreak of meningitis in the state and other parts of the country, the best he could do was to say it was a punishment from God for fornication. Yes, this was what a governor had to say.

Under Yari, Zamfara State was a killing field where all manners of criminalities were perpetuated without abate. But little did we know that we had a governor who was promoting criminality to take the focus away from his looting of the state treasury. I dare say Zamfara state bleed while Abdulaziz Yari held sway as governor of the state.

It didn’t end just in Zamfara state; he also exhibited his bad behavior in his capacity at the Chairman of the Governors Forum with the way and manner they mismanaged the Paris Club refund. But as God would have it, his plan on fostering a stooge in Zamfara state to cover his tracks failed with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court that returned Bello Muhammad Mutawalle as governor.

I dare say this didn’t go down well with him, and as such, he made some scathing remarks about making the state ungovernable for the incoming governor. Interestingly, he stood to words by covertly sponsoring bandits’ activities in the state, all in a bid to cause unrest and discredit the incumbent governor. This much he has carried on like a wounded lion that he is in this circumstance.

This is on the heels that it is on record that, in his nefarious way, recruited over 10,000 youths to instigate an economic war in the state by engaging in acts inimical to the growth and development of the state. I stand to be corrected, the havoc Abdulaziz Yari had done in Zamfara state won’t go away soon. Imagine a situation where a state governor lavishly spent state funds on personal frivolities, while the state remains in turmoil. Imagine a situation where a state governor would be away from the state, and innocent women and children were killed daily by bandits. The governor would prefer to remain in Abuja rather than return to his state.

That was Abdulaziz Yari for you. I am sure in his wildest dream he didn’t think a day like this would come soon, in the sense that all his secrets would come to the open on how he mismanaged Zamfara state, and also how since he left office he has been sponsoring criminal elements to cause unrest in the state.

The interesting angle to the Abdulaziz Yari debacle is the fact that his nefarious activities do not stop in Zamfara state. From available statistics, he is nursing a grudge with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

In the face of all these maneuverings by Abdulaziz Yari, I get somewhat confused about his motives for Zamfara state or what he stands to benefits should Zamfara State go up in flames. In my opinion, that Zamfara state is enjoying relative peace and tranquility is too much for him to bear. This, in a way, explains the conspiracy theory that there was indeed more than meets the eyes with the level of insecurity witnessed by the state while he held sway as governor.

In some quarters, it has been speculated that upon resumption of office, Abdulaziz Yari had the agenda to loot the state blind to fund his extravagant and canal lifestyle and one of such way to take this from the eyes of the prying public, was to cause a distraction by fueling insecurity in the state. At this point, I fear for Zamfara state with the level of desperation exhibited by Abdulaziz Yari because more cans of worms would be opened as regards his stewardship of the state from 2011 to 2019. And with the way the incumbent governor is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to entrench transparency and accountability in the system, there is every reason for Abdulaziz Yari to throw all manner of spanners in the wheels of progress in Zamfara state.

This much he is currently engaged in with the sponsorship of criminal elements in the state in an attempt to make the state ungovernable, and to continue to buy time before all of his atrocities against the people of Zamfara state comes to the public domain. And this must not be treated with kids’ gloves by the relevant authorities.

The earlier Abdulaziz Yari is tamed, the better for Zamfara state. Should he be allowed to carry on with his evil plot against the state, I am afraid that casualties would be too costly for the people of Zamfara state. It consequently behooves on all well-meaning individuals to call him to order. He must be reminded that there is a new sheriff in town, and as such, there is a limit to which he can continue with the despicable act of sponsoring violence in the state.

Lest I forget, Abdulaziz Yari must also be made to face the full wrath of the law because an individual cannot be bigger than a state or a country. Definitely not in a democratic dispensation, and not with President Muhammadu Buhari as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ali is a security expert based in Zaria.

By Solomon Olawepo

Why are we like this in this country? Why do we like to do things blindly, not minding the consequence of some of our actions? Why do we not know how to celebrate those who have indeed distinguished themselves in service to our fatherland?

The above questions came to my mind when I stumbled on a call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate Professor Suleiman Bogoro, the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). I was somewhat confused as to whom they were referring to.

The same Professor Suleiman Bogoro that has transformed the operations of TETFUND or another? I asked myself. I considered such calls a disservice to a man that has indeed shown like a bright light in administering the affairs of TETFUND to the admiration of all and sundry in the tertiary education sector.

I am particularly conversant with the transformation at TETFUND since 2019 when Professor Suleiman Bogoro was reinstated as executive secretary. I am aware of the jubilation that greeted his appointment. Accolades were not in short supply as they continued to pour unabated for a man who for the two years he held a stint as Executive Secretary brought numerous reforms in the operations of TETFUND, as well as the entrenchment of transparency and accountability.

As a testament to this, only recently, the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) awarded the TETFUND under the watch of Professor Suleiman Bogoro, the Best Project in Education Award for "its commitment to integrating ICT into the processes of its Beneficiary Institutions across the country to enhance the skills of academic and non-teaching staff."

It is also on record that Professor Suleiman Bogoro was recognized as the Public Service Person of the Year 2019 at the Leadership Newspapers Awards, in recognition of his efforts at “promoting transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs in Nigeria.”

You would agree with me that this can't be the same Professor Suleiman Bogoro that they intend to drag his name in the mud before the public as corrupt and one lacking in transparency and accountability in the conduct of the affairs of TETFUND.

I must admit that I am still in shock with the accusation of Professor Suleiman Bogoro. However, I am consoled that those behind this campaign of slander and defamation of character are indeed disgruntled and likely amongst those whose sources of income have been stopped with the reforms introduced in the operations of TETFUND.

While it is understandable that we are in a clime where one reputation is quickly rubbished when you stand on the side of truth, it is also despicable how some individuals and organizations would condescend so low to the extent of peddling outright falsehood on individuals in return for a plate of porridge. The way and manner these mischievous individuals have dragged the name of Professor Suleiman Bogoro in the mud is most despicable.

This largely explains why some intellectuals and technocrats would always hesitate before taking up a public service appointment at the end of the day, because some disgruntled people within the system in active connivance with contractors would do all possible to undermine those who have so decided to be excellent in their service.

The case of Professor Suleiman Bogoro is that of a silent achiever and one who has matched words with actions since he resumed the leadership of TETFUND. It is on record that since assumption of office, there has been a turnaround in the fortunes and operations of TETFUND in the sense that transparency and accountability are the watchwords. For some of us conversant with the happenings in TETFUND, we dare say the agency has never witnessed this level of administrative competence that has given rise to institutional reforms that have placed TETFUND on a high and enviable pedestal.

I am tempted to think that one of the sins of Professor Suleiman Bogoro is the bold step taken by TETFUND to retrieve over N10 billion from non-performing institutions in recent times. According to him, the monies were meant for projects awarded, but not executed by beneficiary institutions. What does this tell you? Doesn't it speak the volume of a man of integrity and impeccable character?

It is, therefore, my considered opinion that no amount of blackmail can deter Professor Suleiman Bogoro from implementing institutional reforms in the operations of TETFUND. This is on the heels of the fact that only recently, Professor Suleiman Bogoro threatened to sanction and blacklist any contractor who fails to execute any of the TETFUND's contracts awarded to them according to specifications.

It is thus naturally expected that once you fight the monster called corruption, it also fights back. And this is the case of TETFUND and nothing more. I think well-meaning Nigerians should do well to state in unequivocal terms that Nigeria belongs to all, and those sacrificing should not be vilified for merely refusing to bow to the enemies of our country.

And those behind this ill-fated campaign of calumny should do well to desist from such as TETFUND under the leadership of Professor Suleiman Bogoro is indeed on the right track and should not be distracted. It is not business as usual, and so shall it remain. Its either they want to join hands with him in service to Nigeria or leave him alone. This is not the time to pull him down. Rather, a time to lift him in appreciation for his excellent contribution to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria.


Olawepo is a public affairs commentator and wrote this article from Abuja..

Boko Haram/ ISWAP: Group appeals to Borno elders, political stakeholders to evolve new approach towards defeating terrorists' ideology




The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has challenged elders, leaders and political stakeholders in Borno State to adopt new approach and strategy to defeat terrorists’ ideology.

In an emotion laden speech delivered at the Unity Fountain on Friday, the centre says it will take collaboration of the elders, politicians and other stakeholders in condemning the antics of Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology for peace to return to the north east.

CALSER’s convener, Princess Ajibola, in an open letter to Northeast elders, stakeholders and politicians, called on these leaders to help build the region and defeat terrorists’ ideology.

According to Converner, Princess Ajibola, the northeast must realise that “we are our own enemies” and the “time has come for us to get out of this shell that has tied our hands and tongues”.

CALSER, therefore, called on elders, political leaders and other stakeholders to join hands with the government and the armed forces to extend the maximum level of support needed to succeed in the fight against insurgency and for Nigeria to defeat the Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology.

The Centre reckoned that this can only be achieved if a more pragmatic approach towards defeating terrorist ideology is adopted.

Read full letter below:

Our respectable elders, esteemed stakeholders and political leaders in North-east Nigeria, this is an appeal for us to stand up and take our destiny in our hands. The time has come for us to sit and reason together concerning what has been happening in our country, particularly the North-east region.

We cannot afford to pretend that all is still well when our well-being as a people has been violated and the future for us and our children threatened. The overall essence of our humanity is being threatened by evil, wickedness and foreign conspiracies against our country.

We can no longer pretend that all is well with us, when we are being attacked on a daily basis by evil minded men, when our sources of livelihood are being destroyed, the social order we once enjoyed is being eroded, our people are being killed and the very foundation of our existence shattered. Life losing its true meaning and our core values being overtaken by a new posture of malice, envy and jealousy.

In the past 10 years and more, our situation has become one of the most pathetic and unfortunate conditions any group of humans have been subjected to live with on the globe. We have been through the worst forms of human experiences, forced on a daily basis to pass through the most devastating circumstances known to man. This includes suffering by innocent children who have committed no crime against us but simply being born Nigerians at this point in time.

