Nigerian Army: Emulating General Buratai’s Accountability Aura

By Yemi Itodo  

I have followed the operations of the Nigerian Army keenly since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of Nigeria. My interest in the activities of the Nigerian Army stems from two factors. One is the promise made by President Buhari on assumption of office, to tackle insecurity headlong and two, my childhood ambition to join the Nigerian Army. 

I must state that I haven’t been disappointed so far with the leadership strides of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, who has indeed displayed that burning passion in repositioning the Nigerian Army for greater exploits. The various innovations introduced indeed buttress this point. 

The achievements of Lt Gen Tukur Buratai did not come to me as a surprise because as one who has held various commands and positions in the Nigerian Army before his appointment, he has understood the importance of accountability as a panacea for service delivery in public service.

The Nigerian Army of today is such that has elicited commendations from and far and near. The Nigerian Army of today is that which is involved in counter-insurgency operations, as well as internal security operations across the country simultaneously and still achieving results. All of these were made possible because of the regime of accountability that has characterized the operations of the Nigerian Army with Lt. Gen. Tukur Buaratai at the helm of affairs. 

I recall some years back when some civil society organizations led by the  Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT issued a joint Freedom of Information request, requesting the Chief of Army Staff to use his “good office  and leadership position to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the Northeast.” 

This was indeed the first time such a request would be made to a military institution in Nigeria and as usual, social commentators debated extensively on the merits and demerits of such request. It was even speculated in some quarters that the Nigerian Army was not going to honour the request due to precedence and the likes. But guess what?

The country was stunned when the Nigerian Army responded to the request not just to the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; it indeed went public in a rare display  that elicited commendation from all and sundry in the country. I recall that in response to the gesture of the Chief of Army Staff, one of the Civil Society Organizations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a rare act of endorsement of public institution accountability, was profuse in eulogising the Nigerian and only stopped short of condemning others public institutions for not being so transparent.

It stated thus: “While we ascertain the level of compliance of the information provided, we welcome Mr Buratai’s demonstrated commitment to the Freedom of Information Act by responding to our request, especially at a time when high-ranking government officials including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola continue to exhibit a blatant disregard for FOI requests by refusing even to acknowledge several of such requests.”

“The National Assembly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ministries, agencies and departments should also learn from the good example shown by Mr Buratai by at least honouring and responding to FOI requests from Nigerians, NGOs and others if they are ever to contribute to the efforts to achieve a greater level of transparency and accountability in Nigeria.” 

“A quick look at the documentation shows a list of several projects reportedly implemented by the Nigerian Army. Among those listed and displayed, which appeared to show specific projects the Nigerian Army carried out with budgeted funds, include places where operations were carried out; renovation of barracks and military hospitals, spending to honour late soldiers; training and workshops; repairs of some old military equipment; and completion of offices and housing projects. Others are feeding of soldiers; the building of new barracks and schools; acquisition of arms and ammunition and vehicles for military operations; as well as the provision of welfare for soldiers. These are indeed commendable. 

I can bet that the response of the Nigerian Army indeed shocked quite a number and silenced a majority that had the erroneous impression that in the Nigerian Army, anything goes as in the previous times  where a lot indeed went wrong in the operations of the Nigerian Army. But little did they know that it was indeed a new regime that was anchored on nothing less than patriotism, the sincerity of heart and purpose, as well as dedication to duty.

It is my view that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai quickly understood that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has a covenant with the Nigerian people to lead with transparency and accountability towards attaining our developmental goals. The Chief of Army Staff was also aware that President Muhammadu Buhari took an oath to defend the Nigerian state. He is fully aware that the Army which he leads must be accountable to the Nigerian public hence the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in its operations. 

I can go on nonstop with regards to the transformation of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. However, I must not fail to mention that some of the projects implemented by the Nigerian Army in the past five years were indeed phenomenal.

Taking the example of the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu, a unique university in all standards and designed to make it a solution provider and a centre of excellence for a variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production as well as the development of counter-insurgency manuals for use by the Nigerian Military.  

Another example of the ingenuity of the Chief of Army Staff is the recent commissioning of a 200 bed Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State to cater for the health needs of soldiers who sustained injuries while fighting the counter-insurgency war. The hospital would also attend to the health needs of families of soldiers, civilians and people in the host community. Also, the Nigerian Army inaugurated a water treatment plant in Enugu State capable of treating and supplying one million litres of water daily to the barracks and its environs constructed by Nigerian Army engineers. 

This is aside the numerous inventions of the Nigerian Army in projects across the country. I dare to say that without transparency and accountability, the Nigerian Army would not have been able to achieve results, not just in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war, but also inadequately attending to the welfare of officers and soldiers whose morale have been bolstered in recent times. 

It is thus my considered opinion that if the Chief of Army Staff decides to invite members of the general public on a tour of its projects, it is not for grandstanding, but to be accountable to the people and that should be commended and emulated by others entrusted with public offices in Nigeria.  

It is on this premise that I give a charge to other public institutions in Nigeria to emulate the Nigerian Army regime of accountability. If the Nigerian Army can do it, I do not see why others should not give account of their stewardship.

Itodo is a social critic and public affairs commentator based in Abuja.

