I will transform industrial, economic activities through rail transport – Buhari

By Nats Odaudu

President Muhammadu Buhari has on Thursday flagged off the commercial operation of the 157km double track Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line.

During the epoch making event, the President disclosed that the project signals another milestone in the drive of this Administration to revitalize the railway system, establish it as a choice mode of transportation for both passengers and freight and position it as a transportation backbone that can transform industrial and economic activity in the country.

He said the project is vital and establishes an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport within its short corridor, Lagos – Ibadan, as goods to the hinterland would now be transported by rail directly from the Apapa port Quayside straight to the Inland Container Depot located in Ibadan from where it can be distributed to other parts of the country.

He said, ‘in clear recognition of the challenges posed to our economic growth by absence of strong and effective infrastructure, ppwe have in the rail sector, further to other ongoing railway infrastructure projects, embarked on the completion of the outstanding segment of the Lagos – Kano railway, which is Ibadan – Kano.

“The Lagos – Kano railway project when completed will link the Kano – Maradi line at Kano and a rail link from the Nigeria southern ports of Lagos to Maradi in Niger Republic will be achieved.

” The connection through rail would position Nigerian ports as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic.”

He added that the rail projects would be beneficial to the economy through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.

” The Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance have been directed to vigorously act on engagement and reaching financial agreements with appropriate co-financiers to partner with the Federal Government for the development of the Ibadan – Kano railway and the connection to the Tin Can Island port as well as the West – East Coastal rail line from Lagos to Calabar linking Onitsha, Benin, Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Aba and Uyo.

“This is already yielding the desired result as construction activities on the railway segment, Kaduna – Kano has commenced with back-end engineering activities.”

The President emphasised that from the beginning of this administration, railway infrastructure development has been given the priority it deserves and various milestones have been reached, right from when the Abuja – Kaduna railway was flagged-off for commercial operation in 2016 to this Lagos – Ibadan railway project being commissioned today for full commercial operation.

President Buhari took time to praise the Minister of Transportation,  Rotimi Amaechi, for his drive and tenacity in achieving the milestone. He said  he has a wonderful team in the Ministry that is helping in achieving this feat. “Well done to you all,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the obviously elated Minister of Transportation said the rail project is the third one President Muhammadu Buhari is commissioning: Abuja – Kaduna, Itakpe – Warri and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines. “Mr. President, this was started and commissioned under this administration,” he emphasised.

Amaechi who ascribed his sterling achievements to the President said it was because the administration was focused on and funded transportation.

He also praised both current and past governors of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo which are the host states of the project.

Amaechi announced that all attention will be shifted to Kaduna – Kano rail line assuring that that too will be completed and commissioned by this administration.

Speaking on behalf of the governors of the South West region, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State  said Lagos was proud to host the president on his first visit to the region since his reelection.

He described the project as a testament of how the national and the sub-nationals can work together.

“The corridor of Lagos-Ibadan is the most important economic zone in Nigeria being home to the biggest and busiest sea port located in Apapa.

“It will ease living for the people as one can now live outside Lagos and work Lagos,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu described the project as a big boost to national integration “which is dear to the President “. He also praised Minister Amaechi who revealed comes to Lagos almost every two weeks to supervise the project himself.

Others who spoke at the ceremony were the Chairman Board of the Nigerian Railway Commission, Engineer Alhassan Ibrahim, Chairman of the contracting firm, China Civil Engineering and Construction Company Nigeria Limited (CCECC), Jiang Yigao, Ambassador Extra-Ordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Peoples Republic of China to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Cui Jianchun.

The occasion was witnessed by  very eminent personalities -they include Ministers of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, his Youths and Sport Development counterpart, Sunday Dare, Minister of State for Transportation Gbemisola Saraki, and Ithe Speaker, House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila.

Others are the Chairman of Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, his colleagues from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde and Dapo Abiodun.

Royal fathers led by the representatives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo were also in attendance.

Also in attendance were top government functionaries and eminent personalities among them Africa’s first Nobel Laureate Prof Woke Soyinka, captains of industries and members of the civil society.

It was Buhari’s first state visit to Lagos is six years and a major major milestone project which linked the nation’s economic capital to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and political capital of the Southwest.

Breaking: All set for commissioning of Lagos-Ibadan railway, Deep Blue projects tomorrow

By Nats Odaudu

The 157 kilometres Lagos-Ibadan railway project will be commissioned for full commercial activities tomorrow Thursday.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari will be commissioning the project at the Ebute Metta Station now known as the Mobolaji Johnson Station.

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A final inspection of the project by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on Wednesday has revealed that the project is now ready for the occasion.

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However, the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the contractors of the project are still on site putting finishing touches in some of the stations visited.