We have experienced and are experiencing bombs, land mines and other forms of devices that do havoc to both our physical forms and psyche that the sound of any of these no longer mean anything to us. We have seen lives cut short in the most brutal manner, limbs chopped off and other horrors that are better not mentioned.

We have seen innocent people butchered that the red colour of blood does not evoke blood-curdling emotions any more. We have seen children orphaned in seconds and women widowed in their thousands in the twinkle of an eye that such sights no longer evoke sombreness as it used to.

We can say without fear of contradiction that our situation is worse that than those of nations at war.
Those who under the throes of war are enabled to idèntify the casus belli and thereby work towards a plan of action to bring an end to the crisis and make for reconciliation to avoid treading similar paths in future.

But in our case, we are daily confronted with despair and despondency owing to the fact that while war has been declared on us, we cannot say what the reasons are for the belligerence neither can we descry its duration.

The fact is that we are not even sure who the enemy is as the more we try to point accusing fingers the more the fingers keep curving towards us. We are told that the terrorists want to conquer and bring the nation down, but who are the insurgents if not our blood brothers, uncles,.sons and other relations.

They are people known to us as there is none of us who can claim not to know at least one or two of these persons causing the damages to us

We looked the other way because we thought they were aggrieved and that perhaps their anger would last only for a little while.
We were wrong as there was no anger in the first place and the evil that is driving them seems to have no end.

We thought that if we stop the onslaught on them and talked to them in a tongue they understand, that they would drop their guns and come home. But our pleas on their behalf seems to further aggravate the situation.

Our silence has crept in on us and we have now realised that we are our own enemies. Our children are being recruited and trained to turn their guns and bombs on us and we remain silent.

Our daughters and sisters are forcefully taken captives, defiled and humiliated and we look in bewilderment, our lands are being desecrated with blood and we say nothing, our people are being killed and we look the other way.

The time has come for us to get out of this shell that has tied our hands and tongues, the time has come for us to take action and speak out against these heinous crimes being committed against our people.

The North east used to be the home of peace and example of perfect social and economic order that people from other parts of the country and indeed West Africa send their children to come and acquire Islamic education on our shores.

From Bauchi to Gombe to Borno to Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba are vast fertile lands for agriculture, mining and tourism that others not so privileged come to share in our God-given assets.

It is not a coincidence that some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country with captivating allure are found in this region.
For example the Yankari Game Reserve, the Lake Alau, the Gwoza hills and the Mambilla Plateau are all here.

The strategic importance of the zone to the rest of the country are captured in the numerous dams and river basins we have across the zone.

But all these cannot on their own yield the economic potential to the country and humanity unless we the people put efforts to harness them.

And these cannot be harnessed in an atmosphere of bringandage, brouhaha, chaos, cataclysmic social liquidation and war.

By the time we realise the effect of these years wasted in chaos and social interruptions, it may be too late.

We therefore appeal to our elders, political leaders and other stakeholders to join hands with the government and the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to extend to them the maximum level of support needed to succeed in the fight against insurgency and for Nigeria to defeat the Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology.

This we can achieve by evolving a more pragmatic approach towards defeating the Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology that is targeted at breaking Nigeria into pieces.

Cooperating with the Federal Government will send negative signal to the terrorists that it is not business as usual and will put them out of business. Our unequivocal condemnation of the terrorists and their evil habits will send a signal to them that we are now united and want to see the final end of terrorism.

Lasting peace will come if only the elders and stakeholders are passionately involved and work hand in hand with the Federal Government to see that the wounds begin to heal.

Perhaps the insurgents have mistaken our lukewarmness to mean we either condone what they are doing or that we are too scared to talk to them. No one should be too precious to live when the lives of our children and women are not guaranteed.

We must condemn with every ounce these barbaric and dastardly acts and talk to the insurgents to desist from the path they have chosen that normalcy should return to the North east as we all would be the better for it if the force of evil is overthrown.

The time for us to speak against the evil is NOW and not tomorrow. We must defeat the Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology before it breaks us into pieces.

Thank you and God bless you.

Ex- gov Yari allegedly planning to destabilize Zamfara peace, economy-- peace envoys


The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria (PANN) has accused former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, of plotting to destabilize the state through sponsored banditry.

In a press conference in Abuja on Friday, PANN called on concerned patriots to be on the watch and for proactive actions to be taken.

According to National President, Chinedu Okoli, Mr Yari has been mobilizing bandits and other criminal elements to unleash terror in the state after Governor Bello Matawalle introduced some policies which wasn't well taken.

Among such, the peace envoys revealed, was stoppage of the state’s pension law that would have seen the former governor and other political office holders go home with vast amounts of monies at the detriment of the development of the state.

The group further stated that the ex-governor recruited the services of some local government chairmen to actualize his inordinate ambition.

The Peace Advocates Network, therefore, resolved that Mr Yari should be held responsible if upsurge of crime and criminalities is recorded in Zamfara and other states in the northwest.

The group, however, advised the erstwhile governor to desist from this act that could potentially wreck havoc in the state else face the consequences.

Read full statement below:

The Peace Advance Network of Nigeria, a civil society organization in Nigeria at the vanguard of the entrenchment of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony wishes to bring to the attention of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the unholy plot by the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari to cause mayhem in the state through the sponsorship of criminal activities.

We wish to state that we have it on competent authority that Abdulaziz Yari has been mobilizing bandits and other criminal elements to unleash terror in the state since the governor, Bello Matawalle introduced some far-reaching measures aimed towards putting the state on the path of progress.

We also wish to state that one of such measures was the repealing of the state’s pension law that would have seen the former governor and other political office holders go home with vast amounts of monies at the detriment of the development of the state.

This move, which has been applauded by all and sundry in Nigeria, did not go down well with former governor Abdulaziz Yari, and he indeed set up the machinery to make the state ungovernable for the incumbent governor for having the audacity to repeal the pension law in the state.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to state that former governor Abdulaziz Yari has also recruited the services of some local government chairmen to actualize his inordinate ambition by recruiting bandits and other criminal elements from various local government areas to begin a campaign of violence on the good and peace-loving people of Zamfara state all in an attempt to discredit Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle. We challenge Gov. Yari to deny this fact or tell Nigerians nothing but the whole truth.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to state emphatically that former governor Abdulaziz Yari does not have the interest of the state at heart, not minding the fact that this was a state he governed for eight years and with all the attendants benefits that he derived from office. The high scale insecurity that greeted the State during the last few months or his tenure has a firm root in his mismanagement of the state resources and inability to engage restless youths for any useful purpose.

Former governor Abdulaziz Yari had vowed to make the state ungovernable since his anointed candidate lost the last governorship elections to the incumbent governor. And this much he has attempted to do in times past but for the intervention of the security agencies in Zamfara state. This wicked, evil and malicious action of Yari has caused the state so much resources to curtail and in most instances death of countless innocent citizens.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to also bring to the attention of the world that should there be a resurgence of criminal activities in Zamfara state, former governor Abdulaziz Yari should be held responsible as impeccable report at our disposal indicates that he purchased over 1, 000 guns and ammunition for militia under the guise of state-sponsored vigilante services. Majority of these elements still bear arms, have refused to subscribe to ongoing efforts by the current administration for amnesty and have co continued to breach the peace of Zamfara State and her neighbouring towns.

Former governor Abdulaziz Yari is indeed a great disservice to the people of Zamfara state in particular and Nigeria in general through his actions while he held sway as governor for eight years and since his reign as governor ended through his various attempts at instigating one form of conflict or the other. His vow that Zamfara State will know no peace has become the people's nightmare and doing everything possible to keep the state boiling with its attendant humanitarian crisis.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to state that it is also a known fact that the ex- governor, Abdulaziz Yari harbors disdain for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for standing on the side of truth and the great efforts towards ending the menace of armed banditry and other criminalities in Zamfara state that were instigated by former governor Abdulaziz Yari.

It is also instructive to state that since the coming into office of Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the various efforts instituted to fight the menace of armed banditry indeed revealed the nefarious role of former governor Abdulaziz Yari in entrenching crime and criminality in Zamfara State.
We do not intend to hold brief for the State Government as our major concern is hinged on the need for peace to reign in the country.

The fact that his anointed candidate that was meant to cover his dirty tracks lost at the elections did open a Pandora’s Box of illegalities that were perpetuated by former governor Abdulaziz Yari in Zamfara State. Whilst the anti-corruption agencies are invited to do their job thoroughly, we as peace advocates will not fold our hands and watch any criminal element deliberately sabotage the peace and healing ongoing across the country and hence the need to cry to the world through this press conference.

This included the notoriety with which he enriched himself with state resources to the detriment of the people who elected him — sufficing to add the debacle of the Paris Club refund that indeed left a sour taste in the mouth of Nigerians who were shortchanged by ex- governor Abdulaziz Yari and his co-travelers.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to use this medium to inform the members of the general public that should there be an upsurge of crime and criminalities in Zamfara state and other parts of northwest Nigeria, ex- governor Abdulaziz Yari should be held responsible.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria wishes to advise Abdulaziz Yari to desist from his criminal tendencies in the interest of peace. He should have a rethink about sabotaging the state and his acts of economic terrorism. YARI should also stop taking Nigerians for granted as he is not bigger than the constituted authorities in the country.

The Peace Advocates Network of Nigeria shall not hesitate to call for a demonstration march in protest of the nefarious activities of former governor Abdulaziz Yari. We will also drag him to the ICC for war crimes committed during his tenure and on the radar of the international police for him to answer questions.

We wish to say Enough is Enough and must be enough for Yari and his agents of darkness.
Thank you and God bless you for listening.

Boko Haram/ISWAP: Borno Elders, Stakeholders complicit in the continuous existence of terrorism despite FG's efforts-- CALSER


The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has accused the Borno Elders Forum, politicians and other stakeholders of complicity in the continuous existence of terrorism in the state.

CALSER said some elders, political leaders and stakeholders in the state were frustrating the efforts of the federal government to end terrorism in north east Nigeria.

