₦airaland Forum

gratiaeo:
Professor Ango Abdullahi, Secretary, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has de­scribed the bickering in the governing All Progressives Congress, APC., par­ticularly the battle of wit at the National Assembly, as unnecessary distraction for the government. He said Nigerians’ expectation from the Muhammadu Bu­hari government was so high that the APC and the APC needed not dissipate energy on inanities.

Prof. Abdullahi, former Vice Chan­cellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, former special adviser on food secu­rity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and member, Board of Trustees, BoT, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, also tasked Buhari on the country’s secu­rity situation, even as he advocated the need for government to revive the abandoned dredging of River Niger and also revisit the exploration of pe­troleum in the North.

Excerpts:

How do you see the approach of Buhari’s government towards tackling the security situation of the country, especially the Boko Haram insurgency?

I must take you back a little bit and say that from the platform of the North­ern Elders Forum, we have submitted a comprehensive document to the former president, Jonathan Goodluck, in May, 2012. We looked at the various issues that were challenging the country at that particular point in time. Boko Ha­ram was the major national issue and we made several recommendations from the security aspect, political aspect, socio-economic aspect, etc.

It was very comprehensive and we went personally to present it to the then president. Our team was led by Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Yusufu Maitama Sule. Jonathan’s government was not taking the correct approach with regard to tackling the issue of Boko Haram, particularly to bring it to an end. There were indications that Boko Haram in­surgency was being used as a political tool towards, perhaps, a pre-determined goal for winning election for Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. We specifically said that the approach was wrong. But we reminded the government at that time that yes, when the government was fac­ing militancy in the Niger Delta, it was quite violent, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in good faith decided, in addition to the stick approach, also employed the current approach, mean­ing that for government to understand the genesis and causes of militancy, there must be some dialogue between government and the militants and which has socio-economic and political dimen­sions.

From this dialogue, a position was fixed whereby the militants laid down their arms in return, and some conces­sions were made to them, including is­sues of employment, security and so on. So, we reminded the then president in 2012, that why shouldn’t he look at the possibility of dialogue? I must say here that this was the basis of which a dia­logue was started. We also said at that time that while force was desirable in certain situation, it cannot be used in a way that rather than people coming to help, people will move back away from the effort of the government, meaning that if you are fighting an enemy you don’t tell him no. You must use cred­ible intelligence and this credible intel­ligence can only come about through the cooperation of the people, particularly people from within the areas where this insurgency is taking place.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) was there as an occupation force rather than a force that would create confidence in the peo­ple for their proper protection. To JTF, it appears that every person from Borno or outside was an enemy or potential Boko Haram. At the slightest excuse, one could be killed according to report we read from Amnesty International. We told Jonathan’s government that this was the best way to deal with the situation. He started the dialogue but we were aware that he was put under pres­sure by some extremists, who believed that the government of Nigeria should not discuss with Islamists because they were trying to Islamise the country and, therefore, he should not engage them in any form of discussions. So, we un­derstand from where that pressure came and the president succumbed to their pressure and abandoned the dialogue, and in its stead, he came up with a state of emergency.

So, we saw enormous violence with impunity being meted out to ordinary people in the name of tackling Boko Ha­ram. Again, sometimes, we read in the newspapers, where some political com­mentators said Boko Haram was created by northerners because they lost power and they wanted to make the country un­governable, etc. Of course, this could not stand to reason because the insurgency did not exclude the Muslims. Mosques were attacked. Muslims had been killed in large numbers. I could not see a mili­tancy that wanted to Islamise Nigeria but engaged in killing Muslims. So, you could also argue that if the North didn’t want Jonathan to win elections, he could not because the North has the voting power to deny him victory in any elec­tion.

But these commentators failed to see all these. But they continued to use it as a weapon towards 2015 election. Fi­nally, of course, they lost. Buhari is now in charge as president. Obviously, from his post-campaign speeches, he had said that he would deal with Boko Haram and put an end to it. The question to ask is whether his approach is the basis of his confidence or whether it is a tactics or both. It appears to me that it is both, because he has directed that the military command structure against insurgency be relocated to Maiduguri. That is a tac­tical approach. And there is also a socio-political approach, particularly bringing our neighbouring countries – Cameron, Chad and Niger Republic – to really ad­dress the problem seriously by Joint Task Force to keep the common boundaries safe and ensure that the insurgents are followed wherever they are.

I think his approach is correct using both military and political. These should be so. In addition, there must be con­tact and dialogue with various insurgent groups, because we don’t believe that Boko Haram insurgency is one uniform group with different chapters. Buhari’s approach is likely to make a difference and obviously international communi­ties that saw Jonathan playing politics with the issue of Boko Haram withdraw their support. Certainly, we are seeing a change of mind now. Recently, there was a pledge by Canada, USA, UK, France,
European countries to assist Buhari in the fight.

There have been comments regard­ing dredging of River Niger, which Jonathan administration abandoned in 2010; what is the stand of North­ern Elders Forum on this?