The minister had disclosed that apart from moving passengers along the ever busy route, it is also aimed at ensuring the movement of cargo from the seaport at Apapa using the train as a means to decongest the ports.

“You can actually take a train to the seaport, but that is not just the end, we want to make sure that we are in position to move cargos from the seaport straight to the train, instead of transporting them a little further to put them on the train,” he said during an earlier inspection.

During the inspection of  the various terminals and stations including; Apapa, Ebute Metta, Agege, Agbado, Kajola, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Olodo, Omi-Adio and Ibadan, where he interfaced with the team of project supervisors, and the contractors, the minister kept insisting on thoroughness.

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The President will also be commissioning the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure also known as the Deep Blue Project of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The Nigerian maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea had seen spikes in piracy and armed robbery at sea. But since the deployment of assets under the Deep Blue Project began about two years ago, there have been drops in such security breaches.

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The Deep Blue Project is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence and it is being implemented by NIMASA, with participation from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police, and Department of State Services.

The Deep Blue Project aims to prevent illegal activities in the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enforce maritime regulations, enhance safety of lives at sea, and prevent illegal activities in the inland waterways. In February, the Federal Government added the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA), off the coast of Lagos, to the areas under the protection of the Deep Blue Project.

APC lauds Habib’s appointment as NEMA boss

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed excitement over the recent appointment of Ahmed Mustapha Habib as the new Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The appointment was announced earlier by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman.

Mustapha Habib, a Business Administration graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, took over from AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammad (rtd).

In a congratulatory letter signed by the National Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, the governing party thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for considering the new appointee worthy of the position.

“I write to convey the felicitation of the National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), H.E (Hon) Mai Mala Buni and the entire membership of the party on your appointment as the Director-General of NEMA.

“This particular appointment is a demonstration of reward for party loyalty and recognition of selfless service to the country, attributes which clearly describe your persona.

“We trust in your capacity to acquit yourself creditably well in your new assignment.

“The party is quite appreciative of this gesture of Mr. President and wishes you the very best in this endeavour.”

The new NEMA boss has extensive experience that spanned about 25 years across various sectors, he sits on the Board of various corporate, political and youth organisations, and was the national chairman of Progressive People’s Alliance between 2010 and 2011.

An active player in the organisational and policy drives of the APC government, Habib was a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in 2019 and national chairman of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups since 2015, and also the vice-chairman of the federal government-run State Selection Committee on the Extended Special Public Works Programme in Jigawa state.

The Kaugama, Jigawa state-born Habib was born in 1970 and studied at Federal Government College, Kaduna and Focus Tutorial College, Lagos.

Ebonyi massacre: Indigenes blame Umahi, call for change in security tactics

Following the report of recent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Odoke, Ndiobasi and Obakotara communities in Izhi, Ebonyi Local Government Area, an Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID) has blamed governor Dave Umahi, for the continued killings in the state.

The Ebonyi indigenes said the recent attack is considered the highest number casualties in the South-east region in recent times, “natives of the three affected communities were slaughtered in their scores with many dead and several others critically injured.”

In a statement made available to newsmen Tuesday in Abuja by the association’s President Amb. Paschal Oluchukwu, expressed disappointment that “despite earlier signs and premeditations including an alleged audio voice note widely circulated on the Social media which alerted on the plan to launch a fresh offensive on our defenseless citizens, the Ebonyi state government took no action to protect and defend the victims of this recent onslaught.

“We are greatly pained that helpless and hapless women, children and youths were cut in their prime in a dastard carnage that spanned for some hours while their victims were deep in their sleep.

“As we speak, medical and health-care workers in various parts of the State are offering treatments to scores of victims who sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack. They have also been calls for ebullient citizens to provide clothing and other essential materials to the victims many of who are stranded in the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, AE-FUTHA, Abakaliki.

“Our anxiety over this sadly depressing attacks is made worse by the fact that the State’s Chief Security Officer, Engr. David Umahi on whose shoulders hugely lie the constitutional burden of protection of lives and properties of our beloved citizens has largely down-played all sensible and reasonable warnings about the activities of killer herdsmen.

While condemning the massacre in Ebonyi communities, the group decried and questioned the conducts and activities of the men operating under the EbubeAgu Security network, saying “the outfit has remained what we had feared- a deliberate, willful and willing tool in the hands of the state government to hunt down, hound and maim members of the opposition- PDP and other voices.

“Rather than seek practical and viable solutions that can quell the growing unrests and attacks on our people, AESID wishes to reiterate that Umahi is so deeply stuck in his 2023 politics that he is rather empowering and emboldening the ‘bad guys’ to attack and kill those he considers his opponents.