Darul Salam/Boko Haram: North Central group commends Buratai, Army over successes in Kogi, Nasarawa

The North Central Egalitarian Congress (NCEC) has hailed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian Army’s 4 Special Forces Command for successfully riding Kogi and Nasarawa States of Darul Salam/Boko Haram terrorists. 

NCEC gave the commendation in a press statement signed by its President, Etubi Odiba Enebi, on Tuesday. 

According to the group, the dislodgement of the terrorists would bring a drastic end to cattle rustling, banditry, kidnappings and other forms of criminalities in the states. 

Darul Salam, an extremist sect terrorizing the North-Central region and other states for over eight years, was recently declared a terrorist group by the Nigerian Army.

Activities of the group with notorious Boko Haram became more prominent in the last seven months.   

The group has been involved in killings, kidnapping for ransom, abduction for slavery and cattle rustling along the Okene- Lokoja and Abaji-Toto road.

Consequently, the Nigeria Army 4 Special Forces Command in a joint operation with Whirl stroke embarked on an operation code-named  ‘Operation Nut Cracker’ to flush Ugya forest, Panda forest, Uttu forest and contagious hills in Nasarawa State.

The operation has yielded fruits aplenty with over 778 captives recently freed after troops raided the enclave of the terrorist group.

And the North Central Egalitarian Congress said kudos must go to the COAS for his brave, visionary and purposeful leadership as well as the troops for displaying “acts of resilience and heroism”. 

“The North Central Egalitarian Congress is in receipt of the exploits of troops of the Nigerian Army 4 Special Forces Command in the displacement of the Darul Salam/Boko Haram terrorists from their camps in Kogi and Nasarawa states recently,” the statement reads.  

“This feat is particularly noteworthy given the fact that the group has been responsible for all kinds of criminal activities in the North Central region in the past five years and also acting as sleeper cells to escalate banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality in the region. 

“The North Central Egalitarian Congress wishes to state that troops from the Nigerian Army 4 Special Forces Command have indeed displayed acts of resilience and heroism in its clearance operations to rid the North Central region of the activities of the DarulSalam/Boko Haram. 

“It is our considered opinion that with the dislodgement of the notorious group, cattle rustling, banditry, kidnappings and other forms of criminalities would be reduced drastically as multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the DarulSalam group has been responsible for these acts of criminalities in the North Central region. 

“We are glad about the successful operation of the Nigerian Army. It, therefore, affirms our earlier position of the leadership strides of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai which has resulted in a professional and proactive Nigerian Army dedicated to preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as responding adequately to other internal security operations such as this. 

“The North Central Egalitarian Congress also acknowledges the fact that over 700 family members and abductees were rescued from Darul Salam captivity by the Nigerian Army and currently undergoing medical examinations towards reuniting with their loved ones once again after several months in captivity. 

“The North Central Egalitarian Congress wishes to use this medium to assure the Chief of Army Staff of its continued support in its clearance operations towards ridding the North Central region of all traces of the Darul Salam terrorist group. 

“We are glad that the commitment of the Nigerian Army towards the preservation of peace in the North Central region is indeed yielding the desired results in numerous ways. We consequently call on all other stakeholders in the North Central region to extend their support to the Nigerian Army towards ridding North Central Nigeria of acts of terrorism and other criminal activities”. 

The group, however, charged the troops not to relent in their efforts until the region is cleared of all remnants of the Darul Salam/Boko Haram terrorists. 

While passing a vote of confidence on Lt. Gen. Buratai, NCEC also urged the COAS to sustain the tempo in the region and across the country. 

AESID kicks over alleged sales of Ebonyi property in Lagos, demands probe

Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID) has condemned an alleged sale of a landed property belonging to the Ebonyi state government in Lagos.

The said property is located at No. 19A Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Lagos state.

Raising the alarm through a statement signed and made available to newsmen Wednesday in Abuja by AESID’s President-General, Worldwide, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, said the land is the only property owned by the Ebonyi state government in Lagos state, is a 2-acres of land with an erected and furnished two-storey building situated on it and strategically-located on a highbrow area, directly opposite the Ikeja Military cantonment, Lagos.

Oluchukwu said some Ebonyians occupying the said premises and doing their businesses have made certain unofficial disclosures regarding an alleged plot by someone close to the state government to sale the property in question.

“To this end therefore, we have been fully informed about the serving of notices to various occupants of the said property to quit same for the alleged eventual take-over of it by the said buyers of the property whose identities, terms of agreements and rate of purchase have remained a top secret known only to the Umahis. We gathered therefore that some of the traders around the area have already complied with the notice by vacating the said premises which had been placed on rent to Coscharis for N50 million annually to the state which helped to shore up the State’s revenue-base.

“Firstly, is the Umahi government aware that Ebonyi indigenes living in and others doing businesses within the said premises have been served notices to quit the said apartments? If indeed, it is to their knowledge, who is behind such notices?

“Secondly, did the Umahi-led administration either through the Governor himself, his very powerful and influential brothers and or including any of his ‘less-powerful’ Exco members at any point raise the issue of selling, leasing or even quitting the tenants of the said massive land before an Exco either for deliberation or consideration as was often the case even in the government of Elechi where he served as a Deputy Governor?