Perhaps, it will be premature for me as person to, on behalf of the North­ern Elders Forum, discuss objectively what Buhari should or should not do with regard to dredging of River Niger. There is no question in any one’s mind that these rivers are international water­ways, and they do not belong to Nigeria alone. They belong to all countries that are entering into the ocean and make an extension of the ocean. Therefore, tech­nically, realistically or economically, it will make a lot of economic sense for the River Niger to be dredged as far as pos­sible within Nigerian territory or even beyond with stream tributaries of River Benue to Cameroon up to Niger.

It certainly would make freight of goods much easier and cheaper. Of course, to have a River Niger dredged is much of economic significance to the North in particular, so that ocean link could go to Makurdi to Bussa and Yawari. It was based on politics that Jon­athan terminated that project in favour of South-south. The idea, as usual, was to make the northern Nigeria dependent in terms of access to the sea and shipping.

Obviously, if you have a ship coming to Bussa or Lokojo, you can have ships to any part of the world from there. So, for us, we expect that any aspect that will improve the economy of Nigeria should be of great concern and I have no doubt that in a few weeks or month, when Mr. President has put his team in place, who­ever is assigned to take charge of the transport ministry will take this matter seriously.

Now, as the project is abandoned po­litically, the project should be re-started economically. Because of the politics, the Jonathan administration felt that this part of the country should be put at the disadvantage. But the new government should look at it because of its economic significance to Nigeria. This dredging should proceed fast and quick, so that a lot of things will open for Nigeria.


What is your position on the issue of oil exploration in the North?

I have always said it in the last 50 years that the North has petroleum po­tentials, and in subsequent years, it is clear that oil is in part of the North- Benue trough and Chad Basin. There is oil in Niger Republic in commercial quantity from the side of Katsina. Two things have contributed or negated our effort in fully exploiting the potential of oil in the North; there is carelessness on the part o f the northern leaders’ thinking that this is one country, therefore, explo­ration is cheaper and easier for on-shore and off-shore in the deep ocean and two, the oil companies also indicated that it is cheaper for them to exploit oil from on-shore-off-shore and they were allowed to do so purely for commercial reason.

But if government too had insisted that they do another way – inland, perhaps this would have worked. However, we hope that given our experience in the last 40 to 50 years, where the North was only blackmailed, intimidated and threatened that we didn’t even know the country’s oil bases and we must always succumb to this blackmail in terms of political re­lationship, the governors and the Federal Government should have responsibility to ensure that the resources of this coun­try are harnessed; not only oil but other minerals as well.

In the North, we have tonnes of pre­cious stones and minerals, ranging from gold and diamonds in large quantities, so we expect any government that likes the development of this country to really open all the potentials that exist in the different parts and make sure that these potentials are exploited and resources are harnessed for the betterment of Ni­geria. It is not a contentious matter that there is oil in Northern Nigeria, especial­ly in our boarder areas.

This man is confirmed animal in human skin. water mouthed prof!

gwales:
Nobel prize my foot

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Enemy of progress.

Bevista:
GMB was addressing NASS members during their induction course, where he mentioned 8 challenges that his administration will face on assumption of office. These include Falling oil prices, Insecurity, Youth Unemployment, Power, De-industrialization, Environmental Pollution in ND, Rebuilding of ravaged NE, etc.

Typically, though, the media has singled out Falling Oil Price so as to create a sensational headline. Baba is not making any excuses, he was simply being pragmatic and calling on the Legislature to join/support the Executive as developmental partners to tackle these 8 challenges.

GMB simply highlighted Challenges, something every corporate leader (whether in private business or public service) does. You need to be objective about the issues, so you can come up with the right strategies to tackle them. I'm sure most of you will learn this as you become leaders.

Stop commenting based on headlines, please always read the body of the article. I still believe GMB/APC administration (with $60 oil price) will be miles ahead of GEJ/PDP administrion (with $110 oil price).

GEJ never did anything right according to APC election campaign strategies even when they knew about the dwindling crude oil prizes. now GEJ has offered the nation on the platter of gold to GMB. so he should never come up with any excuses against his election promises; 1 dollar to 1 naira, 40 naira for a litre of fuel, 100% employments for graduates,zero corruption, all round security, 24hours electricity. you were voted for these promises that GEJ never achieved, so it's now your turn to deliver us from our long journey to Damascus as you rightly assured us to obtain our votes. God bless you as you deliver us.

[quote author=remsonik post=33026605]Who told you kano was inflated. Check the number who voted in kano in 2011 and look at the difference. If any state was inflated it was rivers.
How can you tell me 1.4 million registered, same number was accredited and same number voted
Try harder Jonathan lost the election
Just pray general buhari leads us aright and God grants him the required wisdom.




You were swift in mentioning the registered voter record in rivers state while deliberately refusing to mention such statistics about kano. Only God can save us from wicked lies against eachother because of political affiliations

Performing in washington adds nothing to his career so long as he is not active in naija.

