₦airaland Forum

Throwback:
The worst part is you are never appreciated.

he deserves to go

On the 26th of August 2024, a new Director General (DG), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi was announced for the DSS by President Tinubu to replace Magaji Bichi its erstwhile DG who had held sway in the last 6 years.

The announcement of Ajayi threw the entire spy agency and its operatives into jubilations and celebrations, prompting me to probe the pedigree of the new man. I was quite amazed at the feedback my inquiry brought up. I learned that Ajayi stood out among his peers and predecessors in terms of competence, professionalism, and extraordinary leadership style, which has become a model for the staff of the agency who have crossed paths with him in the line of duty.

My probe made me realize that Ajayi in the last 10 years or so, ranks amongst the most popular management staff of the agency, like he is the most sought after among his superiors, colleagues, peers, and even subordinates. Mr. Tosin thrived beyond expectation in Bauchi, during the heydays of Boko haram when he led the Agency as Director. This is owing to his unwavering dedication and innovative approach in the agency, which is not just inspiring but has become a motivating factor for even those who have yet to work under him.

In an era marked by institutional rot and decadence as a result of bad choice of leadership, extraordinary leaders are few and far between. However, Ajayi is shattering expectations and redefining what transformational leadership means.

As the new helmsman of the DSS, the man has renewed the hopes of all staff by bringing a breath of fresh air to the agency.

A few of my friends who work at the agency have never been proud of the agency and its leadership until the emergence of Ajayi as the DG. They can't just stop extolling the man's unique blend of vision, expertise, and compassion to drive transformative change. They liken him to their “Messiah” whose time has come.

I was meant to understand that Ajayi's commitment to empowering the agency, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation has created a ripple effect of positivity. His unwavering optimism and willingness to take calculated risks inspire huge confidence and double as a source of motivation for staff to strive for more excellence.

That aside, I got to know that he has unwavering integrity and authenticity. This he has demonstrated by prompt payment of salaries and allowance, as well as re-introducing and clearing all backlogs of allowances his predecessors had suspended before now. This is all in a bid to maintain one of the most motivated workforce in the country.

The man's exceptional communication and listening skills are second to none, and this is currently driving most of his reforms to reposition the agency and take it to enviable heights.

Barely one month in office, Ajayi has not only motivated his workforce but has also reformed the agency's operations and approach to issues by ensuring that the organization pursues only its mandate of protecting and preserving the integrity of the internal security of the country.

He immediately released all detainees who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest owing to his regard for the rule of law and citizens' rights. He has not relented but has continued to review all civil cases that were handled before his administration.

This is indeed the renewed hope promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A renewed hope that chose competence, capacity, and professionalism above all in appointing a leadership for the DSS.

Yakub Shuiabu public analyst writes from Bauchi

In a climate of heightened scrutiny and controversy, lawyers representing clients in detention have increasingly turned to public platforms to voice their frustrations. Often, these legal advocates engage in a campaign of rhetoric aimed at garnering public sympathy by criticizing government actions and the agencies that they believe are responsible for holding their clients.

I will liken this to the advent of “Pinocchio lawyer" a term that evokes the image of the infamous wooden puppet whose nose grows longer with each lie—raises important questions about the ethics of legal representation and the line between zealous advocacy and deception.

Recently, Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, took to social media, employing emotionally charged language to portray his client as a victim of an overreaching government. He released video footage alleging that the Department of State Services, DSS blocked Kanu’s legal team from accessing him, while inadvertently portraying the agency and other law enforcement bodies as untrustworthy.

While such strategies may aim to rally public opinion and influence the judicial process, they raise critical questions about the balance between legitimate advocacy and sensationalism. Critics argue that while it is essential for lawyers to defend their clients vigorously, resorting to public attacks on the government can detract from substantive legal arguments.

It can also be recalled that during the last trial the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako, recused herself from the trial. Reports suggest Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team expressed a lack of confidence in the court's ability to conduct a fair trial. Despite this, Ejimakor attempted to persuade the court to suspend proceedings, arguing that his client had been denied the opportunity to adequately prepare his defense.

The Pinocchio analogy is particularly apt here. Just as Pinocchio’s lies transformed him from a simple wooden puppet into a creature of deception, lawyers who indulge in hyperbolic claims risk distorting the truth of their cases. By portraying clients as victims of an overreaching system or by fabricating narratives about legal injustices, these lawyers not only undermine the integrity of their profession but also jeopardize the pursuit of justice.

Moreover, this tactic can create a paradox where the very public sympathy sought may lead to a backlash. In some cases, the rhetoric employed can be perceived as an attempt to undermine the government, security agencies, and the legal system in the land, potentially alienating potential supporters who value justice and due process. As the public becomes increasingly aware of these strategies, there is a risk that they may grow weary of the constant barrage of accusations, leading to skepticism regarding the motivations of those seeking to garner sympathy.

As Nigeria's legal landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for legal practitioners to reflect on their methods. Striking a balance between effective advocacy and maintaining respect for the legal system is essential in serving both the public and their clients while upholding the principles of truth and justice.

Ifeanyi Okonkwo writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

[https://www.vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/sowore-s-anti-democratic-antecedents.html]

The recent activities of Omoyele Sowore both on the mainstream media and social media have raised serious significant questions about his motivations and the potential consequences of his actions. Sowore's mobilization on social media for[b] #FearlessInOctober [/b]and [b]#RevolutionNow protests appears not only ill-conceived but also dangerously provocative. While I am neither a government official nor an apologist for the current administration, it is clear that some issues are both evident and pressing.

The allure of terms like "REVOLUTION DAY’S OF RAGE and[b] FEARLESS[/b]" seems to attract individuals who perceive themselves as champions of freedom, often against imagined oppressors. However, such rhetoric can trivialize the historical significance of genuine revolutionary movements. The legacies of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for nonviolent resistance against imperialism, and Toussaint L’Ouverture, a leader in the Haitian Revolution, stand in stark contrast to the sensationalism surrounding Sowore's calls for upheaval.

Similarly, the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which was marked by profound ideological and social upheaval, is undermined when revolutionary rhetoric is used without a serious understanding of its implications or what the end-state would be.

Sowore’s recent statements and activities suggest a disregard for constitutional processes. The legal definitions of treason include actions intended to overthrow a sitting president or governor, or inciting mutiny. By openly advocating for a revolution and nationwide civil disobedience, Sowore places himself on a precarious path that could have severe repercussions.

It is concerning to observe that several prominent social media activists have aligned themselves with Sowore. His recent arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, erroneously reported as arrest by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), was later clarified as a routine check. Despite this, calls for his release surged, revealing a troubling trend where the narrative often overshadows the facts. Rather than rallying behind sensational claims, it is crucial for all stakeholders to advocate for thorough investigations and uphold the integrity of our democratic experiment. Preserving national unity and peace is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the remit of security agencies.

Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that Nigeria currently has a democratically elected government, which Sowore previously ran against as a presidential candidate. Following his electoral defeat, his attempts to seize power through unlawful means are both misguided and detrimental to the stability of our democracy.

I would like to conclude like this, those who attempt to undermine a democratically elected government through illegal actions must be prepared to face the consequences. It is vital for citizens to engage in constructive dialogue and promote peaceful avenues for change rather than resorting to rhetoric that can incite division and unrest.

No!!! Nigerians are wiser now than ever.[/i]









[i]Meshach Gideon, Gombe

[https://www.vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/sowore-s-anti-democratic-antecedents.html]