In a letter addressed to BEF, The letter signed by the Convener, Princess Ajibola attached below posed several questions begging for answers from the elders and stakeholders. It gave a 7-day ultimatum to Borno Elders to initiate necessary actions in consonance with the concerns expressed in its open letter:

Let us start by commanding the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for his focused, spirited and result-oriented counter-terrorism warfare in the country.

We are very conversant with the difficulties of combating terrorism anywhere in the world. But the Buhari Presidency has demonstrated commitment, purposefulness and seriousness in ending the scourge of terrorism plaquing Nigeria, with deep roots in the Northeast. Of course, none of the members of BEF needs an extra binocular to spot the difference before and now under this government.
CALSER also, most objectively believe in the strategies being put in place by President Buhari and the security. But must be unequivocal that military action alone with the current posture of the Borno State Stakeholders will yield no meaningful result or deliver the kind of results to restore peace and normalcy.

President Buhari has repeatedly proved that he knows the sensitivity of this national assignment, the indispensability of security in the country and has determinedly confronted the hydra-headed monster to a standstill. Let’s be frank with you that the Nigerian military has considerably obliterated the shadows of Boko Haram in the Northeast.

But it is not edifying for us to think the United Nations (UN), government or any other authority is not doing enough to end Boko Haram. Our people say, charity begins at home. So, fighting insecurity of the identity and magnitude of Boko Haram insurgency anywhere in the world demands concerted efforts by all stakeholders to record and sustain the desired impact.

It is unfortunate that BEF, politicians and other stakeholders in Borno state have wrongly perceived and interpreted the entire Boko Haram insurgency which has devastated and ruined, not only Borno state, but the rest of the Northeast region as the exclusive business of President Buhari.

However, what other stakeholders in this collective battle against insurgency in Nigeria, including BEF have failed to do is to also contribute their quota to this battle to save humanity and their own remaining kith and kin trapped by remnants of insurgents.

What has remained confounding to the rest of us and the world is the unconcealed politicization, indifference and urbanian inclination of BEF to the total elimination of Boko Haram terrorism in Borno. BEF has postured as more interested in condemning the Presidency, or lobbying Mr. President to change leaders of the Nigerian troops in the frontlines for not doing “enough.”

BEF consistently leads bogus delegations of prominent elders from Borno, armed with a plethora of demands of what they think should be done to end Boko Haram terrorism. Which is good in itself. And overtime, President Buhari has responded by implementing some of these demands he deems sensible within the context of finally routing out Boko Haram in Borno, the Northeast and Nigeria.

Disappointing though, BEF has abandoned its crucial part of the bargain or contributions to this collective warfare on anti-terrorism or has gleefully neglected it, while they wake up every day looking unto outsiders to solve a problem in their own house. It’s like members of this forum derive pecuniary benefits from the deaths, devastations and ruination of their land by insurgency or indeed, pleasure in its festering.

Or else, how is the rest of the world supposed to understand that BEF is completely unconcerned with the sixth of United Nations Security Council of June 8, 2018, on “UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy” delivered on a four-point plan of action to member-nations, one of which states unambiguously as “…addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including but not limited to prolonged unresolved conflicts, dehumanization of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, lack of rule of law and violations of human rights, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalization, and lack of good governance….”

Another clause in this resolution, specifically addressed BEF and states that stakeholders are enjoined; “To promote a culture of peace, justice and human development, ethnic, national and religious tolerance, and respect for all religions, religious values, beliefs or cultures by establishing and encouraging, as appropriate, education and public awareness programmes involving all sectors of society...”

All of us are aware of the history or evolution of Boko Haram insurgency which has blossomed for 10 years into a national and global security monster. Candidly, politicians in Borno state started it by importing political thugs from Niger and Chad Republics in 2002 to assist them rig elections by hook or crook in the state.

After the electoral victories, these imported armed political thugs were abandoned to hunger and starvation. They devised other means of survival and brought up the idea of Boko Haram, recruited your sons and daughters into the fold, and gradually morphed into the berserk terrorists they are known today. This is a sad history unworthy of recollection or recounting. But it has become necessary at this point to call a spade a spade.

The pioneers of this queer version of Islamism have probably all been killed in combats while battling Nigerian security forces over the years. But the inheritors and promoters of this awkward and satanic project are your children, who answer your calls as fathers, uncles and brothers.

It’s absolutely indiscernible that BEF had never ever contemplated penetrating the rural populace to dialogue, interact and appeal to their own kith and kin for armistice over a decade of battle or expression of anger in bloodbath. How come they are suddenly afraid of their own children?

CALSER has challenged BEF to show even one instance they embarked on peaceful dialogue with their people on Boko Haram or attempting to win the confidence of the people to sheathe their swords? We guess it will be a hard nut to crack.

Is this not shameful enough that elders who are by African tradition supposed to lay down their lives for the younger generation would in reverse order, pleasantly allow the destruction of their posterity and land for whatever reason? What has prevented BEF from fostering persuasive and meaningful dialogues among communities and groups towards ending insurgency?

Each time BEF voices out in the media, its either they are requesting President Buhari to sack Security and Service Chiefs or change the anti-Boko Haram Strike squads on the battlefield. The conduct inspires a lot of suspicions and raises dust on the sincerity of BEF members as a whole on ending insurgency.

Borno state has worthy, wealthy and influential sons and daughters, both former and serving government appointees. Honestly what are they doing with this clout and affluence when their land is on fire? Who else do BEF members expect to exclusively blight the fire, while they covertly instigate it and stand on the fence to curry sympathy from the world in undisguised blame games of government and security agents?

We are asking the elders in BEF that where is their impact now that Borno is boiling? Where are all those who have hibernated in BEF as former governors, former or current Senators or House of Reps members? Where are all the current and former ministers, all the former and current and former state assembly legislators?

We want to know the efforts of dialogue all the rich businessmen and women from Borno as well as all the government bureaucrats at both national and state levels have done collectively or individually to quench the fire of insurgency? What role has this rich assemblage of worthy sons and daughters played in bringing an end to Boko Haram insurgency in the state or in complementing the efforts of government and security agents?

It is the greatest shame of a people staring BEF elders in the face before the rest of the world. We are tempted to believe incontrovertibly that while Borno state burns, these wealthy and influential elders revel in affluence and squander in safe havens far-flung from home. And so, they think it is the exclusive responsibility of others to quench the fire of Boko Haram.

It is completely unacceptable. Insurgency started in Borno and it must end in Borno where it has receded to concentrate now. The time to tell ourselves some sacrosanct truths is now! We cannot flinch from it forever. BEF must know, the time for the truth and the necessary action to salvage our suffering, deprived and dehumanized people is now!

So, every BEF member must dust the toga aloofness and move into the communities and villages of Borno to speak to their people; invest or spread the wealth through poverty alleviation schemes. BEF must service the cord of fraternity for the rest of us to have peace and security. Again, Boko Haram started in Borno and currently nourished by majority of masked Borno people and BEF must find a non-military solution to it.

It’s a mistaken notion to leave this arduous task solely in the hands of the Nigerian Army. Its time all of us must move to either the trenches or invade our communities with messages of peace and reconciliation. If Niger Delta elders can achieve it with militants, it’s not impossible in Borno, the Northeast and Nigeria.

Finally, we wish to state clearly that we are issuing a 7-day ultimatum to Borno Elders to initiate necessary actions in consonance with the concerns expressed in this open letter. If after the expiration of the ultimatum and nothing is done, CALSER would be forced to activate other peaceful and lawful instruments in order to give peace and security to our distressed and traumatized humanity in Borno state.

Who between Bayelsa and Rivers states owns Soku oil wells? In resolving the conflict of ownership, stakeholders believe that it is pertinent to first determine the ideal location of Soku in the administrative map, reports Mike Odiegwu from Yenagoa.

Are the disputed Soku oil wells located in Oluasiri, a community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, or are they situated in Kalabari, a kingdom in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State? This is the major question begging for answers as two Niger-Delta states, Rivers and neigbouring Bayelsa, fight dirty over an oil rich border area.

Bayelsa State’s claim of ownership to the disputed oil wells stemmed from the 11th edition of the country’s administrative map. The map, which was published by the National Boundary Commission and the Federal Surveyor-General’s Office in 2000, located the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa at the San Bartholomew River. The delineation situated the oil wells within Oluasiri in Nembe Local Government Area.



Shortly after the publication of the map, Rivers State raised an objection protesting the boundary adjustment. The Rivers State government, under Dr. Peter Odili, reportedly petitioned the then chairman of the National Boundary Commission and former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar. The Rivers State government in its official communication on the matter has always cited a response to the Odili’s letter dated July 3, 2002 by the Director-General, NBC, where the commission acknowledged that the delineation was an error and promised to correct it in the 12th edition of the map.

But without holding briefs for the Bayelsa State government, stakeholders following the matter observe that while the matter was raging, it was agreed by all the parties that the revenue from Soku oil wells should be paid into an Escrow Account pending the resolution of the case. Despite the agreement, in the year 2000, former President Olusegun Obasanjo established a Presidential Committee on Disputed Oil Wells headed by one Major-General A. B. Mamman (Retd.).

The committee in its report recommended that the proceeds from Soku Oil Field be given to Bayelsa State. Former Governor Peter Odili objected to the recommendations of the committee and filed a legal action against the committee at the Federal High Court. Rivers government withdrew the matter following an objection by Bayelsa and filed another action at the Supreme Court. Based on the recommendations of the Mamman Committee, about N7.3bn was released to Bayelsa State from escrow account on March 19, 2007.

Angered by the development, the Rivers government continued to pursue the matter at the Supreme Court vigorously. Delivering judgement on Suit N0 SC/106/2009 Att. Gen of Rivers State vs. Att. Gen of Bayelsa State & Anor, the court washed its hands off the matter, saying it could only make a declarative order on ownership after the final boundary delineation by the NBC.