“Thirdly, was the said property ever advertised either in the print, electronic or even the social media as being on sale for interested members of the public to perhaps competitively bid and lobby for it as stipulated in our laws? Who exactly is behind this outlandish dubious plot to sell-off what belongs to the entire Ebonyians without recourse to due process of the law as though it is now a private property? These questions, now on the lips of many Ebonyians deserve very modest and urgent answers and Governor Umahi cannot continue to live in denial or pretences regarding these.

“Whereas, we condemn in its entirety the said moves to sell-off Ebonyi property in any part of the country, which our ancestors and elders fought very hard to bequeath to our generation particularly the one in question, we quickly call on the State government to come open and declare the actual status of the said property within 24 hours. The Umahi-led administration and his army of ‘very influential brothers’ shouldn’t keep Ebonyians in the dark and continue to run Ebonyi like their personal fiefdom and in the way and manner they have carried on for the past five years and yet counting.”

The association, however called on the security agencies to probe the allegation and unravel the truth.

“We therefore call on security and law enforcement agencies to without hesitation probe this allegation of sale of Ebonyi landed property in Lagos and or any other part of the country where such incident or interest may have occurred without due process and consequently bring those behind same to book as we believe that government is not a criminal enterprise that acts in dubious secrecy, specious hypocrisy and shamelessness.

“This Ebonyi-welfare-oriented organization is deeply saddened by the glaring facts that Governor Umahi despite making Ebonyi much poorer than he met it as we now rank the poverty capital of the entire southern Nigeria based on available and current NBS statistics appear hell-bent on looting and squandering completely whatever is left even as legacy assets and liabilities belonging to our beloved Salt of the Nation. Posterity will never be kind to him if he denies the unborn generation of Ebonyians what their fore-fathers, fathers, grand-fathers and great grand-fathers left behind for them as their pride and legacy projects and belongings.”

The group also urged the state government to remember and fully compensate those affected by the siting of the Airport project in Okarue, Umuoghara, Ezza north Local Area of the state.

“AESID also totally condemn the silence of the Ebonyi state government on the plights of those affected by the siting of the Airport project in Okarue, Umuoghara, Ezza north Local Area of the state.

“The victims who are predominantly peasant rural farmers are numbering thousands have lived without shelter and any form of genuine assistance after being forced out of their ancestral homes and lands by the Umahi-government which forcefully acquired the said land for the International Airport.

“It is our concern just as we have consistently maintained in our initial Press releases on this particular subject matter that the government have allowed these Ezza natives to stay without roofs on their heads while it carries on with its plenitude of political and other jamborees. This is sad, we mean, very sad and least expected of any responsible government needless to talk of those who far less-privileged such as the displaced Airport victims.

“Finally, we further reject any proposal, suggestions or moves to allocate, cede or partition any part of Ebonyi’s vast and arable lands to cattle herders whose marauding influence within and around the State have not only created fears and led to deaths of our people but have caused the proceeds from our farms to dwindle greatly. We say so because Ebonyi has very rich mineral and Agricultural potentials which when left unexploited due to fear of herdsmen would take a further toll on the poverty index cum other ratings of the state which recorded one of the greatest inflation in food prices in May this year.”

The said property is located at No. 19A Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Lagos state.

Raising the alarm through a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja by AESID’s President-General, Worldwide, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, said the land is the only property owned by the Ebonyi state government in Lagos state, is a 2-acres of land with an erected and furnished two-storey building situated on it and strategically-located on a highbrow area, directly opposite the Ikeja Military cantonment, Lagos.

Oluchukwu said some Ebonyians occupying the said premises and doing their businesses have made certain unofficial disclosures regarding an alleged plot by someone close to the state government to sale the property in question.

“To this end therefore, we have been fully informed about the serving of notices to various occupants of the said property to quit same for the alleged eventual take-over of it by the said buyers of the property whose identities, terms of agreements and rate of purchase have remained a top secret known only to the Umahis. We gathered therefore that some of the traders around the area have already complied with the notice by vacating the said premises which had been placed on rent to Coscharis for N50 million annually to the state which helped to shore up the State’s revenue-base.
“Firstly, is the Umahi government aware that Ebonyi indigenes living in and others doing businesses within the said premises have been served notices to quit the said apartments? If indeed, it is to their knowledge, who is behind such notices?

“Secondly, did the Umahi-led administration either through the Governor himself, his very powerful and influential brothers and or including any of his ‘less-powerful’ Exco members at any point raise the issue of selling, leasing or even quitting the tenants of the said massive land before an Exco either for deliberation or consideration as was often the case even in the government of Elechi where he served as a Deputy Governor?
“Thirdly, was the said property ever advertised either in the print, electronic or even the social media as being on sale for interested members of the public to perhaps competitively bid and lobby for it as stipulated in our laws? Who exactly is behind this outlandish dubious plot to sell-off what belongs to the entire Ebonyians without recourse to due process of the law as though it is now a private property? These questions, now on the lips of many Ebonyians deserve very modest and urgent answers and Governor Umahi cannot continue to live in denial or pretences regarding these.
“Whereas, we condemn in its entirety the said moves to sell-off Ebonyi property in any part of the country, which our ancestors and elders fought very hard to bequeath to our generation particularly the one in question, we quickly call on the State government to come open and declare the actual status of the said property within 24 hours. The Umahi-led administration and his army of ‘very influential brothers’ shouldn’t keep Ebonyians in the dark and continue to run Ebonyi like their personal fiefdom and in the way and manner they have carried on for the past five years and yet counting.”
The association, however called on the security agencies to probe the allegation and unravel the truth.
“We therefore call on security and law enforcement agencies to without hesitation probe this allegation of sale of Ebonyi landed property in Lagos and or any other part of the country where such incident or interest may have occurred without due process and consequently bring those behind same to book as we believe that government is not a criminal enterprise that acts in dubious secrecy, specious hypocrisy and shamelessness.