“This group consequently condemn the claim that the attack took place in Benue State and the attempt by the State government to further downplay or trivialize not only the latest attack on Izhi communities but the entire security affairs in our dear State. The silence of the Speaker and political class in Izhi land, nay Ebonyi State and their inability to condemn these attack including the desperation of Umahi and his cahoots in security circles to always exonerate the provocative Fulani herdsmen from blames where and whenever they occur in Ebonyi demands thorough probe by International security bodies.”

AESID however, called on the state government to change tactics in addressing insecurity in Ebonyi state.

“Unless perhaps he changes style and strategy on his current grandstanding and unbridled politicization of the security of lives and property of our people, AESID will continue to dump the blames of the killings of our people by marauding herders on the doorsteps of the Governor just as he continues to pay more attention and interest to his shadow-chasing 2023 political projections and campaigns!”

The man behind the wheels at NYSC

By Prince Francis Chilaka

The appointment of the current DG of NYSC was a prophecy long foretold when he was still a young Major in the Nigerian Army, so to most of his close friends and associates, we were not shocked when he was eventually appointed the DG. This is one appointment this government should be very proud of, it’s a round peg in a round hole.

Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, is not just any kind of military officer, he is disciplinarian, God fearing and an Associate Professor. In appearance, he is unassuming; but his personage is an embodiment of multiple military and administrative talents that can never be questioned. He is one man governed by a doctrine of excellence anywhere he finds his feet and believes in making the best use of all human resources.

Since his appointment he has shown high level organization skills. It’s on record that he is the first DG of the scheme that has thought out of the box by tinkering with ideas to make the scheme support the Federal Government in funding its operations while at the same time maintaining high standards, discipline and the unification agenda of the founding fathers of the scheme in 1973.

Listening to his speech just after his appointment, it was crystal clear that he was more than prepared and ready for the work ahead, hear him “I appeal to our corps employers to take care of the welfare of members and mentor them.” Mentorship is what drives the world today.

Take it or leave it, the truth is that the scheme is rated as one of the best performing federal government agencies today, because a motivated staff leaves nothing to chance in the performance of their official functions. It is natural that when the worker is motivated to work, he goes the extra mile excitedly.

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim has capitalized on this weapon, by his undiluted and undistracted attention to issues of welfare and remunerations. Timely payment of salaries and legitimate allowances ignite the ambience of a workplace, anywhere in the world. Even the Holy scriptures admonishes that a worker deserve his wages. The corpers have never had it this good. Even when some state government are finding it difficult to pay the minimum wage, same cannot be said of the scheme.

The relentless efforts of the Director General has been able to catapult the Scheme to a comfortable pedestal through investment initiatives. These investments have continued to generate internal revenue for the Scheme, which partly funds her operations.

Under his able watch, the Scheme has invested in Poultry farms;
hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice plantations and milling as well as feed mills in different parts of the country. He has equally resuscitated some previously abandoned NYSC water and bakery factories to consolidate on its investment profile.

With the returns yielded by these investments, coupled with the federal government subventions to the agency, payment of salaries and allowances to Corp members have been prompt and ceaseless. His favorable disposition to this has earned him the epaulet “Mr. Alert, Mr. Welfare” in all NYSC offices and formations across the nation.

With special reference to the corps members, he did not waste time upon resumption of office to implement the New National Minimum Wage of N33,000 (thirty-three thousand) as monthly allowance of serving corps members. He boosted the monthly allowance of corps members with an additional N3,000 (three thousand) to serve as incentives to corps members and encourage personal savings. He operates on Lailah Gifty Akita’s the doctrine that “If people are paid well, there should be no poverty.”

He has been in the forefront of relentlessly Lobbying State Governments and employers of the services of corps members to pay them additional monthly stipends. He has successful blighted the doctrine of discretionary payment of stipends to serving corps members through gentle persuasion of employers.

As a loving and caring father, he has demonstrated a relentless commitment to the health and well-being of the staffs and Corp members. For instance, at the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim ensured that the monthly allowances of corps members were paid without the usual clustering for clearance in order to forestall the spread of the disease.

His efforts in the fight against COVID-19 cannot be thrown under the carpet, we all are witnesses to how gallantly corps members rose to the national call via production and distribution of Nose masks, Sanitizers, ventilators, including distribution of palliatives to some communities and the aged amongst us.

Conversely, Gen. Ibrahim instantly complied with the directive of the Presidency by enlisting all serving corps members into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He does not hesitate in approving medical bills and has expended huge resources on critical health needs of corps members by footing medical bills where necessary.

The unalterable truth is that Brig. Gen. Ibrahim has changed the fortunes of the NYSC amazingly. He is indeed, a national asset both in intellect and capacity to do things differently. But as usual, the Nigeria system have never been kind to such persons.