The apex court said: “It is on account of the foregoing and because of the technical nature of the dispute and the claims of the parties that the court finds that the NBC as an authority vested with authorities and expertise, know-how in dealing with this matter, should have, once and for all, conducted an exhaustive exercise of delineating the disputed boundary, hence the long awaited 12th edition of the Administrative Map when completed soonest would have been of tremendous assistance in settling the lingering dispute.



“In the light of the observations I have clearly expressed above, I do not feel comfortable to grant the declarations sought until the NBC concludes its exercise of delineation of disputed boundary to finality. It will be futile and premature to determine the boundary of the two parties in the present circumstance.”

Amaechi, Dickson tango



But the crisis raged on as former Governor Rotimi Amaechi engaged the then President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from Bayelsa, and his counterpart in Bayelsa, Governor Seriake Dickson, in verbal warfare over the oil wells. Amaechi then warned Bayelsa to steer clear of the oil wells, saying “we will not allow Bayelsa State government to collect our oil wells.”

The then Rivers State deputy governor, Tele Ikuru, while addressing Kalabari Chiefs Ikuru said all federal agencies the state approached to help redress the problem ignored them. He wondered why Soku, an oil rich community in the state, was suddenly ceded to Bayelsa. He said despite the agreement that proceeds from oil and gas in the area should be paid to an escrow account, about N17bn from the account was transferred to Bayelsa.

“The issue of Soku has been known to be part of Rivers State. Suddenly we woke up to hear Soku does not belong to Rivers again. While we were challenging this, we asked that the whole money from there be paid into an escrow account. Suddenly they paid the money to Bayelsa State,” Ikuru lamented.

But Dickson in a statement signed by his then Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, replied Amaechi. He said Amaechi was a mischievous liar for claiming that President Goodluck Jonathan ceded the oil wells to his home state in his bid to punish Rivers people. Dickson insisted that there was no controversy over the ownership of the Soku oil wells since the issue was resolved by the Supreme Court, the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and several presidential committees.

The statement said: “It is instructive to note that not only are the survey coordinates of the affected areas within the geographical area of Bayelsa State, it is also in Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delineated electoral constituency as electoral ward 13 in Nembe Local Council Area of Bayelsa State.”

Quoting chapter three of a report of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) dated August 2006, the statement said: “The Bayelsa/Imo/Abia State governments complained that the naming of oil fields was often done arbitrarily without any regard to the culture and particular environment of the people where the wells or fields are located. This has given rise to wrong attribution by relevant agencies.

“Incidentally, Soku village in Rivers State is about 10 kilometres, as the crow flies, from the flow station while the Oluasiri/Soku oil wells/field is completely surrounded by various Oluasiri communities such as Etukekiri, Ijawkiri, Fredkiri, Adokonikiri etc, all in Nembe Local Council Area of Bayelsa State.”

The statement also quoted sections of a report of a committee set up in October 2000 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and headed by Maj. Gen. A. B. Mamman (retd), which said: “Soku Oil Field: The team relied on the legal notice captioned “The Eastern Region Local Government Law, 1955 E.R. NO 26 of 1955. Instrument Establishing the Nembe District Council” tendered by Bayelsa State on Pages 40-41 of its submission.

“It should be noted that while the Kalabari of Rivers State call the area Soku, the Nembe people of Bayelsa State call it Oluasiri, which is one of the councils mentioned in paragraph 5 of the above mentioned instrument. In the light of the above, it is recommended that the production from Soku Oil Field be attributed to Bayelsa State.”

The reports, according to the statement, paved the way for Bayelsa to apply for the monies that had been placed in an escrow account.

“From July 2004, the Revenue Commission officially attributed the Oluasiri (Soku) Oil well to Bayelsa State and the amount of N7,292,218,892 was subsequently released from the ESCROW account to Bayelsa State on March 19, 2007, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“The Bayelsa State government made the application for a refund of N17,405,702,164.34 during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on the reconciliation of Nembe-South oil field in Bayelsa State and was found by RMAFC to be true.

“Amaechi, failed to disclose that Rivers State made a similar claim on Nda and Okwori oil wells from Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Delta states, and got a refund of N17.5 billion.”

Wike keeps the battle raging

The incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, shocked Bayelsa State at the twilight of Dickson’s administration. Unknown to Dickson, Wike engaged his legal team in a fresh battle to reclaim the Soku oil wells. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja awarded the Soku Oil Wells to Rivers State. Delivering judgement in a suit filed by the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the National Boundary Commission, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court said based on the facts before the court, the oil wells belonged to Rivers State.

The court then issued an order compelling the NBC to rectify the 11th Edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria, which contained the erroneous interstate boundary between Rivers State and Bayelsa State in the 12th Edition. The court declared that the failure of NBC to rectify the admitted mistake in the 11th edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria since 2002 which erroneously showed St Batholomew River instead of River Santa Barbara as the interstate boundary between the two states was a breach of its statutory duty and a flagrant disobedience of the order of the Supreme Court.

But an indication that the Soku oil well conundrum is yet to be rested despite the recent judgement emerged following the decision of Bayelsa State to challenge the order of the federal high court. Immediately the judgment was issued, the Bayelsa state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Andrew Arthur, said Bayelsa was not a party to the application filed by the Rivers State government.

Describing the judgment as unfortunate, Arthur said the application was cunningly hidden from the Bayelsa government, adding that the government only got to know about it on the judgement day. He said though he would restrain from making further comments until he received a copy of the judgment, Rivers State government had brought similar applications on about four occasions but they were all dismissed by the court.

He asked the people of the state to remain calm noting that the government would challenge the order of the court at the appeal. Arthur said the processes that led to the judgement fell short of court rules, which mandated the court to include parties that could affected by its order to an instituted action. He said: “Don’t forget that we were not party to the said action that was brought by the Rivers State. We were not even aware of the pendency of the action up to the stage of this morning.

“I had to call the governor to intimate him of the fact that there was a judgment. I have not seen the hard copy of the judgment apart from what I read from papers. I can’t be making a comment on the basis of what is written in papers.

“But I will be in Abuja and I can assure you that Bayelsa State will have a robust defence by way of an appeal as an interested party. It is quite unfortunate. Rivers State had brought similar applications on about four occasions before the Federal High Court.

“All those applications had been dismissed on one ground or the other. What they did was to cleverly and cunningly not make Bayelsa State a party to the application. I quite understand that the application was for an order of mandamus compelling the National Boundary Commission. If they are simply compelling the NBC to do an act, that is what it is. Maybe that informed the reason why we were not made party to the application. The rule of court says that where a party is to be affected by the order to be made, the court shall direct that the processes be served on that other party.

“All these were not done and I can assure you that not later than Wednesday we would have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the wrong that had been meted on the people and government of Bayelsa State are dealt with. Bayelsans should remain calm. We understand that this government is almost at its terminal point, but we still owe a duty to protect the interest of Bayelsa and the government of Bayelsa will not shelve that responsibility at this stage.”

Also in an elaborate statement, the Bayelsa government further clarified its position on the matter. The government in the statement signed by Andrew said the lower court’s judgement was contrary to a decision of the Supreme Court on the matter. Andrew said despite the decision of the Supreme Court, the Rivers government instituted an action against the NBC to justify its “false” claims on the Soku oilfields, which he said are located within Nembe Loval Government Area.

He said: “From Monday 16th December, 2019 the media had been awash with reports that the Federal High Court, sitting at Abuja had delivered a judgment awarding the ownership of the said Oluasiri Oilfields/Oil wells to Rivers State purportedly pursuant to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. CS/106/2009 between Attorney-General, Rivers State v. Attorney-General, Bayelsa State & Anor

“It was also reported that the judgment of the Federal High Court was made to give effect to the decision of the Supreme Court, and purporting to direct the NBC to fix the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa State at Santa Barbara River.

“It is worthy of note that the Supreme Court in Suit No. CS/106/2009 struck out the action on the ground that it was futile and premature to determine the boundaries of the two states insofar as the NBC had not delineated the boundary between Rivers State and Bayelsa State.

“The Supreme Court never made a specific order directing the NBC to delineate the disputed boundaries. Albeit, it is part of the statutory function of the NBC to deal with, determine and intervene in any boundary dispute that may arise between any two States of the Federation with a view to settling such dispute.”

In the Supreme Court judgement, Andrew quoted Galadima JSC to have said: It is on account of the foregoing and because of the technical nature of the dispute and the claims of the parties this Court finds that the NBC as an authority vested with authorities and expertise know-how in dealing with this matter should have once and for all conducted an exhaustive exercise of delineating the disputed boundary.

“Hence the long-awaited 12th Edition of the Administrative Map when completed soonest would have been of tremendous assistance in settling this lingering dispute.

“In the light of the observations I have clearly expressed above I do not feel comfortable to grant the declarations sought until the NBC concludes its exercise of delineation of disputed boundary to finality. It will be futile and premature to determine the boundary of the two parties States in the present circumstances. However, the appropriate order to be made in the prevailing circumstance is that of striking out the Plaintiff’s suit, and I so order accordingly. Each party to bear its costs.”

Andrew said following the judgement, the NBC in exercise of its statutory functions commenced the efforts to exhaustively and finally resolve the boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa State with the constitution of Joint Technical Committee on the Bayelsa/Rivers Interstate Boundary and the deputy governors of both states leading their respective delegation.

He said: “After a couple of meetings of the aforesaid committee, on the 30th of January, 2013, the Rivers State delegation led by the then deputy governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, formally announced the withdrawal of the state’s delegation from further deliberation and participation in the joint delimitation and demarcation exercises until certain conditions articulated by the deputy governor of Rivers State, are met, which amongst others, included the payments of all revenue from the disputed oil wells into an Escrow Account under the Accountant-General of the Federation.

“Given the background and the state of affairs necessitated by the voluntary withdrawal of Rivers State from further deliberation and participation in the joint delimitation and demarcation exercise in respect of the disputed boundary.

“It is therefore surprising that Rivers State could resort to instituting the action at the Federal High Court, Abuja against the NBC and without the knowledge and participation of Bayelsa State, and proceeded to obtain a judgement to the effect that the Oluasiri Oilfields/Oil wells, belong to Rivers State on the same unchanged facts and issues as was the case before the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/106/2009.

