Frank hits Buhari, says speech worse than Corona Virus

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, described President Muhammadu Buhari’s pre-recorded broadcast to the nation on Sunday evening as a monumental embarrassment to Nigerians.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, said that Nigerians were disappointed in Buhari’s speech because it fell shamefully short of a “presidential crisis broadcast” compared to what world leaders are offering to their citizens at this time.

He said that Nigerians would have forgiven the President if he had stuck to his decision not to speak to Nigerians on efforts being done to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, instead of being “wide in generalities and short on specifics.”

Frank said: “The broadcast was worse than COVID-19 because it failed to outline a specific roadmap on how Nigeria can win this invisible war.

“Any measure from the Federal Government that does not advance Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 will ultimately hurt Nigerians.

“The President has not only lost precious response time, he is yet losing time while the rate of infection is steadily growing in the country.

“Nigerians were highly disappointed that instead of a live broadcast – with the media given the opportunity to seek clarifications for the benefit of Nigerians – the President opted for a pre-recorded and stilted message.

“He only played back to Nigerians what most experts have recommended and which many state governments have already started implementing.

“While Ghana with about 28 million population is attacking the pandemic with $100 million, Nigeria with over 200 million people is approaching the virus with a paltry N15 billion which translates to roughly $40 million going by the prevailing exchange rate. Are we being serious and responsive here?”

He commended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for appealing to Chief Executives of commercial banks to support the Federal Government’s fight against the pandemic.

He however called on individuals and corporate bodies that have pledged financial assistance to contain the virus in the country not to handover such funds to the administration if they don’t want their hard earned resources looted.

“They should rather partner with individual state governments to ensure that the funds are prudently spent like the example that GTBank has done in partnership with the Lagos State Government by erecting a 100-bed hospital for the isolation and treatment of confirmed cases,” he said.

According to the Bayelsa-born political activist, “Buhari only told Nigerians what they already knew – things many state governments have already implemented. Yet, all palliatives promised by the President will be delivered in ‘coming weeks.’

“The President failed to tell Nigerians about the testing capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that is leading the charge against this deadly virus in the country.

“How many people can the NCDC test per day and what medical exigences are needed to successful treat confirmed cases and ensure that they resume their normal lives?

“How many people are going to benefit from
the conditional cash transfer. How many IDPs will benefit from the two months food rations being planned by Buhari in ‘the coming weeks?’

“Nigerians are aware that the school feeding programme of the Federal Government has performed wonderfully in theory. How does the President want to feed children that are not in school?

“Buhari restricted movement in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT for two weeks, however, he failed to say when most civil servants especially in the FCT that have not been paid will receive their salaries.

“How are these categories of workers expected to cope with the lockdown without a Kobo in their pockets?

“All over the world, no government has restricted media coverage of the ongoing pandemic, but Buhari said those in Abuja and Lagos can only move if they can prove they cannot work from home!

“Do media houses operate newsrooms or broadcast stations from the homes of their respective employees?

“I think Nigerians deserve something better from their President in the the face of this global scourge.”

He saluted Nigerians for their resilience in this trying moment and prayed for quick recovery for those undergoing treatment as a result of the virus.

He also urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the pandemic to cease in the country.

APC governors celebrate Tinubu at 68, describe him as unifying, rallying point

Serving governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have described the former Lagos state governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu as their rallying point and the unifying factor.

The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) also acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the forum through what is described as his “insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing governance in Nigeria as well as within our great Party, the APC.”

In a statement signed by their chairman and governor of Kebbi state, Abubakar Bagudu, Sunday in Abuja, to celebrate Tinubu’s 68th birthday, the APC governors commended the party’s national leader’s commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) joins all Nigerians, to celebrate the birthday of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress on his 68th birthday. We celebrate this special occasion with Your Excellency and your entire family.

“We in particular wish to acknowledge and commend your leadership and commitment to a united prosperous Nigeria. We acknowledge your contributions to our team of Progressive Governors through your insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing governance in Nigeria as well as within our great Party, the APC.

“As our national leader, you certainly represent our unifying and rallying point for all.”

While rejoicing with Tinubu, the forum also advised Nigerians to stay at home “and stay safe until we continue to work together towards overcoming the current COVID-19 global pandemic.”

COVID – 19 Donations: Frank commends patriotic Nigerians, corporate bodies, warns against embezzlement

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned all federal government agencies and committees responsible for the management of funds being donated to fight the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not to embezzle the money.

Frank in a statement on Sunday in Abuja also said it is time for the federal government to give palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the economic effect of its stay-at-home-order now effective across the country.