Thus, the bill by the House of Representatives calling for the scrapping of the Scheme is ill wind and not in the best interest of Nigerians, especially the Nigerian youth. It’s time for patriotic and right thinking Nigerians to speak out and ask the members of the House of Representatives especially the sponsors of such wicked and obnoxious bill if they are truly patriotic Nigerians.

Did they ever think of the effect such action would have not only on the economy of the country if upon graduation, there is nothing to keep them occupied, we all saw how crime escalated whilst the universities were on strike. Our leaders need to stop toiling with the lives of our youths.

Prince Francis Chilaka
Political Analysts/Social Commentator
francischilaka@gmail.com

NYSC REMAINS A PIVOT OF NATIONAL UNITY — HAUSA CHIEF

The National Youth Service Corps has been commended for sustaining national unity and purposeful development in Nigeria.

This was the view expressed by the audience during the live programme at the Human Rights Radio, Abuja (Hausa Service) which strongly supported the opinion expressed by the guest of the programme that focused on the Scheme, Alh. Musa Ishaq Dala (Sarkin Hausawan Nyanya-Abuja).

The community leader who was responding to questions on the ongoing public debate on the operations of the NYSC Scheme, described the idea behind the establishment of the NYSC as noble, stressingg that the rural posting of the Scheme is an effective tool that fosters national unity, integration and grassroots development.

Alh. Musa Dala who praised the gallantry and sacrifice of our heroes past, further cautioned that there is no alternative capable of replacing the NYSC Scheme. He called on all patriotic and well meaning Nigerians to join forces together towards ensuring that the Scheme is reformed and supported to effectively address contemporary developmental challenges.

Alh. Musa Isyaka disclosed that contrary to the insinuations that insecurity undermines the objectives of the Scheme, lawmakers should concentrate in implementing the provisions of the national defence policy which makes the NYSC members a reserve force. He stressed that we do not have any other country besides Nigeria, charging everyone to uphold it.

He also advised NYSC Management to further consolidate on its ICT infrastructure by ensuring that certificates issued by the Scheme, deployment and posting policies are made available online as a transparent and effective solution to allegations of lobbying for relocation to states and geo-political zones of origin. Alh. Musa Dala also advised the Scheme to sustain a proactive awareness campaign, targeted at traditional institutions on the need to be hospitable to Corps Members in their various domains, knowing fully well that there own children would be accorded same treatment in other parts of the country.

Sarkin Hausawan Nyanya-Abuja, also reminded Nigerians that nobody outside Nigeria will be responsible for addressing our national challenges, other than Nigerians. He expressed concern on the category of Nigerian graduates exempted for participation in the Scheme on the grounds of age, stressing that the Scheme should devise a local deployment policy within states or geo-political zones, in order to give all graduates the opportunity to contribute to national development.

Group commends Buhari’s choice of Farouk Yahaya as COAS

….tasks new Chief to prioritize quarterly exercises, soldiers’ welfare

A pan-Nigeria group, Nigeria First, has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as late Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru’s successor for the position of Chief of Army Staff.

According to the group, Maj Gen Yahaya’s appointment is another evidence of President Buhari’s commitment to the war against insurgency and insecurity across the nation.

Nigeria First, which made this known on Sunday at a press conference in Abuja, described the move as the right step in the right direction.

In his remarks, the group’s vice-president, Leonard Aluor , said the appointment is totally deserved owing to Yahaya’s track record of dedication to duty and a passion for service to the nation over the years.

Highlighting his impressive resume, Aluor described Yahaya as a thorough breed infantry general who possesses all the requisite attributes to lead the troops against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East and other criminals across the country.

While charging the new COAS to see his appointment as an opportunity to put the Nigerian Army in the hall of fame in addressing the various security challenges in the country, Aluor urged him to reintroduce all hitherto quarterly exercises in internal security operations.

The group further tasked the Army Chief to remain apolitical, ensuring that the Army develops a versatile and proactive intelligence network that would greatly assist in nipping in the bud acts that undermine national security.

Nigeria First, however, advised ethnic and religious champions promoting insinuations that Yahaya’s choice was borne out of ethnic considerations to have a rethink and thread with caution by not attempting to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of Nigeria First welcomes you all to this press conference in the light of the recent happenings in the country with regards to the unfortunate incidence that claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten others, and the subsequent appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria First as a concerned stakeholder in Nigeria, views with deep concern the attempt by some individuals and associations to question the credibility of the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, without recourse to his military records of exceptional performance that culminated in his appointment as General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, as well as Theatre Commander, leading the Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism war in North-East Nigeria.