“This to say the least, is highly unusual, curious, and clearly untenable and cannot be allowed to stand despite the media frenzy orchestrated and sponsored by the government of Rivers State.

“Bayelsa State is confident of its historical claim of ownership over the lands on which the Oilfields/Oil wells in issue are situate and had always expressed its willingness to fully participate in any joint delimitation and demarcation exercise in respect of the disputed boundary.”

By all indications, the Soku oil well controversy will continue and may be inherited by the next administrations of Rivers and Bayelsa. It is only when the NBC updates the administrative map of the country in its 12th edition that the matter may be resolved. The 12th edition of the mapping will determine whether the rich Soku oil wells and oil fields belong to either Bayelsa or Rivers states.

The PDP Leaders of Thought have said the recent media attacks by the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike on Bayelsa state Governor, Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson in an affront to civility and arrogance taken too far.

In a statement in Abuja, and jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Elder Akin Shomolu and Alhaji Kabiru Alhassan, the group strongly condemned the media attacks by Rivers State Governor on his Bayelsa State counterparts, a situation it described as the "arbitrariness that Governor Wike has become known for."

"We wish to express dismay, at the conduct of Mr Wike, which was purely an attempt at intimidating the good people of Bayelsa State, whose mandate, Governor Seriake Dickson still holds, as an incumbent governor. The hostility of governor Wike to the people of Bayelsa State, has never been hidden and the recent actions of the Rivers, only attracts our attention and other well meaning Nigerians, because he went beyond every known boundary of civility."

They stated that the tantrums of the Rivers Governor is not only uncalled for but is capable of fanning the Amber's of discord between the niegbouring sister states.

The group further said, the resort by Wike to gutter language in describing Governor Dickson, his family and by extension, the people of Bayelsa State may have been borne out of the personal hatred and frustration, especially whenever Governor Wike is confronted with the popularity of Governor Dickson and his acceptability across the Niger Delta.

" The words used by His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is unbecoming of the office and title of "His Excellency, The Governor of Rivers State.'

“Mr Wike's attacks and subtle threats is nothing short of vituperation borne out of irritation with the role of Governor Dickson in unifying the Ijaw nation, both in and outside Bayelsa State."


“If we may ask, what has been the exceptional achievement of Governor Wike in adressing the mountains of challenges faced by the people of Rivers state today, including an upsurge of the violence across the state.? Why is he belly-aching about the clear headed leadership which Governor Dickson has continued to provide within and outside Bayelsa State?

His regular threats to the party leadership clearly shows a man who is uncontrollable, lacks respect for constituted authority, and sees himself as an Emperor who must be obeyed at all cost the group added.

The group advised Governor Seriake Dickson and the people of Bayelsa State not to be deterred by the antics of an arrogant political adversary who was out to fan the embers of disunity in the region.

They called on leaders,and men of Goodwill across the country to rise up in one voice to condemn the actions of the Rivers State Governor.

*Boko Haram/ISWAP: Centre decries tacit international support for, berates UN for doing little too late to address terrorism in Africa*

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has frowned at the United Nations and other international organizations for being relatively mute, without any strict measure to address terrorism in Africa.

According to the Centre, the UN is doing little and doing late by not sanctioning countries that promote and watch Boko Haram/ ISWAP spread its ideology of senseless killings across Africa.

This was made known at a press briefing on Saturday in Abuja on the “worrisome bid by Boko Haram/ ISWAP to regain relevance from the tacit support enjoyed from unscrupulous countries and international organizations”.

In a statement signed by convener, Princess Ajibola, the Centre revealed that the UN's failure to interrogate what is unfolding in the northeast of Nigeria and adjourning territories of Niger, Cameroon and Chad has encouraged nations backing Boko Haram to grow bold.

CALSER, forthwith, called on the UN to condemn the activities of the terrorists rather than destructive indifference.

It further advised the intergovernmental organization to create a coalition of willing nations that are committed to do what the right-thinking citizens of the earth expected.

Read full address below:




Gentlemen of the press, the Centre For Africa Liberation and Socio- Economic Rights (CALSER) is an apolitical, non-religious, not for profit humanitarian organization that was born in response to the untold rights abuses unleashed against the civilian populations by non-state actors in conflict impacted areas in Africa. CALSER’s focus on abuses by non-state actors was informed by the fact that the reported or alleged instances affecting government forces have been adequately taken care of by local, regional and international rights groups.

These rights groups have however not paid attention to the series of abuses committed against civilians by known non-state actors like separatists, terrorists and insurrectionists, who often get no mention in the slew of reports that emanate from established rights groups.

Ignoring the atrocities committed by such groups have further imperilled local populations. Because government forces are often wrongly accused for and credited with the human rights abuses, including murder, committed by these groups, they are able to continue killing knowing that there is no effort to hold them accountable or brought to justice for the crimes they have committed against humanity.

There is also the troubling pattern of rogue nations, even though they parade impressive democratic credentials, scaling up their tactical, policy and, material support for criminal groups such that they are able to continue launching attacks against non-combatant population while making attempts at staging spectacular stand offs against established militaries. These countries have a need to retrace their steps and begin to side with common sense and logic while stopping support for terrorists, something that CALSER is committed to achieving.

BOKO HARAM/ISWAP

In the period leading up to the Yuletide, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ratcheted up their activities ostensibly in a bid to cause the most outrage possible, with a troubling pattern to their strategy.

Specifically, on Christmas Day, Boko Haram killed 11 abducted persons. This act is condemned in its totality as it is despicable, wicked and barbaric. Equally condemnable are the attempts by both Boko Haram and ISWAP to increase their attacks in order to create a sense of terror in the affected areas and by extension in the rest of Nigeria and neighboring west African countries.

These attacks should provoke consequences from other countries that had asserted their commitment to deal terrorism crippling blows. These countries should be driven by the United Nations (UN), which should take the lead in guaranteeing that no set of the earth’s population have to be put through the horrors these terrorists are making Nigerians go through.

This failing on the part of the UN to properly interrogate what is unfolding in the northeast of Nigeria and adjourning territories of Niger, Cameroon and Chad has encouraged the countries backing Boko Haram to grow bold. This has in turn made these countries funnel more support to the terrorists. In recent weeks, it seems this support has. Now been further increased to include the recruitment of corporate media to help amplify terrorist propaganda. At such, the murders being committed by Boko Haram/ISWAP are being glamorized in a manner that not only trivializes the lives of the victims and trample on the emotions of their loved ones, the accompanying videos and the way they are reported have become materials for supporting the recruitment drive of terrorists.

MISSING ACTIONS
We are yet to see the UN condemning the activities of the terrorists, which it has not also called for actions against. This has given the terrorists and their state backers the boldness to commit more atrocities on daily basis. So long as they see the UN as incapable of playing its roles the situation will only get worse.

Yet, the actions that are needed demand that there is no prevarication. They demand that the UN immediately stops its culture of destructive indifference. It must step out to boldly demand an end to state support for terrorists. It must then back such demands with resolutions that impose sanctions for any country that breaks rank to support Boko Haram, ISWAP and any other terrorist organization.

Additionally, the UN must create a coalition, an alliance, of willing nations that are committed to do what the right-thinking citizens of the earth expected. Such coalition must condemn and a take a stand against any nation that fails to sell military hardware to nations that are being tormented by Boko Haram/ISWAP and their sponsors.

We demand that the UN immediately take these steps.

*Terrorism: Coalition lauds Nigerian troops over gallantry in Yobe, Borno on Christmas planned attacks*

The Coalition of Human Rights and Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) has hailed the Nigerian troops for displaying sheer gallantry to abort proposed attacks on Yobe and Borno States.

Between 22nd and 24th December, the Nigerian military averted what would have been a major disaster, repelling Boko Haram attacks on Damaturu and Biu.

The gallant troops overwhelmed the insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties in their hundreds.

In a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the Coalition of Human Rights and Monitoring Groups in Nigeria described this latest feat as a “success”, deserving of adulation.

According to a statement by President, Gabriel Agibi, this was made possible through prayers, intelligence gathering, improved quality of weaponry, high morale of troops and exemplary leadership by the military too brass.

The coalition, hence, singled out Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other top military brass for praises for ensuring that troops are well taken care of and mobilised to be combat ready at all times.

The group further called on Nigerians to support and appreciate the troops for routinely raising to the occasion.

Rear full press statement below:

You're all welcome to this important press conference on the recent rounds of successes recorded by the Nigeria Armed Forces in quelling insurgency and defeating terrorism in Nigeria.

You are all aware that from the 22nd to 24th of December, 2019, the Boko Haram terrorists tried to take two major towns in North east Nigeria, namely, Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State; and Biu, a major town in Borno State.

You are aware that in both occasions, the terrorists were overwhelmed and roundly dealt with that they beat hasty retreats to their caves.

It is no longer news that they met their Waterloo in the hands of our troops who rose to the occassion and killed over 100 of the terrorists in Biu, Damaturu and other small villages where they were hiding.

Reports suggest that due to the manner they were defeated, it is unlikely that the terrorists will ever attempt to strike Damaturu again given their loss and consternation.

It might interest you to know that this is not the first time the terrorists had tried to take over both Damaturu and Biu and indeed other major towns within the North east axis.

You will recall that at a time, they succeeded in taking over Gwoza and sacked the legally constituted authority in about 10 local goverments in Borno State while visiting mayhem on urban commercial centers like Mubi and Potiskum in Adamawa and Yobe States respectively thereby disrupting normal life and causing untold hardship to residents.

We recall that during the past administration, they at a time were able to unleash mayhem in Damaturu for several hours leading to heavy casualties and at another time even gained entry into the Government House.

Though they were later repelled in the previous occasions, it had been at a heavy cost to the country in terms of human casualty and property.

But their latest attempt has been the most unsuccessful as only few of them barely made it alive to their trenches.

On their own account, the terrorists tried all their possible best to gain entry into Damaturu but were overpowered and pushed back by the Nigerian troops.