He wondered why Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will not reach out to vulnerable Nigerians through the distribution of Trader Money at this critical crisis moment in the country.

He commended patriotic Nigerians and corporate bodies that have contributed to the fund to fight the COVID-19.

He, however insisted that Nigerians are watching the federal government to see if the funds will be used for the purpose for which they were meant.

The political activist lamented that the federal government has again shown that it lacks workable ideas when it comes to issues concerning the welfare of the masses.

“How can the federal government release just N15 billion (about 40 million USD) to fight COVID-19 in a country of over 200 million people?

“Instead of the Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to key into the laudable idea of giving N10,000 to each Nigerian to cushion the effects of this Coronavirus pandemic as suggested by a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and equally strategize on how to make it work, they are instead blaming COVID-19 for the drop in oil price at the international market.

“What about the Excess Crude Account? Is the Buhari’s regime saying that Nigeria is broke?

“Is N15 billion the best Buhari and his regime can do? Where is the so called recovered loot that this government claimed or has it been re-looted?

“We hope the COVID-19 funds will get to Nigerians that are in need of it. Let it not disappear like the funds that were donated for the flood victims a few years back.

“If this incompetent government had heeded Atiku’s advice to stop flights from Coronavirus infested countries even before the very first case happened in Nigeria, Nigeria would not be where we are today.

“They have again shown that they lack understanding in matters concerning the welfare and protection of the Nigerian masses.”

He added that it is high time for Osinbajo to once again distribute the Trader Money to Nigerians who need it most at this time.

The Bayelsa-born political activist said: “America, with a population over of 300 million, is giving $1,200 to each citizen to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“France has put on hold the payment of light and water bills and have pledged to support companies financially.

“Canada is giving each citizen 2,000 Canadian dollars and putting mortgages on hold.

“When will Buhari tell Nigerians how he intends to ease the COVID-19 pains on Nigerians?

“Buhari didn’t hesitate to release bailout funds to states so it can be looted by his party people, now that Nigeria needs bailout, they are claiming there is no money.

“I believe it is not above the power of the Federal Government to set aside $10 billion to help ease the current financial pressure on Nigerians.

“It is a shame that Buhari could only approve N15 billion (about $40 million) whereas American voted $2 trillion dollars, France 300 billion Euros and Germany 600 billion Euros to cushion the effect of the pandemic on their citizens.”

He urged General Buhari to as a matter of urgency direct the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to put the payment of light bills on hold since the government has directed Nigerians to stay at home.

He also urged Buhari to appeal to all landlords to desist from pressuring tenants to pay house rents as being done in other countries.

He added: “Nigerians are demanding that the committee that is set up to oversee the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria should be transparent in using the funds donated by patriotic Nigerians and corporate bodies.

“No embezzlement of any kind will be tolerated.

“When it comes to the masses, there is no money but when it comes to the executive and the 9th National Assembly, they borrow money and pad the budget to buy imported vehicles even though they have banned importation of luxury goods into the country. What an irony!

“During the last presidential election, this regime got N90 billion from one of its agencies to fund its campaign.

“We expect this same agency to bring this same amount as this is the time for Nigerians can benefit from their taxes.

“We know the penchant of this regime in looting public funds but we caution the lead Committee to not fall into this trap as posterity will judge them.

“Nigerians demand a breakdown and daily update of how this money is being spent.

“We pray that God would deliver Nigerians from this pandemic because any Nigerian that is hoping that Buhari and his incompetent government will bail him is dreaming.

“Buhari has not deemed it fit to address the nation and assuage the fears and concerns of its citizens up till this moment. What a shame!”

Covid-19: PGF boss urges Nigerians to support govt initiatives

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Salihu Lukman, has asked Nigerians at all levels to support some of the initiatives put in place by the federal and the State governments,  warning that ignoring such support could endanger lives indiscriminately.
A statement Lukman signed Friday in Abuja, said the earlier Nigerians appreciate that it is either they support government to win the Covid-19 battle now or they simply just create a situation where government initiative remain weak and to the extent of such weakness, “we all become endangered indiscriminately.”
According to the PGF boss, Covid-19 require that all Nigerians come back to their senses by coming up with voluntary initiatives. 

“We don’t have the luxury we think we have to just sit down and condemn our governments. 
“Governments, civil society and union leaders and members will be as vulnerable as any ordinary citizen. The time to act is now. We don’t have the luxury of imagining that this is a problem for government. It is a problem for everyone!