“This Ebonyi-welfare-oriented organization is deeply saddened by the glaring facts that Governor Umahi despite making Ebonyi much poorer than he met it as we now rank the poverty capital of the entire southern Nigeria based on available and current NBS statistics appear hell-bent on looting and squandering completely whatever is left even as legacy assets and liabilities belonging to our beloved Salt of the Nation. Posterity will never be kind to him if he denies the unborn generation of Ebonyians what their fore-fathers, fathers, grand-fathers and great grand-fathers left behind for them as their pride and legacy projects and belongings.”

The group also urged the state government to remember and fully compensate those affected by the siting of the Airport project in Okarue, Umuoghara, Ezza north Local Area of the state.

“AESID also totally condemn the silence of the Ebonyi state government on the plights of those affected by the siting of the Airport project in Okarue, Umuoghara, Ezza north Local Area of the state.
“The victims who are predominantly peasant rural farmers are numbering thousands have lived without shelter and any form of genuine assistance after being forced out of their ancestral homes and lands by the Umahi-government which forcefully acquired the said land for the International Airport. 
“It is our concern just as we have consistently maintained in our initial Press releases on this particular subject matter that the government have allowed these Ezza natives to stay without roofs on their heads while it carries on with its plenitude of political and other jamborees. This is sad, we mean, very sad and least expected of any responsible government needless to talk of those who far less-privileged such as the displaced Airport victims.
“Finally, we further reject any proposal, suggestions or moves to allocate, cede or partition any part of Ebonyi’s vast and arable lands to cattle herders whose marauding influence within and around the State have not only created fears and led to deaths of our people but have caused the proceeds from our farms to dwindle greatly. We say so because Ebonyi has very rich mineral and Agricultural potentials which when left unexploited due to fear of herdsmen would take a further toll on the poverty index cum other ratings of the state which recorded one of the greatest inflation in food prices in May this year.”

NEDC and transparency in governance

By Deborah Obeweh

Transparency, as one of the basic principles of good governance, implies the public insight in the work of public administration and bodies. Citizens should be enabled to inspect the work of the public administration as well as the availability of instruments for monitoring the decision-making process. Also, citizens should be familiar with the regulations applied in the procedure for exercising their rights, clearly and understandably.

There are many different ways to look at what makes good or bad governance. People from all over the world judge governance differently. Being able to understand what a government does and why it does it is very important. It is important because being able to see what the government does means people can understand what laws there are and how they affect their lives. Without transparency in governance, people are not connected to the people that have power. This means that the people in power are not held to account by the people they govern. With no one checking what they do or understanding what they do, a government can do things that harm a population.

This brings me to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) established to lead the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria after years of conflict occasioned by the Boko Haram crisis. Some of us had reservations when the NEDC commenced operations. This was hinged on the past experiences where interventionist agencies instead of fulfilling its mandate end up as cash cows for politicians that are not shy to divert public funds to private pockets in the usual manner.

The case of the NEDC has somewhat proven different from other interventionist agencies in the country. There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria.

According to statistics gleaned from the North-East Nigeria Recovery and Peace Building Assessment (RPBA) report undertaken by the Government of Nigeria, the State Governments of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, and supported by the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and The World Bank (WB), it stated that an estimated infrastructure damage of US$ 9.2 billion and accumulated output losses of US$ 8.3 billion was recorded in the region.

This is indeed a huge task before the management of the NEDC because of the burden of expectation after its board was inaugurated in 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari with Mohammed Alkali as its pioneer managing director.

I must confess that upon assumption of office, I didn’t envy Mohammed Alkali because of the hurdles he has to cross towards the fulfilment of the mandate of the NEDC. It is indeed a case of uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. The question thus is how the NEDC has fared in less than a year of its operations in the task of rebuilding North-East Nigeria.

We must admit that in all human endeavours, the foundation is critical because when the foundation starts on a faulty note, it won’t stand the test of time. I make bold to say that I am very impressed with the activities of the NEDC so far with the level of the entrenchment of transparency in its operations.

Even though nothing short of this would be expected, again, credit must be given to the managing director of the commission, Mohammed Alkali who in my opinion put his best foot forward since assumption of duties at the NEDC. This judgment of mine is based on specific criteria.

To say I am not impressed with the conduct of Mohammed Alkali so far would be a great disservice and I am not convinced that all well-meaning Nigerians would disagree with me. It is indeed a case of an unflinching passion for leaving an indelible mark towards setting a solid foundation for the operations of the NEDC towards ensuring that the socio-economic status of North-East Nigeria bounces back to greater profitability.