The terrorists in the process recorded heavy casualties and lost one of their General Commander who is said to be coordinating attacks around Lake Chad Fringes.

We learnt that after their initial defeat around Damaturu, they made an attempt to reinforce from one of their bases in a place called Gorgore Camp but the team could not muster the courage to move due to the stark reality of defeat that stared them in the face.

If the terrorists had succeeded in their evil campaign, the whole world would have been thrown into mourning due to the high casualty rate likely to be recorded as Damaturu and Biu being urbane centres are densely populated.

The success of the recent military operation has been made possible through prayers, intelligence gathering, improved quality of weaponry, high morale of troops and exemplary leadership by the military too brass.

We at this stage must commend the leadership role of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other top military brass who have ensured that troops are well taken care of and mobilised to be combat ready at all times in the sustained fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

We may not appreciate the magnitude of the sacrifice being made by the Nigerian troops until we realise that they also have families and would have wanted just like all of us, to be with their families tocelebrate both Christmas and New Year.

We also may not fully grasp the extent of the success of this operations until we realise that prior to the yuletide, the insurgents had mobilized heavily to cause unrest around the fringes of the lake Chad basin.

That they have failed has served as a boost to the psyche of the citizenry and renewed the hope of many in the capacity of the state to protect them, thereby preserving millions of lives and businesses.

It is instructive to note that the military in acheiving the latest feat also avoided colateral damages and fought with high professional standard maintaining a high level human rights record which is highly commendable in view of the recent attempt by some groups to discredit its human rights record.

We commend the Nigeria army for their bravery and gallantry and we want to let them know that they have regained our confidence and we totally have no iota of doubt about their professional competence.

We can say without fear of contradiction that what are seeing of the army now reaffirms the fact that the feat they achieved in keeping Nigeria one and in other international engagement like in Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia were not by accident.

We call on all citizens of Nigeria to join us in commending the army and other security agencies that have made this possible and pray to God to continue to keep them and their families until we put a final stop to such criminal activities.

We call on all arms of government to continue to support our troops.

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai are among top public officials with exemplary performances who will be honoured at a book launch in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.


Makinde will receive the Award of Patriotism As “Human Capital Development Star of the Year" for dispensing uncommon and engaging leadership which prioritises  the interests of the masses in his state while Buratai will recieve the Award of Extraordinary Patriotism As “Most Outstanding Legend of the Year”  for leading troops in successful counter-insurgency operations and for devoting his life and energy to impressively combat Boko Haram terrorism and allied insurgencies in Nigeria.


The award is being organised by TheNigerian News,  a multi media news organisation with offices  in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.


The media organisation has been on top of news reporting via its Television, online and print media and in 2017 expanded its scope from news reporting to identifying and honouring outstanding personalities in Nigeria with awards in order to encourage such persons sustain the drive that had endeared them to the people through developmental projects and positive impact on the lives of people. 


This Year's award would be preceded by book launch on the life and leadership impact of President Muhammadu Buhari.


The book is entitled " Integrity vs : Power Play: Understanding the Buhari Phenomenon" written by the Publisher  of TheNigerian News, Chief Philip Agbese. 


A statement from the media organisation said Makinde has admirably proved his capacity as a visionary, who is focused with lofty initiatives and programmes designed to cure the age-long cancer of neglect, poverty, impoverishment and underdevelopment which has plagued the state.


It noted that, "Gov. Makinde’s barely six months’ leadership of the state has restored smiles on the faces of enslaved pensioners, civil servants, youths, farmers and communities with debilitating development issues.  


"The Emancipator-Governor has indisputably demonstrated that the public commonwealth of Oyo state belongs to the people."


The statement added that Governor Makinde  is deemed worthy for the award of “Human Capital Development Star of the Year,” for enhancing  and sustaining human capital development, securing the state against all criminalities, amazing investments into the promotion of agriculture, launching rewarding economic expansion windows  and a dutiful commitment to the  welfare of public servants.


TheNigerian News also stated that Gen. Buratai has dutifully etched on global psyche, the fact that the Nigeria Army has become a nemesis to Boko Haram and demonstrating a dogged determination to secure and  fortify the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.   


It said, "The special recognition is spurred by his extraordinary dedication, sacrifices to the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria, innovations and technological advancement of the Nigerian Army on  the war against terrorism and protection of children and women from crimes against humanity induced by insurgency.  



The book launch and award ceremony are billed to hold on the 30th of December, 2019 at the NAF Event Centre, Abuja by 10:00 am and will be broadcast live on national television. 


Other public officials who have distinguished themselves in the course of rendering service would also be honoured.

.... as eight other govs, distinguished Nigerians bag awards

Following his historic victory in last November Bayelsa State Guber polls, governor-elect, David Lyon, has been recognised as “Man of the Year" by foremost media group, TheNigerian News.

Mr Lyon will be awarded at the third anniversary and book launch by publisher, Philip Agbese, in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Against all odds, Mr Lyon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was overwhelmingly elected to govern the oil-rich state, breaking the power of incumbency and ending the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) two-decade-long hegemony in last month's polls.

On the choice of the 48-year-old Southern Ijaw native for its most-coveted recognition, the organisation said “ like morning dew, he rose from political oblivion as an underdog to defeat two serving senators in a fair and transparent election to emerge as Governor-elect of Bayelsa State.”

The statement added that "his soft-spoken mien and humility saw him defeat vote-buying, thuggery and manipulations to win the heart of Bayelsans thus proving that power belongs to the people.”

Here's a rundown of other award recipients:

HE, Obong Udom Emmanuel, award for Infrastructure Star of the Year

Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, award for Role Model of the Year

Lt Gen TY Buratai, award for Most Outstanding Legend of the Year

Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, award for Public Order Personality of the Year

Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, award for Politician of the Year

Col. Muhammadu M Abdallah (rtd), award for Change Agent of the Year

HE, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, award for Education and Worker Welfare Star of the Year

HE, Mr Godwin Obaseki, award for Fiscal Policy and Transparency Star

Mrs Ibukun Awosika, award for Woman of the Year

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, award for Most Valuable CEO of the Year

Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, award for Activist of the Year

HE, Rt Ahmad Fintiri, award for Grassroots Democracy Development Governor of the Year

HE, Engr David Umahi, award for Nationalist of the Year

HE, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, award for Human Capital Development Star

HE, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, award for Pillar of Security Vanguards

HE, Hon David Lyon, award for Man of the Year

OFAB Foundation, award for Most-Outstanding Pan-African Group in the Diaspora

Engr. Nuruddeen Rafinddadi, award for Social Service Icon of the Year

The book titled, “Integrity Vs Power Play: Understanding the Buhari Phenomenon”, meanwhile, aptly captures the first-term administration of President Buhari and many of his giant exploits as a five-star democrat.

The event is billed to hold on Monday 30th December at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

By Philip Agbese

This is indeed a serious topic. I choose to write on this topic for the fact that President Muhamadu Buhari has been receiving bashes from all fronts, and the media think tank appointed to rise to his defense has gone to sleep.

The slumber is so deep that one is tempted to ask if there is any sense of loyalty or urgency left in the way and manner they carry on with their duties. I will try to avoid delving into the narrative pushed by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, even though she made some form of sense about the presidential media aides not doing enough to protect the President and project his numerous achievements since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

I have a verdict. My verdict is that the presidential media aides have performed below expectations in the task at their hand. They have carried on like rookies learning a new trade when in truth; most of them have seen it all in the journalism field. They have distinguished themselves before their appointments. The question thus is what went wrong?

The answer to this question lies in the apparent fact that there is a lack of either interest or commitment to the jobs they were hired for. I stand to be corrected; on a scale of 10, I would score the presidential media aides 4. This is in fairness to their years of experience over the years. However, the irony is that these individuals missed it along the line. They mistook the job for news reporting. They relegated the place of strategic communications and crisis management, either by omission or commission.

Make no mistakes; the presidential media team has performed woefully in the sense that they have allowed the many achievements of President Muhammdu Buhari to go unnoticed. They have also allowed critics of the government to dictate the narrative in the public space. And trust, this loophole has been exploited to the fullest, and at the detriment of the image of the President. Do they care?

We must come to terms with the fact that perception is the reality in this business. This much they should know with all their years of experience. This is not to say that they have been entirely lacking, but they are not in tune with the present realities. They have decided to engage in conventional strategies in a space that requires out of the box strategies and approaches. This could be deliberate or out of ignorance. If intentional, it is indeed a shame. If out of ignorance, it is indeed pathetic. And it behooves on them to brace up or leave the scene.

They must realize that this is not the era of press releases and pictorials. This is indeed the era of strategic communication intended at putting issues in proper perspective at the risk of losing the plot. I empathize with President Muhammdu Buhari with the level of bashing he has received on issues that ordinarily should not elicit harsh reactions from members of the public. But this is what you get when your media handlers are asleep.

President Muhammdu Buhari, in my opinion, has done well since he assumed leadership of this country. He has displayed a commitment to leaving Nigeria better than how he meant it. But the challenge is that those saddled with the responsibility of projecting his numerous achievements do not seem to be in tune with the urgency of now. They have left so many things to chance, and instead of being proactive, they have been reactive.

Trust the opposition; they have taken full advantage of this shortcoming to project the President as a dictator and one with little or no regard for the rule of law in Nigeria. This is indeed a sad tale. Whether we like or not, the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari are in short supply in the public space. What we get to see are mostly press releases that are lacking in content.

I stand to be corrected; the approach deployed by the presidential media team has been lackadaisical. There is no urgency. There is no display of mastery of the game. For example, a situation where a presidential media aide would go on air to muddle issues rather than engage is most worrisome and does not speak well for the image of their principal.

I must add that the approach must change soonest. The bickering must be replaced by strategy. Their number one focus must be in the interest of their principal. And not their pockets. Those that can’t live up to expectations should tow the noble path because this is a serious business. If this approach is not embraced, then I am afraid there would be no justification for their continued stay in office.

The task at hand requires all hands to be on the deck where teamwork and cross-fertilization of ideas would rein supreme, where an avid commitment to projecting the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari would take center stage.