“So far, the corporate community and wealthy Nigerians are impressively rising to this challenge. We hear of UBA contributing N5 billion, NNPC $30 million (more than N11 billion), Alh. Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group N1 billion, Alh. Aliko Dangote N200 million, Alh. Atiku Abubakar N50 million, to mention just few. In addition, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has just set up a Covid-19 Committee to mobilise funds and members of the Committee are asked to contribute N1 billion each. How all these donations are directed and coordinated to tackle Covid-19 in the country is not that of government and our political leaders alone.”

Lukman said for Covid-19 to be won, it will require combinations governments’ and citizens’ initiatives where civil society leaders with all the claimed selfless services and international networks around issues of health and welfare services.

“This is the time to showcase those competencies and networks by joining all the taskforces setup by the federal and state governments to mobilise complimentary initiatives.
 “Those complimentary initiatives are needed to strengthen capacity of governments to regulate provisions in our hospitals to meet WHO standards starting with procuring the right equipment to the provision of spaces for treating patients who have tested positive. Take the case of contact tracing, which the Minister of Health announced that efforts are still being made to trace more than 4,000 contacts. Imagine our leaders of non-governmetal organisations supporting government in the effort for contact tracing. Certainly, there could more success and speed in tracing the contacts and therefore minimising the spread of the virus in the country. This is what will be required to strengthen national capacity to control spread of the virus and cure positive cases.
 “Perhaps, this is already taking place, but in the same spirit of accountability during elections when we have civil society organisations setting up situation rooms and issuing out daily or periodic reports around initiatives to guarantee free and fair elections, is it not possible to also have civil society Covid-19 situation rooms located across the country and releasing reports about initiatives and progress towards supporting our governments in this direction? This way, it will not just be the voices of government officials on what is being done to combat Covid-19 in Nigeria but also that of citizens. This is one area where the leadership of National Orientation Agency (NOA) should demonstrate some competence and capabilities to mobilise Nigeria’s non-state actors to commit themselves to the national effort to combat Covid-19.
 “The other issue is the question of enforcing social distancing and lockdown. With a very active labour movement that is very good and efficient in organising strikes, most times against very hostile security operatives, one would have thought this is one area that our NLC, TUC and all union and civil society leaders could volunteer their support. This is hardly the case. Our union leaders should join government to work out strategies to enforce social distancing and lockdowns. This should be even in the strategic interest of workers because during and after the Covid-19 battle, there will be the issue of how employers including governments are able to mobilise financial resources to pay salaries. Workers and their union leadership need to make some strategic social and moral investments ahead of the post Covid-19 labour relations challenges already brewing.
 “It is quite disturbing that our public conversation around Covid-19 tend to miss out on a number of these issues. Otherwise, why should our university lecturers be on strike at this critical moment. Even some sections of medical doctors were on strike in parts of the country until Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) directed them to call off the strike some few days ago. If university lecturers are on strike at this time, including lecturers in faculties of medicine and possibly university teaching hospitals, it simply means our universities and teaching hospitals are not part of efforts by governments’ initiatives to fight Covid-19. This is quite scandalous and to say the least disturbing.
 “We may also decide to ignore the fact that ASUU is an affiliate of NLC and at least two other affiliates of NLC operate in the health sector. These are Medical and Health Workers and Nurses and Midwives. In fact, the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba is a Medical worker. How is NLC and its leadership, given their vantage influences in the nation’s health sector applying themselves to engage Nigerian government to ensure strong capacity to win the Covid-19 battle? It may be too early to say whether it is a question of volunteering initiatives or that of evaluating government’s initiative.”  The PGF boss suggested that allowing hospitals to conduct Coronavirus tests could be helpful to the extent that they are able to procure the right equipment. 

“Beyond procuring the right equipment, there are conditions, which the hospitals should meet to be able to carryout the test. This will include having all the spaces and facilities required to treat positive cases. How do we ensure all these are mobilised within a very short time, in fact in matters of hours given the urgency Covid-19 challenges require? This will be a function of how citizens and government are able to work together.”

COVID-19: Protect journalists, pay hazard allowance, NUJ urges media owners

Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has called on media owners to protect journalists and pay hazard allowance to enable them carry on their duties very well.

In a press statement Thursday in Abuja, the Chairman of Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche frowned at the poor response of some media owners regarding the safety of journalists in their establishments.

Ogbeche, who expressed worry over the non-provision of protective materials at media work places, tasked media owners as a matter of urgency to make available safety kits such as masks, hand gloves, temperature guns and sanitizers.

“Protective materials need to be in place at all media houses as well as field kits for journalists and other media workers. From reports from our members, some media organization are lacking in these safety essentials and we will not permit such risky situation to persist.”