The fact that some disgruntled elements are ascribing religious and ethnic sentiments to his appointment is most uncharitable and calls for caution in the country’s best interest in this critical point of our existence.

Nigeria First wishes to put it on record that Major General Farouq Yahaya is a brilliant officer and gentleman, whose track record speaks volume of dedication to duty and a passion in service to Nigeria over several years in his capacity as Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.

It is also instructive to add that Major General Farouk Yahaya also distinguished himself while he served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya), and also as Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters.

Thus, our considered opinion that Major General Farouk Yahaya is a thorough breed infantry general who possesses all the required attributes to lead the Nigerian Army in its quest to address the threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria other acts of criminalities in other parts of the country.

Nigeria First, as concerned stakeholders, commends the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya to lead the Nigerian Army. This, in our considered opinion, is a right step in the right direction towards reclaiming the sobriquet of the Pride of the Nation for the Nigerian Army.

Nigeria First also wishes to charge the new Chief of Army Staff to see his appointment as an opportunity to put the Nigerian Army in the hall of fame in addressing the various security challenges in the country. We are also encouraged to add that the new Chief of Army Staff must see the reintroduction of all hitherto quarterly exercises in internal security operations.

The new Chief of Army Staff myst also ensures that the Nigerian Army develops a versatile and proactive intelligence network that would greatly assist in nipping in the bid acts that undermine national security.

The new Chief of Army Staff must also ensure that the Nigerian Army remains apolitical in its various operations across the country. It must put the interest of the country and our nascent democracy at the centre of all decision making.

The new Chief of Army Staff must put to bear his experiences garnered over the years in the discharge of his duties by ensuring that all criminal elements fomenting ethnic and religious tension in the country are dealt with decisively.

Nigeria First consequently wishes to send a word of advice to the ethnic and religious champions promoting insinuations that the choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff was borne out of ethnic considerations to have a rethink and thread with caution by not attempting to insult our sensibilities.

The dynamics involved in appointing Service Chiefs in the country predates the Muhammadu Buhari administration. It involves many considerations that do not include religion or ethnicity. It is thus baffling that some individuals and groups would go all out to insinuate that the choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya was borne out of ethnic sentiments by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This, in our considered opinion, remains a puerile attempt to plunge the country into an ethnic and religious crisis. The ethnic and religious champions amongst us must be guided to desist from heating the polity unnecessarily.

Nigeria First, having scrutinized the records of Major General Farouq Yahaya, wishes to inform members of the general public that his choice is well deserved and devoid of any form of ethnic or religious considerations. It is also instructive to state that as a general leading the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism war in North-East Nigeria, he is better positioned to lead the Nigerian Army in this critical point of our existence.

The leadership of Nigeria First consequently charges the new Chief of Army Staff to hit the ground running and always to be assured that the Nigerian people will support him and Mr President at all times.

The appointment of Major General Farouq Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff is indeed a laudable statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on his commitment to the war against insurgency and insecurity in Nigeria.

Thanking you all for your time and attention.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

North-East stakeholders demand creation of Savannah State

The two-day zonal public hearing of the Senate on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Thursday ended with stakeholders from the North-East demanding the creation of additional states, 25 per cent derivation, gender equality, free and compulsory education, among others.

The exercise was organised by the Upper Chamber in 12 centres across the country to collate the views of Nigerians on the key areas to be amended in the 1999 Constitution in order to address agitations in the country.

In Bauchi centre, the people of Southern Borno comprising nine LGAs Thursday disagreed with the position of the Borno State government and insisted on the creation of Savannah State.

Addressing newsmen shortly after presenting their memorandum, a representative of the movement for the creation of Savannah State and former Secretary to Borno State Government, Ambassador Dauda Danladi, said the southern part of the state is being marginalised, hence the need for the new state.

The Speaker, Borno State House Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, had on Wednesday kicked against the creation of an additional state from Borno.

The stakeholders had in September last year requested in a letter to the Senate.

In the document, the group said the move is necessary as Borno is the largest in the country in terms of landmass to enhance self-determination, compatibility, equitable and even development, and responsive governance.

With proposed capital in Damboa, they further said that it will comprise of nine LGAs in Southern Borno Senatorial;
Askira/Uba, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya-Kusar and Shani.

“We the people of Askira/Uba, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya-Kusar and Shani local Government Areas of Borno State, wish to present our request for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State,” the letter said.

“We had before now presented requests for the creation of this proposed State at various times in recent years. Between 1982, 1983 and 1996 a request was made by the people of these Local Government Areas of the former Borno State for the Creation of Savannah State to the National Assembly of the Second Republic

“During the agitation across the country in 1991 for the creation of more States, requests were made for the creation of two States out of the former Borno State, namely; Savannah and Yobe States. The request for the creation of Yobe State was granted.