The presidential media team must wake up from its slumber and live up to expectations. It is inexcusable for them to continue to rely on goodwill. There is a place for strategic communication. This much they know and his much they must admit.

Agbese is an author, publisher and human rights activist based in the United Kingdom.

By Abdulrahman Zakariyau
Abuja

The League of Civil Society Groups says purveyors of malicious petitions within the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) were behind the ordeal of its Director-General, Alhaji Modibo Kawu.

The group in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Activist Mohammad Baasah and National Secretary, Amb Akoshile Mukhtar, Tuesday stated that the NBC should rather change its name to National Petitioning Commission (NPC) since many of its workers has acquired better skills in petition writing than contributing to the Commission's efforts at delivering on its mandate.

"While petition writing is not new and unknown to the Commission since inception: in fact one would not be wrong to assume that the staff of the Commission take special lessons in petition writing: the practice has been taken to new height since the coming into office of the current Director-General, Alhaji ls'haq Modibbo Kawu, it observed.

It added that "As Human rights activist, we observed that this practice is as a result of interconnected factors involving both internal and external actors driving voices of dissidents against the Commission and its Chief Executive.

According to the group "it is not particularly unexpected that enemies will rise against any Chief Executive in Nigeria especially when the latter is one who stands to jettison past wrong ways of doing things. This is in view of the comfort of many Nigerian public servants with status quo and readiness to battle any new order meant to alter face of things.

Continuing, the statement read "In addition, there are many others always lurking in the corner waiting or precipitating the downfall of the man at the helm of affairs. This latter group usually belongs to categories that felt that they are more deserving of the position or felt that they were cheated out of the position or wrongly sidelined. Many are mere instruments being used to tight battle they are not privy to.

"In unrelenting efforts to encourage decorum and integrity in Public offices. All these categories are involved in the current state of affairs at the NBC in their varying degrees. But as stated above: Is it not time the purveyors of malicious petitions against Alhaji ls‘haq Modibbo Kawu back down and return to their shell? After numerous failed attempts to sink the man into the canal, would they not desist? These are legitimate questions begging for answers.

"The sole authority imbued with the power of appointment has appointed Kawu as the head of NBC. He is not only confident in his competence to deliver on the mandate of the Commission, he is so far satisfied with the performance of the man. We would rather think that masters of mendacity should recoil and allow the Director General to concentrate on his duties for the good of the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

"It is pertinent to note and set the record straight that the administration of Is'haq Modibbo Kawu is not only competent and focus. It is effective and efficient. This is the right way to go.

"We therefore urge the Chief Executive of NBC to remain firm and committed to discharging the onerous tasks of his office in line with the next level mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. The petition writers may continue. Their bubble of lies will continue to bust Into their faces".

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford to change or appoint new service chiefs for now.

He told medium in an interview that Buhari could not afford to change the military leadership because Nigeria was in a complete state of war.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.


Ndume told this medium that the president could not but retain the service chiefs because Nigeria is in a state of war, not only in the North-east, but all over the country with serious military deployments to quell crisis and maintain peace
He said: “We are in war. Definitely, we are in war. We are fighting the insurgents in the North-east and in the North-west.

The military is so much involved and are being deployed in so many zones of the federation. The security situation is such that that the military is involved almost in all parts of the country. So, we are in war.

“The military is so involved in so many security challenges. In fact, in almost the 36 states, in fact, this is a pointer that we are at war.

“Coincidentally, the president is a retired army general and he knows this war situation better than most Nigerians; and he knows when to change his army commanders and when not to do that. As a commander-in-chief, he understands this war situation better than we the civilians.

“I’m sure he is doing the right thing as the commander-in-chief and when he finds it necessary, he will effect changes.”
He stated that he didn’t think that changing the service chiefs would solve the insecurity in the country.

“I don’t think that changing the service chiefs will be the solution to the insecurity in the country. I don’t think that this war is not won because the service chiefs are still there and have not been changed.”

By Nkechi Odoma



Christmas is here again. It is a season that brings people from far and near together in joy and celebration. It has been so for decades in Nigeria until some evil minded persons saw the assemblage of people occasioned by the conviviality of the season to perpetrate  their wicked plots.

In doing so,  they exerted maximum damage on an innocent and unsuspecting citizenry as they turned the soothing carols of Christmas to dirges and the gathering in social circles to hospital visits as families struggled to cater for loved ones who have  fallen  victims of the acts of evil.
This was what has been happening in Nigeria since a terrorist group invaded the erstwhile peaceful landcape by seizing certain portions of the land.


Between 2009 and 2015, the fun and fanfare of Christmas was gradually replaced with fear and trepidation as the insurgents deepened their resolve to create panic land leaving billows of  smoke almost everywhere. 
Nigerians turned captives in their homeland through no fault of theirs. They became like the proverbial Babylonian captives who sang in lamentation 'how can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? Though they weren't in any foreign land. The height of such inhuman  recklessness  was in 2011 when on Christmas Day, a day set aside for merry making and panoply, was  turned bloody and the season of happineness to a season crimson  blossom.
No fewer than 37 persons who went to worship at the Catholic Church at a small town called Madalla near Abuja were blown to their graves with 57 others left wounded in one of the most despicable and atrocious acts in recent times.


The bombs investigations later showed,  were planted near the  1,000 capacity church and its effect was felt in the whole vicinity as windows of the houses around were shattered by the explosion. As if that was not enough to shock a bewildered citizenry, another explosion hit the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in Jos, Plateau State,  on the same day.

The terrorists had intended worse as two other bombs were found in a  building near the church and many testified to seeing gun wielding men fleeing the vicinity shortly after an alarm was raised.
Before people could recover from the shock of the two unfortunate incidents, two major towns in Yobe State, Damaturu and Gadaka also felt the  pang of the grim reality with multiple explosions happening there. The one on Gadaka was also in a church. 

The frequency of the occurrences within the same period subsequently made people to develop a different attitude towards spending Christmas in Nigeria. Rather than see the season  as an opportunity to roll out in resplendent robes and to seek  where to catch fun as they all want to do on such occasions, people began to see Christmas as the reason to stay indoors.

Churches cancelled their night programmes and built high walls around their premises while quickly dismissing the congregation  out of fear.
But as people troop out in preparation for this year's Christmas,  no such fears abound. Since 2015 when the current administration was inaugurated, so much effort was put in place to ensure the life of the citizenry is secured.
The first indication that it was not going to be business as usual for the terrorists was the directive by the president for the relocation of the operational headquarters of the Nigeria armed forces to the theatre of war.

Then followed the appointment of capable hands to head the armed forces.
General Tukur Yusufu   Buratai on assumption of office as chief of army staff wasted no time getting the troops ready for action.
Like Shaka, the great Zulu warrior who initiated military reforms and transformed a ragtag army to a well-organized and centralised millitary might that established the Zulu State, Buratai brought reforms that changed the orientation of the average Nigerian soldier.


Like Shaka's transformation of the army through innovative tactics and updated weaponry, Buratai brought reforms that served to boost the morale of officers and men and the inherited complaints of lack of proper welfare became a thing of the past
The reforms and  strategy introduced gave the military upper hand as they took the insurgents by surprise in their fortress and the concentration of such onslaught saw the Boko Haram terrorists running for dear lives. Weapons were procured at speed and mobilised across the theatre of war and positive results began to pour in.

The low morale of the army gave way to high spirits as men and officers which under  the previous dispensation were quitting due to lack of confidence became charged begging to be allowed to route out the terrorists. Many of the insurgents on seeing superior fire power and war strategies began to beg for forgiveness. The heavy casualty toll on their  side  caused  a split in their ranks as the centre could no longer hold. Our military took the dreaded Sambisa forest and established a base at Camp Zero.
Gwoza a local government headquarters which was previously captured by the insurgents and designated the capital of the Caliphate was recaptured by Nigerian troops and its people liberated.

Local governments areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States that were under Boko Haran were  liberated and the insurgents were pursued to precincts on the fringes of the Nigerian border and began to prey on soft targets to be able to eat.
What was taking place in those territories quickly gave Nigerians a new lease of life.
The miniser of information, Lai Mohamed announced that the insurgents were technically defeated and degraded. He was right as  IDP camps no longer surged with women  and children but were steadily being depleted of displaced persons. 


More and more persons in such camps relocated to their recaptured communities living normal lives as before. 
This implies that the current administration has lived up to one of its  cardinal promises to secure  the lives of the citizenry. For this, Nigerians are grateful to the president and the military top brass especially the chief of army staff that caused this to happen. 
As we wish ourselves happy Christmas, let us not forget the military men who are still at vulnerable communities to ensure we have a peaceful and secured Christmas.  And let us wish ourselves  a happy Christmas again under Buhari. 


Odoma is President, Africa Arise for Change Network.

By Philip Agbese
 
Military officers are men and women whose hearts are supposedly walled with hardness akin to rocks. They are usually thick and impenetrable! Like King Pharaoh, soldiers are brave, courageous and superbly, very daring specie of professionals, who flinch at nothing. This truism is even more of the badge of retired Army Generals.   Theophilus Danjuma flaunts the identity and shadows of a professional soldier.  
But recently, Danjuma's soundbites makes it extremely difficult for anyone to really address him a retired senior Army Officer and also as someone who once served as Nigeria’s minister of defence. His recent posture brings into doubt if he truly merited the rank of a General in the Nigerian Army prior to his retirement because he unswervingly displays feminine belligerency.
It is more consoling to believe Danjuma never earned the prestigious rank of an Army General. But as a yeoman in the corridors of power, his masters in the military bestowed and decorated him with the rank may be as a “compensation” for being a loyal subordinate. Probably, it could be a reward for Gen. Danjuma’s sadistic, cruel and unethical murder of the former Head of State, Gen. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.