I do not intend to delve into the various programmes been implemented by the NEDC for space constraints. However, one thing that I would harp on is the level of transparency entrenched in its operations. This position of mine is not hinged on hearsay or assumptions, but rather a product of extensive scrutiny of its various interventionist programmes across the states in North-East Nigeria.

The level of transparency introduced in the operations of the NEDC is tremendous as well as impressive. This, in my opinion, could be a function of two factors. One is the world view is on the North East and the desire for normalcy to return and secondly the need to get things right at the foundation level for subsequent efforts in the future. Whichever of the factors that motivated the managing director, he has done well and should be commended.

I wish to state that this piece is not a praise-singing effort, but rather a challenge to other public office holders in the country towards the entrenchment of transparency in their operations using the NEDC model. The NEDC is a new agency, and the fact that it has started on this note indicates that in no distance time, its impact would be felt as regards the rebuilding of North-East Nigeria.

Mohammed Alkali remains my man any day with his passionate approach in the administration of the NEDC. He might not be that loud as others would want him to given his efforts so far, but one thing you can’t take away from him is the fact that he knows his onions and he is passionate about achieving results.

The managing director of the NEDC, in my opinion, is a rare gem that must be watched closely. I can’t say much about his background, but one thing that has struck me is his penchant for results which would ultimately translate to laying a solid foundation for an agency as critical as the NEDC. He is also conscious of the fact that whatever happens in the future would be based on his performance as the pioneer managing director of the NEDC.

This is called purposeful leadership anchored on a strong moral self, a vision for teamwork, and an ethical approach marked by a commitment to stakeholders’. These are the hallmarks of the Mohammed Alkali regime at the NEDC. I believe if others take a cue from him, Nigeria will steady on the path of sustainable growth and development. He has indeed started in the right direction, and it is hoped that he overcomes the various hurdles that would come his way.

Obeweh is a forensic psychologist and wrote from Abuja.

Biu, new face, signpost of peace

By Philip Agbese

Time could significantly alter the sad fate of a people radically for the good. It was just yesterday Biu LGA in Southern Borno state was under the woeful asphyxiation of Boko Haram insurgents. I recount the agonies of frustrated natives, nitpicking their hearts out, every day under the excessively unbearable heat of insurgents’ attacks. Today, Biu is redefining the meaning of existence for its natives and the people of the Northeast.

In contrast now, Biu is the face and signpost of peace and security in the Northeast region. Eleanor Roosevelt submitted in a ditty that “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” The people of Biu worked in unison by rising in warrior-like fashion to support troops to rout out insurgents in order to have peace and security.

It was a wise decision and actions by the people of Biu village. Insurgents who weaponized against their fraternity; farm, houses, wives, children and existence now dread the enclave.

And as a special recognition for Biu’s communal efforts in assisting government curb the roaring threats of terrorism in the axis; Biu has been rewarded with the Nigerian Army University Biu. (NAUB). NAUB is more than a mere university to the people of Biu and the Northeast. It signifies so many things to the people; and they adore it as a rare and an unimaginable treasure.

After barely two years, I first heard of the idea of the conception of an Army university in Nigeria, NAUB is now an institution which resonates in near and distant places. I am a curious adventurist; I love visiting new places of attraction, if my resources can permit.

And I also nurse an ambition to taste from the foundation of knowledge offered by NAUB. So, I decided to pay a visit to the campus of NAUB recently for firsthand knowledge of the varsity and the people, as an axiom says “to see is to be believe.”

When you stray into the premises of an ivory tower anywhere, the conviviality of the environment and atmosphere informs the visitor about the seriousness of the institution on the pursuit of learning and knowledge. It was my first enticing experience at NAUB campus.

I got into Biu village at dusk and decided to perch at the Biu Summit Hotel until the next morning. I set out early, the following day on my mission to NAUB. The workers in the hotel where I passed the night were extraordinarily receptive, hospitable and affectionate to visitors. Although, it was a one star hotel, the feeling was more than a three-star hotel in that part of the universe , but very exquisite like similar ones one can find in big cities. I enjoyed their services, which were very cheap and affordable.

The choice of my caption- “Biu: Emerging Peace Capital in Nigeria:” may sound disgusting to some ears, especially when associated with Borno State. Nevertheless, peace has returned to the community; it is just the incredible truth. But I also vouched for this truth after the visit to Biu, as I doubted it like others. Life is bumbling and the communities have put behind it the ugly face of Boko Haram and embraced life.

Let me explain briefly, ab initio that I have bagged three degrees in different fields of academics from the United Kingdom. My intention of visiting NAUB was to privately assess the university; explore the possibility of taking up a Ph.D research on the Boko Haram insurgency and also interact with stakeholders of the Biu Emirate .

As a patriotic citizen of Nigeria, I have lived with the urge of acquiring a home degree, which will assist generate answers to the Nigerian security puzzle and development question; it has become irrepressible in my mind in the last four years. When recently, I confided in a friend, and lecturer, at the University of Ilorin, Associate Professor Lemuel Ode, who incidentally is at NAUB for his sabbatical leave, he hinted me about NAUB.

Of course, I have heard of NAUB in the last two years; but Lemuel Odeh bolstered me by insisting NAUB and the Northeast region offers the best opportunities to do anything for an intending Ph.D researcher on a broad range of security studies.