“We had also earlier submitted this request to the National Constitutional Conference through its Committee on the States Creation. The move to kick start the process of reviewing the 1999 constitution then, which could accommodate states and local governments creation along with necessary boundary adjustments was indeed a welcome development and we enthusiastically participated.

“In 2014, we equally submitted our request to the National Conference Committee on states creation. That effort resulted in the shortlisting of SAVANNAH State as one of the fourteen (14) states recommended for creation in Nigeria. The 2014 Conference report has again clearly shown that SAVANNAH state met all necessary criteria for the creation of the state in Nigeria.

“To us, this present move by your humble and esteem selves to Kick-start the process of review of the 1999 Constitution which could accommodate States and Local Government Creation and necessary boundary adjustments, is indeed a welcome stride and we pray that our submission will again receive the blessing of the National Assembly. It is in this regard that we wish to respectfully submit our memorandum for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE with its proposed capital at DAMBOA.

“Under and in fulfilment of the provisions of section 8(1)(a) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all the democratically elected members at the National, State and local Government levels representing the area demanding for the creation of Savannah State, have after consideration of the long time yearnings and aspirations of the people of the proposed state, endorsed this noble request for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE.

“Given the opportunities provided by the State creation to bring Government closer to the people and to foster even and rapid development, the people of the proposed Savannah State who are eager to bring about balanced and accelerated development are making this passionate appeal for your kind consideration of our request for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE”.

The basis for the demand of Savannah State

The letter further read, “in making our demand for curving out Savannah State out of the present Borno State, we have been motivated by our desire to bring Government closer to our people and to accelerate rapid and even development of the sub-region as well as the need to remain united within the context of the New State and the Nation”.

It added, ” We believe that the creation of Savannah State out of the present BornoState will make it possible for both states to plan and provide the basis for integrated and even development and thus create more investment and employment opportunities for our people”.

Viability

The group noted that the ” proposed Savannah State is richly endowed with Solid Minerals, agricultural products, tourism potentials and human resources that can be harnessed to lay a solid foundation for the transformation of the State.

“It is an incontrovertible fact that greater part of both the human and material resources of the present Borno state come from the southern part. We are confident that the resources available to the proposed savannah state can sustain it, and make it even more viable than many already established state”.

Among the mineral resources listed are quartz, limestone, Iron Ore and magnesium.

FAROUK YAHAYA: THANKING BUHARI FOR A RIGHT CHOICE AS COAS

By EMMANUEL ANI

The recent appointment of the Chief of Army Staff has generated reactions in the polity regarding the suitability of Major General Farouk Yahaya for the plum but demanding job. The interesting part is that some that are ignorant of the dynamics involved in such appointments have taken centre stage with insinuations and illogical conclusions so much so that it defeats common sense.

I had initially refrained from commenting on this contentious issue. However, I had a change of mind when the mischief became heightened with the tendency to mislead members of the unsuspecting general public.

I recall that upon the death of the former Chief of Army Staff and ten others in the unfortunate air crash in Kaduna, some persons, instead of respecting the sensibilities of families and relatives of the deceased officers that died in the line of duty, elected to scorn and curse. This is most unfortunate. This is how bad things have turned in our dear country.

These individuals didn’t stop there. They took their diatribe further by whipping ethnic and religious sentiments on who the next Chief of Army Staff should be. They consequently pushed forward names along ethnic lines like they are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

President Muhammadu Buhari eventually announced a new Chief of Army Staff. They went berserk, throwing all manner of diatribes on why the new man should have been from a particular part of the country. Even those that know nothing about the Nigerian Army suddenly became experts and analysts on how the President deliberately refused to appoint a certain officer as Chief of Army Staff. This is sad.

From all intents and purpose, the mischief gained traction in the public space because they succeeded in assuming that membership of the Security Council in Nigeria should be based on ethnicity and religion and not competence. I hate to do this, but I have to do it to put issues in proper perspective as someone knowledgeable in the security architecture in the country.

Before now, we have had instances where a former president appointed a certain officer to head the Nigerian Army. Suffice to add that the officer wasn’t from the infantry or armoured corps as the prerequisite for heading the Nigerian Army. Was hell let loose? The same former President made another appointment that also forced over 50 senior officers to proceed on retirement. Was hell let loose? The point I am trying to make here is that the President and Commander-in-Chief has the prerogative to choose whomever he deems suitable for the job. That is his constitutional duty, and I don’t see any reason why ethnic and religious sentiments should be put forward in the first instance.
Back to the crux of the matter, the present security challenges in the country require that utmost care is taken into consideration when sensitive appointments are made, especially in the Armed Forces. And the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff is one instance where the President has demonstrated his uncommon neutrality and hunger for the best hand at all times .