 Outside of active service from the Army, Danjuma parrots on national issues in a manner of a child dreading a scary prey. The feeble willpower inside him severely restricts the strength to bark and bite, like the Army Generals known to Nigerians and the world.   
Danjuma is howling these days like a swine under perpetual heat. He is goaded, may be by some spirits to speak the so called truth, he claims is hidden under his cloak , about the dark side of Nigeria, but also dreads his voice simultaneously. He is often emboldened and mistakes his suspiciously stupendous illicit wealth for the innate courage of an Army officer. So most times, he mouths off sheepishly and cowardly, betraying the courage of military men, at the moment of decision, like the Biblical Peter, who denied Jesus Christ three times before the cock crow.     


Perhaps, pricked by an inner conscience that he cannot hold his head up proudly as a retired Army General, Danjuma  is desperately seeking for new identities in the last few years. He flaunts himself differently as religious activist and bigot, tribal warlord, a financier of evangelism and spy on his country.  

A few days ago, Gen. Danjuma spoke at the University of Ibadan during the launch of a book, “70 Years of Progressive Journalism: The Story of the Nigerian Tribune and the Presentation of Tribune’s Platinum Awards.” But he made curious and laughable statements by asserting; “If I tell you what I know that is happening in Nigeria today, you will no longer sleep.”
Danjuma proceeded to discourteously hurl tacit invectives at the entire Yoruba race by saying; “In Yorubaland, everybody seems to have lost their voice, scared.” But assuming anybody presumed Danjuma’s utterances had any modicum of conviction, you would be disappointed, as this retired Army General revealed his effeminate self within the same breath; “So, Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s warning and advice is very timely. If you want details, I will give it to you privately.”

By any nuanced consideration, Danjuma’s outbursts have no semblance of neither dignity nor courage akin to an Army General.  He accuses others of being scared, of speaking the “truth” he hoards, but dares others to speak it in public?  He prefers to blather it into the ear of those who wish to listen or at best, morph into a gossip before revealing the wrongs he wants the whole world to know about Nigeria?
Danjuma wants to be heard, but doesn’t wish to be quoted? What sort of elder statesman who perceives many “wrongs” with his country, but prefers to play the ostrich?  Even at the ceremony, Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a “bloody civilian” was more audacious than Gen. Danjuma.


The Afenifere leader has been vociferous and boldly even at that event; “that Yorubaland was in danger…We’ve been submerged…only few governors in the southwest are responsible for us. They’ve shut down. They cannot face the head of state because of their own shortcomings….”
But disappointingly, Gen. Danjuma sounded like the likes of former Imo Governor and Sen. Rochas Okoroacha. Having trapped himself in demonic political calculations to plant a stooge and in-law as successor, coupled with the tension generated by his senatorial victory, which his enemies suppressed, in consuming rage, exclaimed that if the APC pushed him to the wall, he would tell Nigerians what is in Aso Rock.  Some Nigerians are used to such tattling when their dubious intents or interests in the country are bruised. Danjuma is posturing like Sen. Okoroacha.
 
The former minister of defence cannot claim disenchantment with Nigeria or even feign knowledge of the “evil” allegedly “crumbling” the country. But at the sometime, maintain a very cold conspiratorial and destructive silence over the apparent ethnic cleansing agenda of his Jukun kinsmen  against the Tiv natives of  his home state of Taraba

Danjuma has been variously accused by various groups , such as the Tiv Youth Organization Worldwide and some Middle Belt  NGOs as the unseen hand in the sponsorship and sustained massacres of Tiv people in Taraba. He is also alleged to have been responsible for the renaming of Tiv ancestral villages with Jukun identities. What evil surpasses this one? If  Danjuma is not afraid, he is challenged to quote one public statement aired in condemnation of the killings in Taraba since it started  mid- 2019?

Danjuma claims to love Nigeria more than its founding fathers. Yet, this is a Nigerian billionaire businessman, who paired with the United Kingdom-based gas company, Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID) to pursue a dubious gas flaring contract with the Federal Government of Nigeria. Every sane person would know Danjuma  should be conversant with the conventional and business laws of Nigeria to detect a company or foreign business partners  with such suspicions links. But because of his questionable interest in shortchanging Nigeria, Danjuma even  offered P & ID assistance  of $40 million take-off fund through his company, Tita-Kuru Petrochemicals Ltd,  which executed it,  laced in underground politics ,  manipulations, conscious flouting of  laws  and  steeped in destructive operational intrigues against his own country.  
When the fake P & ID contract later fetched Nigeria a whooping judgement debt of  $6.6 billion, after closed legal proceedings in a United Kingdom-based  Court, Danjuma’s exposition that the Irishman, Michael “Mick” Quinn only served as a consultant in preparing  the contract,  using Danjuma’s funds and office space  only indicates how these latter-day “patriotic” Nigerians are unconcerned about Nigeria.
If the project was his original idea as he cared to explain and it latter dawned on him that “my consultant was going to steal my project,” there was no patriotic action from him to expose them. He never demonstrated patriotism to Nigeria by exposing how an incompetent P & ID company had strayed into Nigeria to dupe the country because they exhibited to him the character of dupes.   
According to Danjuma’s explanation, P & ID later promised a share of P&ID in return for his initial investment, which he refused to accept it. But to any discerning mind, Danjuma’s later explanation blows hot against reason, farcical and smacks of his knowledge of a dubious deal ab intio.
The EFCC’s later preliminary investigations revealed that the gas flaring contract was neither approved by the FEC nor captured by national budget. So, on what basis did Gen. Danjuma’s company, Tita-Kuru Petrochemicals Ltd contract the Irishman as a consultant?  This is the extent of Nigerian patriotism the likes of Danjuma regale in flaunting in public domain.  
 
However, despite the heightened false sermons, raising needless tensions around the country against President Buhari’s administration by fake religious cum patriotic activists like Gen. Danjuma and co-travelers, the truth cannot be obviated.  At the peak of partisan campaigns’ in 2019, Gen. Danjuma specifically alleged President Buhari is sponsoring, a Fulani Jihadists agenda in Nigeria. He never gave details of this plot.
While Nigerians should think Danjuma hates “religious recolonization” of Nigeria, by the Fulani ethnic group; but he gleefully endorses ethnic cleansing of Tiv people by his Jukun kinsmen under his nose? What manner of patriotism from a supposed elder statesman?  
What the likes of Danjuma and his lonely voyagers on the path of destruction of Nigeria don’t know is that many Nigerians still believe, President Buhari is an ideal leader. Nigerians know Buhari is bad business for those ex-generals who enriched themselves through Nigeria's oil wealth.
 
Undoubtedly, the phobia of President Buhari gives them nightmarish dreams. And the verbal missiles from the likes of Danjuma who dread even their shadows is merely self-consolatory and diversionary.


Agbese is an author, publisher and human rights activist..

‘Go after Boko Haram, IMN that are guilty of extremism’ - Group queries US watch list on Nigeria

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism has faulted the recent report by the United States, which placed Nigeria under a special watch list of countries.

A statement by US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, explained that Nigeria was placed on the list for engaging in or tolerating “severe violations of religious freedom.”

However, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism in Nigeria, while reacting, urged the United States of America to go after members of Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, that are guilty of extremism in the country.

According to the group, such assertion is insensitive and an affront to the efforts of the relevant authorities in Nigeria towards protecting the rights and privileges of the various religious groups and associations in the country.

Gabriel Onoja, the National Coordinator of the group, in a statement called on the United States to desist from making unsubstantiated statements that are highly misleading to the international community.

The statement reads in full.
As you all may be aware, CATE, as an organization over the years, has continually engaged the relevant stakeholders in Nigeria in ways to ensure that the menace of terrorism and violent extremism are curtailed and within the ambits of the law.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism also over the years has seen to the protection of the rights and privileges of religious groups in Nigeria by continually engaging in advocacy visits, seminars and conferences that promote the unity of purpose and respect for the sanctity of religious beliefs that fosters unity and religious tolerance in Nigeria.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism is therefore alarmed by the statement credited to the US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, wherein he stated that “Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria trended negatively in 2018. The Nigerian government at the national and state levels continued to tolerate violence and discrimination based on religion or belief, and suppressed the freedom to manifest religion or belief.”

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism views such statements as quite insensitive and an affront to the efforts of the relevant authorities in Nigeria towards protecting the rights and privileges of the various religious groups and associations in the country.

It is also a sad commentary that the United States of America has so decided to either by omission or commission feigns ignorance on the undeniable freedom of practice and association of religious groups in Nigeria.

The citation of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is most despicable in the sense that an organization whose activities has resulted in violence in an attempt to impose its beliefs on others should not be used as an example of a worthy religious organization.

As it is common knowledge, the IMN, over the years in Nigeria through their activities, has brought sorrow and blood to innocent Nigerians in Zaria and other parts of Northern Nigeria. This much was also evident in the attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria by the IMN.

The CATE wishes to state that it would have been grossly irresponsible of the relevant authorities in Nigeria should such violent actions be allowed to thrive, which has resulted in untold hardship on innocent Nigerians going about their regular businesses.
It is expected that they should have designated the IMN as a terrorist organization due to its violent tendencies and not accuse the Nigerian government. This is rational and ought to be the case in the interest of objectivity.

This is also on the heels that Nigeria has been under the siege of terrorist groups masquerading under various religious nomenclatures to cause havoc in the polity.

A good example is the Boko Haram terrorist group that has been engaged in a violent campaign since 2009 in North-East Nigeria that has seen to the death and displacement of over 2 million Nigerians.

In the same report, it indeed confirmed that “Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-West Africa continued to perpetrate attacks against civilians and the military throughout the years.”

At this point, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism wishes to state that the culprits are the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, and the Boko Haram Terrorist groups are indeed responsible for religious intolerance and extremism in Nigeria.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism wishes to highlight that the efforts of the relevant authorities in Nigeria towards addressing the menace of religious intolerance and extremism are quite commendable.

This much has been evident in the continuous engagement of relevant stakeholders by the Nigerian government. Consequently, the placement of Nigeria on the Watch List as one of the seven countries with religious intolerance and extremism is highly misleading and not credible.

The United States of Nigeria must do well to call a spade and spade and desist from making unsubstantiated statements that are highly misleading to the international community.