At NAUB a guide took me round the university faculties and departments. I was impressed with the magnificent edifices; state-of-the-art equipments , laboratories in their new sparkling and functional state. The environment was inviting, with neatly decorated walkways and lawns. It instantly, reunites your soul with nature.

The institution has started operations with the faculties of Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Administrative and Management Studies, Military Technology; Military Policy, Logistics and Strategy. The Military Policy, Logistics and Strategy has caught my attention and seems a bride of attraction. I believe, the outcome of a Ph.D. research in this area would be very beneficial in answering to a major aspect of the anti-insurgencies and insurrectional engagements by Nigeria’s security agents.

Whilst in Biu Emirate, I decided to tour some villages so to widen my experience. Luckily, on the day of my visit to NAUB, another major event was on course. It was the commissioning of the Buratai Centre, an extension of NAUB. I crashed into it while at Buratai village and joined other invitees to witness it.

It was also a masterpiece by every standard. My stay in Biu for three days took me on excursions to other villages like;Balbaya; Charenji; Chemi Moda; Galdimare; Kagul; Piku; Sabon Layi; and Viu kutha.

And the inhabitants everywhere I went were quite pleasant and warm people. I sighted homesteads destroyed by insurgency freshly rebuilt or were still in the process of reconstruction. Famers kissed the hoes on farmlands voraciously and local markets bubbled with business, particularly agric produce. It was a memorable experience for me. Candidly, the people accept visitors warmly and with huge hospitality.

But what endeared me more about Biu people, was their displayed sincerity and honesty. I slept in Biu Summit Hotel on the first night of arrival in Biu, until I linked up, with my friend, Lemuel Odeh, who was to later transfer me to his apartment at the University Staff Quarters.

But I needed some quick laundry the first night of my arrival. So, I handed over my bag, which contained two pairs of dirty clothes to the laundry. It contained reasonable amount of money for my local running expenses and I also forgot to remove it. The pockets of the dirty clothes due for washing also had, what we call in Nigeria as “careless change,” forgotten in them.

The next money the laundry man, delivered my washed, ironed clothes, and neatly packaged inside the same bag. Surprisingly, he brought back every kobo and everything from the bag unpilfered, including monies I forgot in the clothes he laundered.

The uncommon truth displayed by this laundry man stunned me. The people of Biu must be really very honest Nigerians. I am now, ensuing scholars to emulate my footsteps, by undertaking an academic study to find out how Biu has been able to maintain the peace which President Muhammadu Buhari and the military have leveraged upon to restore peace in Biu Emirate of Borno State.

Winston Churchill once told us that the “The price of greatness is responsibility.” Let’s accept the responsibility of peace and security burdened on us in our communities because it is apparent that most afflicted communities are apathetic to this idea now.

Agbese is a scholar and publisher based in Abuja.

Christian Genocide Allegation: Protesters seek UK Parliament action against APPG report

A group of activists from 54 Commonwealth nations are currently holding a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, Westminster London over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria. 

The group, under the aegis of Commonwealth Activists United Kingdom, said the protest is a show of its rejection of the report by the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group alleging an unfolding genocide in Nigeria.

In a letter to Rehman Chishti, Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, House of Commons and signed by its President, Hameed Williams, the activists said such declaratory assertion could create fresh problems for a country that is dealing with problems it did not create. 

The Commonwealth activists said APPG’s report is a deliberate falsehood to destabilize Nigeria along sectarian lines. 

” The lies about genocide against Christians and certain ethnic minorities as claimed in the report are symptomatic of the APPG claiming competence in a field it knows nothing about, similar to the misconceptions that were promoted by ancestral colonialists to desecrate and violate Africa; the continent was presented as inhabited by savages when in reality it was home to several civilizations that would have evolved into models had they not been interfered with,” the letter reads in part. 

“Repeating this same colonial tendency at this time that the world has become enlightened to the dangers of negative stereotyping is racist and should have no place in a time when the errors of colonizationand subjugation of certain races are still being addressed to right the wrongs of the past.

“From what we can make of the report, the APPG merely reviewed cherry-picked newspaper stories and articles, the reports of NGOs that have their own ulterior motives and agenda against Nigeria, the testimony of disgruntled elements and the only thing that came close to being factual, was the interview with distraught persons that were affected by the crisis. This cannot in any way be classified as objective research because the very information that the report was based on was already tainted. We do not foresee APPG doing this if the country of interest were to be the in the European Union or the United States of America.

“The inference that attacks by terrorists and roving pastoralists are condoned by the government of Nigeria and its military is unacceptable. We think the authors of the APPG report would have been objective enough to use the same sources it gathered its information from to note that the government did not allow its own citizens to be massacred without stepping up.

“There are many news stories that detailed how the military is combating terrorists and arresting those involved in attacks and communities but the APPG Report mischievously avoided reflecting this aspect of the situation in Nigeria.

“We also see a deliberate exploitation of Nigerian dead citizens from terrorism related incidents by mischaracterizing  their demise as the product of a Christian massacre when the truth is that Nigerians – Christian, Muslims, animists, agnostics, atheists and persons of other creeds – are being killed under circumstances in which the United Kingdom is complicit. This should not be the case in a civilized world. We condemn every single instance of a human life being unjustly taken as we condemn the dislocation of families and communities for any reason”. 