I can only wish that these religious and ethnic agitators would take out time to read the profile of Major General Farouk Yahaya. I also hope they can also take out time to digest his exploits in the course of his illustrious carrier in the Nigerian Army. When that is done, would they realize that the President was not guided by ethnic or religious sentiments as mischievously propagated.

A fine officer and a gentleman, no doubt. A former Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, former Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), a former Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, a former Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield. A former General Officer Commanding 1 Div of the Nigerian Army and former Commander Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism in North-East Nigeria, amongst others too numerous to mention.

Having all of this in mind, would it be appropriate to state that the President was not meticulous in choosing the Chief of Army Staff? Would the President have sacrificed competence on the altar of religion and ethnicity? I dare say that if only they knew who Major General Farouk Yahaya is, they would bury their heads in shame. Also, if only they are privy to the widespread jubilation across all army formations in the country with the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff.

What does this tell us? It tells us that President Muhammadu Buhari has once again displayed an uncommon commitment to addressing the security challenges in the country. And it would have been a topic for discussion if the new Chief of Army Staff does not possess the qualifications and experience to lead the charge against insurgency in North-East Nigeria and other acts of criminalities across Nigeria. But that is not the case and a reason why we must commend the President once again.

I must also emphasize that Major General Farouk Yahaya is not just from Sokoto State; he is one of the A list officers in the Nigerian Army that commands tremendous respect across the board for his work ethic and dedication in service to the country. He is a fine officer that serves as a role model to young officers and one that has left indelible marks in the sands of time in all task assigned to him.

Let me also add here for our reading pleasure that data obtained from the Council on Foreign Relations shows that from April 1, when he took charge of the war against Boko Haram, till when he was appointed as Chief of Army Staff, the number of civilians killed by insurgents dropped by 17 percent, while the number of Boko Haram terrorist killed shot up by 46 percent. What does this tell us? It simply tells us that here is an officer that understands what it means to lead. And his appointment to lead the prestigious Nigerian Army is a step in the right direction.

At this point, those trying to stain his lofty credentials because he is from a particular part of the country should have a rethink and give peace a chance. Needless I mention that he is one of the finest officers in the Nigerian Army, and his appointment is a challenge rather than filling a slot.

I have no doubt whatsoever that the new Chief of Army Staff would hit the ground running because he understands the enormity of the task at hand. And he will deliver in record time; I can bet. So, therefore, let us learn to call a spade a spade. I believe time shall tell, and Nigerians would be grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for his choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya to lead the Nigerian Army.

My charge to the new kid on the block is to remain apolitical, strengthen institutions and lead with the fear of God.

Ani is a security analyst and wrote this piece from UNN, Enugu Campus.

PMB’s knack for merit and the Farouk Yahaya challenge

By Philip Agbese

The appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Farouk Yahaya on May 27, 2021, has generally elicited loud endorsements from Nigerians. His appointment followed the sudden demise of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash, along with 10 other Army personnel in Kaduna a week ago. (May their souls rest in perfect peace).

Gen. Yahaya, one of Nigeria’s finest breed of trained infantry combatants has a rich profile and experience in counter-terrorism combats. A member of the 37 Regular Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Gen. Yahaya was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22nd 1990. Over the decades, Gen. Yahaya has held numerous Staff, Instructional and Command appointments in the Nigerian Army.

But briefly, Gen. Yahaya was a Garrison Commander, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, Military Secretary, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, and the General Officer Commanding, (GoC), 1 Division of the Nigerian Army among multiple others.

Until his elevation in appointment as COAS, Gen. Yahaya’s service records were synonymous with military excellence globally. He was deep into the forests of the theatre of war in the Northeast, functioning in the capacity of Theatre Commander of the renamed Counterterrorism and Counter-Insurgency military outfit code-named “Operation Hadin Kai” (OPHK), literally meaning “cooperation” in Hausa vernacular.

It is indubitable that in the last six years, the Nigerian Army has dealt a fatal blow on incensed Boko Haram insurgents, ISWAP terrorists, armed bandits and other allied cross border armed criminal gangs who have delighted in terrorising parts of the country. And with the confusion and infighting in the camps of Boko Haram and ISWAP, coupled with the assured sustained pressures mounted on these terrorists by troops, the coming of Gen. Yahaya as the new COAS holds every significance in finally blighting the menace of all forms of terrorism in the country.