Good wife is not a village monopoly

All you,the buhari apologist has blindly and decided openly to remain blind towards GEJ's milestones.... Firstly, there is never any gridlock along ore Lagos road anymore even as i witnessed yesterday, educational awareness is on the highest rise mostly in the remote North where there has been perennial leaders of this great nation who neglected their kinsmen. Neither i mention agricultural empowerment? it's high time we face the facts other than sentiments that has taken over us.....

Continue waiting for the time they will tell you that are living like paupers! You go old sharply

You just confirmed what am saw.

As far as i am personally concerned, the brand Dbanj is all about entertainment and since his separation with Don Jazzy i have only witness decline in his normal talent (Entertainment). I will only measure him a success when ever he comes up with a blockbuster tracks or album or even win an musical award. but on failure to come up with a fresh hit, then i will only be patient till the moment i will see his poster as contesting for House of rep as 9nice and co has recently done.

Naija i dey hail oo

Deep Soul: Men are just insatiable. Some of them even go as far as repeatedly having unprotected sex with women who arent their wives thus exposing innocent women to all sorts.

Na God they save person.

Prayer: Lord, please give me a good man.

Pray harder!!

it will mostly do us good for you to inform us the audience when Nigeria deteriorated to this extent and who where the leaders since then to enable us make individual assessment and judgment to determine when our deterioration started as a country.

egift: 1. Nigeria will like Jonathan to know he is free to vacate the seat if he can not face Boko Haram, criminals and corrupt politicians.

2. Also CAN should face the gospel of Christ and leave Politics alone.

In Nigeria, we want leaders that takes the issue of uniting, developing and empowering Nigerians seriously. Not those that attract only criminals, boko boys, worst politicians - and granting them pardon too.

True bill! i guess that will be d latest trend of terrorist attacks around d world now... Nigerian govt should seriously take note!

Nna meen!!

bigtt76: Too early to compare. Naija Gist just starting off from where Nairaland left behind few years back.

GBAM!

This is the most matured statement that has ever come from a Nigerian footballer in our national history. Ibrahimovic did the same thing to Arsene Wenger when he was invited for trials in Arsenal. But "IBRA" told Wenger that "IBRA" dont do trials. Today, Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world.

All Aboabona needs now is to move on with his confidence and GOD will make a way someday.

Soyinka is now vocal because of the situation in rivers state.... while he make an impact with his immediate findings and possible solution( pointing to the first lady) i will want him to also point similar fingers as a fact finder towards the master-minders and sponsors of Boko haram. Since it is now obvious that he always has classified evidences.

From the look of things so far i don't think our 9ja celebrities are as liquid as we projects them to be.

Of what use is the food they are searching for since they are terrorists nincompoops!!!

The Hunter is now being hunted.

Good one from one of our own at least yankees go know say we get good showmen.Go
#teamIyanya

Omuha: Nigerians as always miss the point,the polytechnics were built to provide skilled labour,the universities highly skilled labour.You will find very good polytechnic graduates no doubt,but the average polytechnic graduate does not measure up to the average university graduate because they were not primed for the same thing. I attended the university of Jos & throughout my stay there I sat under the annointing of about 20 professors & a myriad of doctors.When I moved to my department proper(200level) if u do not have your PhD u were not allowed to lecture me. How then can u place such product(not particularly me,as I must never seem immodest)with a polytechnic graduate who was most likely lectured by master degree holders? Some of my lecturers taught me things they discovered themselves,scientific knowledge known to only a few on earth.

And how has the findings of those your so called professors impacted on our over all well being if i may ask? To me all graduates are equal untill one proves himself otherwise.

It really sucks to witness first hand the disparity being discssed here!

Ndi ala!

To be sold only in Nigerian museums!

Toaskarity: Common brigde! Are we this poor! Brigde a village here can pay and build a new one in weeks!! Shame on anambra state govt! Shame on the so called rich ppl in onitsha! Shame at the ppl of asaba and their govt!!!! Tufia!! Are ppl really waiting for fed govt to build a new one!
What's wrong in taking care of urself? Assuming no one else has brain inthat part of the country,lemme suggest one. Why not both state govt come together and build a new d brigde then tax any plate number that isn't from both state that uses the Bridge even the city of asab and onitsha can do this without any external help!! What exactly are the leaders in nigeria doing?? Do they just go to office,gossip and home??

you just proved ur level of insensibility....... better tell that to all the northern states that created Boko Haram to chase them away.when that is done with a proven success,then Anambra and Asaba the state capital will embark on building a New Niger Bridge that is serving the 98% of eastern Nigeria.. Illiterate like you!!

Since i was born as an igbo man, i have always know and confirmed that the ancestral land and people of indigbo originated from NRI and not ERI as mentioned in this write up....and whenever you come across that village in Anambra you will experience a quietude and they have a sign post that is written NRI the ancestral land of NDIGBO. So please the writer should make a correct with his facts and come back on to tell us more about us

drinking ogogoro with feyrouz!

Farouk Lawan is d most hönourable man while Femi Otedola is the most respected.

Inasmuch as GEJ is a slow leader, i do know that this is simply the work of mischief makers who are all hell bent on causing disconnection with the reality on ground.