The activists, however, warned that  death of any Nigerian should not under any circumstance be dismissed as a sectarian affair. 

It added that “Our protest is therefore aimed at demanding a rethink of the misleading content of the APPG Report and redirect the group’s focus and that of the UK Parliament to the Nigerian reality as opposed to the present situation where some individuals want the world to believe in lies and accept falsehood as truth”. 

Water Resource Bill: Governor Ortom accused of plans to monopolize cattle business across middle-belt

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has been accused of plots to monopolize cattle rearing business in the Middle-Belt. 

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG), which made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, also warned the governor not to set the region on fire with his “inflammatory rhetorics” against the National Water Resources Bill. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, National President, Prince Enero said Mr Ortom’s ancestry and connection to Fulani (grandfather) makes cattle rearing a part of him. 

According to Enero, the governor perceives the Fulanis as a threat to his seemingly booming cattle business which he hopes to expand further when he leaves office in 2023. 

The bill initiated in 2019, among other things, seek to establish a regulatory framework for the water resources sector, provide for the equitable and sustainable development management, use and conserve Nigeria’s surface water, groundwater resources and related matters.

Governor Ortom, who has persistently voiced his displeasure, said the bill is anti-federalism aimed to grab lands for pastoralists.

However, MBCG said the governor’s criticism without reaching out to the NASS is a strategic way of priming Benue people to embrace violence if the legislation is eventually passed. 

“We are also aware that Benue State has 14 representatives in the National Assembly – three in the Senate and 11 in the House of Representatives. If he comes down from his high horse and coordinate these representatives to lobby their colleagues in the National Assembly, Benue state alone can singularly shut down the National Water Resources Bill, ” Enero said. 

“But because Ortom scarcely has any track record of cordial relations with anyone, he is not able to wield such influence hence the resort to inflammatory rhetoric without a thought for how this affects the long-term peace and stability of the Middle Belt, including Benue state.

“Even if the National Assembly were to go ahead and pass the bill against all protestations, there is room to lobby and mount pressure against Mr. President assenting to the document; which must be done responsibly and not the current loutish approach that we have so far seen from the Benue state governor. It is an exercise that is guaranteed to succeed if Ortom can redeem himself on time to appear responsible before his fellow governors to garner support for such enterprise. 

“In the most extreme case, the judiciary is there as the last hope of all citizens and Governor Ortom is welcome to approach the law courts to stop the National Water Resources Bill if the amendment passed through and not resort to whipping up sentiment and inciting people to violence.  

“We are doubtful that Governor Samuel Ortom will avail himself of these legitimate channels of dissention because he is resolved on setting everyone up against peace in the middle belt. Groups that he is sponsoring are coming out to echo his prelude to violence, which makes it necessary for us to tell him to stop sponsoring mushroom groups to attack the Federal Government as led by President Muhammadu Buhari. The President is not contesting any election with Ortom, all President Buhari wants is to create an enabling environment for peace, unity, development and progress and equality for all citizens”. 

The group, therefore, challenged the governor to prove that his “belligerent stance is not because he sees himself as being in competition with pastoralist Fulani in cattle rearing”. 

It added that Mr Ortom is “typical Tiv – Fulani because his grand grandfather was Fulani and has large heard of cattle on his farm, hence wants to monopolize the cattle business when he leaves Government House Makurdi in Year 2023”. 

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard, however, cautioned the Benue governor that he would be held responsible for any further degeneration of the security situation in the area on account of his incitement of the people to violence.

El-Zakzaky: Call Iran, IMN to order, group urges US, EU

The Coalition for Truth and Justice has reacted to the clash between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, and the police in Kaduna.

The coalition said the United States, US, should call IMN terrorist group to order.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Barrister Timothy Charles, the coalition said the call became necessary because IMN group may have stockpiled firearms aimed at attacking security operatives.

According to the coalition: “We found it pertinent to call on the United States of America, the United Kingdom, European Union and the United Nations to call terrorist group, Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) to order.

“The call became necessary following IMN’s clash with the Police at the weekend because this development signifies a renewal of hostilities on the part of the group while we also fear that its members must have acquired the stockpile of firearms they once promised to get in order to take on law enforcement operatives.

“The aforementioned countries and the United Nations should also caution IMN’s sponsor, Iran as Nigerians can no longer stomach this glaring phenomenon of state sponsored terrorism. In the event that security agencies are compelled to use force to enforce law and order, these are the countries that IMN will hide under international convention to demand intervention from. When things get to this stage it will be unfair for any international entity to censure Nigeria because the provocation has crossed all known bounds.

“We are aware that no religion permits people to bear arms against the sovereign state so, what IMN is doing in the name of religious liberties is nothing but a clear act of terrorism. Things have come to a stage where the annual Ashura procession has become a guaranteed trigger for IMN violence as its members continue to use the event to violently demand for the release of their leader, Mr. Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who is being held on the order of a competent court.

“The world must be reminded that the IMN leader’s continued incarceration with his wife is not at the behest of the Federal Government but is at the instance of the Kaduna State government, which declared IMN a terrorist entity following due process and the rule of law.