Gen. Yahaya parades many meritorious service medals and awards. He is definitely a shining Army star in warfare. Farouk Yahaya is an Army General generally honed and polished by the finest of senior Military officers, home and abroad, who are experts in anti-terrorism warfares. Prominently, Gen. Yahaya is an ardent adherent of the leadership school of thought of His Excellency, Ambassador TY Buratai, the retired Army General, who served Nigeria as COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations from 2015-2021.

Nigerians have recognized Gen. Buratai as a courageous, fearless, determined, patriotic and loyal professional soldier, who broke the many jinks of terrorists when he served the country. He made them breathless at all times and even military experts have seen his fearless shadows in Gen. Yahaya. There is no gain contradicting the reality that the new COAS is a tested hand in the theatre of war.

President Buhari is famed for the knack of going for the best brains in appointments, especially in sensitive areas. The choice of Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the COAS has also confirmed the President’s principle and doctrine of impeccable credentials, merit and excellent performance above any other consideration.

Apparently, there is no disputation that Gen. Yahaya would not only excel in his new assignment, as an officer who has been part and parcel of the anti-insurgency campaigns in Nigeria. But also, security experts have vouched on his competence to surpass the excellence of his mentor, Gen. Buratai by breaking new records in the prosecution of Nigeria’s renamed counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

However, and observably, the appointment of Gen. Yahaya means many things to different Nigerians and spurted varying dimensions of national discourse. But the dormant and inescapable feature of these perceptions in the public psyche is the trust and convictions in the professional competence and dexterity of the new COAS to finally blight the fires of terrorism in Nigeria.

However, there are a few leftists in Nigeria, who have never failed in the “patriotic” duty to themselves of rubbishing any policy or decision pronounced by the Buhari Presidency. These minority discordant voices are habituated to faulting every decision and at every time, not necessarily based on sound reasons, but from selfish, unpatriotic and self-satisfying prisms. But again, it is the beauty of democracy. So, this clan of Nigerians are blindfolded to the anticipated leadership impacts of Gen. Yahaya in Nigeria’s anti-insurgency campaigns.

To these ethnoreligious bigots and naked campaigners of regionalism, President Buhari has not pleased them in the choice of Gen. Yahaya simply because the tested Army General is not from their part of the country. The expressed sentiment is that Buhari would have attracted their eulogies had he appointed someone from their part of the country, even if he is glaringly incompetent or unqualified.

So, the sabs are massively wailing, lamenting and mouthing foolishly. But it is the normal hypocritic trait in most Nigerians, which has held back the progress of the country for decades. Those wailing loudest and feeling alienated from Buhari’s choice of Gen. Yahaya as COAS on such simplistic grounds of regionality do not respect the same posture when hiring personal security guards. Why do almost all of these ethnic bigots outrightly shirk from hiring personal security guards who are people from their villages?

Many of the bigoted ethnic campaigners who are on a deliberate smear campaign to stain the credentials of excellence of Gen. Farouq Yahaya are laughably questioning President Buhari on why he again failed to appoint an Igbo man into the National Security Council. But the competence of Gen. Yahaya was the compelling reasons Mr. President considered choosing Gen. Yahaya.

Let the truth be told! The National Security Council is neither an arena for ethnic groups nor campaigners, but a serious national security platform for tested and trusted senior Military officers. It is easy to notice the confusion in the camps of these disguised saboteurs. It’s not surprising that none of them is faulting the appointment of Gen. Yahaya based on competence or previously poor service records, but they are rather concerned that he would have been an Igbo, Yoruba or Ijaw Army General. So, they are free to lick their wounds and trumpet louder, the ethnic sentiments against merit and competence.

For those versatile in security issues, Gen. Yahaya’s emergence is one of the best appointments that Mr. President has made since the beginning of the year. Anyone who thinks otherwise should contest this assertion. As someone who has served as GoC and later, Theatre Commander in the Northeast, mandating Gen. Yahaya now to lead the war against the insurgents in Nigeria justifies and fills any imagined vacuum in the anti-terrorism combats.

Nigerians, particularly, troops in the frontlines are expecting Gen. Yahaya to immediately restore the suspended Army core values, which sustained counter-insurgency operations. These include the return of all quarterly exercises, development of a versatile Intelligence gathering network/ instruments, sustenance of the apolitical posturing of soldiers and a tough deal and decisive warfare expeditions against all armed criminal elements across the country.

Nigerians are assured that with the known records of professional competence identified with Gen. Yahaya Farouq, the country is on the sure path of the final defeat of terrorists. The Army warmonger would certainly make Nigeria proud because he is sure prepared to deliver on the task which Nigerians have elected him to do. Nigerians wish him and his team good luck, as they anxiously await the victory and trophy of triumph against terrorists.

Agbese is a publisher and human rights law researcher based in the United Kingdom.