“IMN’s violence at multiple locations in Kaduna state, in the capital and Zaria, is therefore a ploy of testing the waters to see if it can again export its terrorism to other parts of Nigeria as it did when it held the nation’s capital, Abuja, under siege. The group’s fighters were only dislodged from the city following series of casualties from several violent protests, including the murder of a senior policeman and a journalist on the same day.

“If the past is anything to go by, IMN usually resort to violence as a strategy to spread security organizations thin and distract them from effectively fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

“Members of this group, far from being victims, have become the ultimate aggressors, who terrorize Nigerians and constantly clash security agencies in the country; they have perfected how to launch armed onslaughts against law enforcement agencies without provocation.

“In view of the sustained aggression on the part of IMN, and noting that a representative of their sponsor-country, Iran, in the person of Ambassador Saeed Kozechi, once threatened that Nigeria will burn to allow the sect have its way, taking cognizance of the damages and deaths they have dealt in the past, we call for urgent intervention to stop the resurgence of IMN’s murderous tendencies.

“We ask that the US, UK, EU and UN immediately intervene before IMN terrorists destroy what it has left of peace in Nigeria by calling the group to order. They must also call IMN’s sponsor, Iran, to order because there should be a limit to that country’s interference into Nigeria’s affairs.”

Banditry: Operation Sahel Sanity, others successful in northwest – CESJET

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has hailed the Nigerian Army’s Operation Sahel Sanity as a success already in countering bandits and restoring peace to the northwest. 

CESJET made this known in its quarterly interim report on the war against banditry and other forms of criminalities after an assessment tour of the region. 

Launched in July, the operation was aimed to dislodge armed bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the northwest.

And less than two months after, CESJET says the operation has recorded tremendous gains with the people now enjoying a new lease of life. 

“It was observed that since the establishment of Operation Sahel Sanity in the states in North West, there has been a near halt of the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements hitherto operating in the states,” CESJET revealed as part of its findings in the report signed by Executive Secretary, Comrade Isaac Ikpa. 

“It was also observed that the North-West Zone has indeed felt the immediate impact of Operation Sahel Sanity with the tremendous successes achieved within the short period. 

“These operations have led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled cattle, the arrest of suspected armed bandits, arrest of bandits informants and collaborators.

“It was also observed that there has been a resumption of farming, social and other economic activities in most communities in North West Nigeria with people going about their normal activities without fear of harassment or attacks from armed bandits and other criminal elements. 

“The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency also observed a high level of cooperation between troops of Operation Sahel Sanity and the members of the host communities who are more than appreciative of the activities of the troops in its various clearance operations as well as rescue mission that has seen to the recuse of those held in captivity by criminal elements”. 

After a careful study of the activities of Operation Sahel Sanity and its impact on the affected communities, CESJET, however, concluded that:

“There is a need to sustain the current tempo to ensure that those armed bandits and criminal gangs that have been displaced do not regroup in other parts of the states from where they would carry on with their nefarious activities.

“There is a need to expand the area of coverage of Operation Sahel Sanity to include other states in North West as well as North Central in a bid to effectively address the threats posed by armed bandits and other criminal gangs. 

“That there is also a need for well-spirited individuals, groups and NGOs to support families of those displaced as a result of the activities of bandits and other criminal elements before the formation of Operation Sahel Sanity. 

“NGOs and other humanitarian organizations should identify ways with which they can render essential services in these communities that were earlier affected by the activities of bandits. 

“That the government in these states must continue to extend their support to the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity in a bid to fully address the activities of armed banditry and other forms of criminalities”. 

Africans in Asia task Adesina on agricultural technology

A group of African youths based in Asia under the aegis of African Youths in Asia (AYA) has lauded the re-election of Akinwumi Adesina as the President if Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

The group’s coordinator, Oladotun Toye, in a congratulatory message signed made available to newsmen Sunday in Abuja, urged Adesina to use his re-election to improve science and technology to help African countries on agricultural technology.

While quoting Charles Kettering, who said “High achievements always take place in the framework of high expectation” the group said Adesina’s re-election at just concluded virtual annual general meeting of African Development Bank (AfDB) did not come to them as a shock.

“You won the heart of many with your revolutionary agricultural agenda and developmental programs.

“Your smallholder farmer scheme is a testimony of commitment to improves food production and food sufficient for millions of Africans experiencing an acute food shortage in the continent.

“As a son of a farmer who understands farmers’ problems, you introduce a mechanize that gives increment on credit facilities for the millions of small-scale African farmers.

“The impact was felt across Africa. You led the bank to secure US$115 billion in the pledges fund agreement, in a direction to doubled its capital and bonded its triple-A rating.

“We urge you to do more as African youths who reside in Asian; we want to use your re-election to improve science and technology to help African countries on agricultural technology like what is applicable in most Asia countries like Japan, China, Taiwan among others.”

Toye urged the Adesina to use the same opportunities to increase the bank partnership with said countries in Asia to secure more funds to improve and assist organizations and institutions in revolutionized agriculture in Africa.

“Lastly, we urge you to create a sustainable platform where all African youths who have a genuine interest in agriculture entrepreneurship and industrialization will have access to the global development fund with adequate monitoring mechanisms. We congratulate you and be rest assured of our support as we are convinced that your leadership will set another limestone achievement on your second five years in office.”