While commending journalists for being steadfast in their duties despite the Covid-19 pandemic, he urged them to also take personal responsibility for their safety.

The NUJ FCT Chairman called on all stakeholders and good spirited individuals to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility by donating safety kits to the union and other groups.
He urged Nigerians to intensify effort in observing social distancing, personal hygiene and laid down procedure.

COVID-19: NUJ knocks FG, FCTA over communication strategy

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT council on Wednesday criticised the federal government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for failing to include the media in their strategic communication plan over the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the union faulted the composition of the Presidential Taskforce on the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the FCT Administration’s committee as lacking in media representation.

“The various committees, those of the federal government and the FCT Administration, are lacking in strategic media representation. How can you have such sensitive committees without the input of media stakeholders especially the NUJ? From what we have seen, the messaging process is poor, inarticulate and not far reaching and this is rather unfortunate,” the statement reads.

“At a time such as this, what is required are broad based committees that bring stakeholders and those with the requisite professional background and not a wholly bureaucratic or partisan membership.

“But for the media on their own, there would have been no information. We are yet to hear a single jingle on the radio in any of the local languages. You can imagine that in Abuja which is beginning to see a surge in the number of those testing positive, not even a single jingle in say Gbagyi or Hausa because the media is not involved in the committees,” Ogbeche noted.

COVID-19: Provide Palliatives to Cushion Effects of Lockdown, NYCN Tells FG

As Nigerians are urged to stay at home to curtail the spread of corona virus also known as COVID-19, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Federal Government to distribute health essentials, food item and money to citizens to curtail the hardship that will come as a result of the policy.

The NYCN in a statement signed by its President, Solomon Adodo and made available to journalist on Thursday explained that as effective as the stay at home policy is in curtailing the spread of the virus, there would be suffering and even deaths that may come as a result of hunger.

The youth body also chided the government for failing to carry along critical stakeholders along in decision making maintaining that awareness on the preventive measured were lopsided.

“Covid-19 pandemic is right here in Nigeria! The cases are already rising at an alarming geometric progression. Lagos and Kaduna States are on lockdown. The Federal Capital Territory and other States would soon follow if we must avoid the path to Italy. The situation is very dire.

“Unfortunately, there is no ordinary Nigerian who can explain for certainty what the plans of Federal Government is to totally contain and defeat the virus. Many critical stakeholders have not been involved, especially in the area of accurate information dissemination and mass advocacy. Only the traditional media platforms which many Nigerians have no access to are being utilized. The youth, students, market women, transport workers etc are completely left out. This is unacceptable. What happens to the illiterate and rural dwellers?

“Right now, even the National Committee on Covid-19 is not addressing the public. In a situation of life-and-death like this, it is tragic. The position of the National Youth Council of Nigeria is that the Federal Government is making some efforts. But there is more it can do if it activates the necessary platforms and garner divergent views, most of which may not be purely medical. The task of saving this country is not for a narrow bureaucratic government committee.

“At the moment, our greatest concern is the fate of poor families (those who survive on daily earnings) and the IDPs in the face of a total lockdown. What happens to them? Are they not condemned to another kind of death called “Corona Hunger” or “Covid-Starvation?”

“We are not strongly assured by the efforts of the Ministry of Health and they need to do much more. What is the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Special Duties and Ministry of Federal Capital Territory doing? There sure needs to be a thorough integrated synergistic approach to allay the fears of Nigerians.

“These are questions that must be answered fast. At this rate the country obviously requires a lockdown to address this pandemic. But the poor is grossly endangered. The Buhari Government is a pro-poor government. It will be tragic if the poor survive Covid-19 and die of hunger and socioeconomic tensions associated with it. This will happen if their special issues are not addressed”.

The NYCN therefore appealed to the Federal Government to come up with a more wholistic plan and approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic adding that it must be done with dispatch.

The youth body further demanded that the medical supplies provided by Mr. Jack Ma to combat COVID-19 in Nigeria should be immediately deployed to use in a very transparent and accountable manner.

Covid-19 a leveler, survival challenge for all, PGF boss says

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Salihu Lukman, has described the dreaded Coronavirus as a leveler and a survival challenge for both Nigerian leaders and the followers.

Lukman believed the challenge has also presented an opportunity for both the leaders and followers choose the values that should drive people’s national life.

In a lengthy article the director general signed Wednesday in Abuja, said the earlier all Nigerians come to terms with the fact that the Covid-19 is a leveler, the better for all.

Lukman said: “The issue is whether as Nigerians we want to unlock all the possible opportunities that the Covid-19 pandemic present or we want to remain stuck to the negative mindsets, which reduces us to behave with little considerations to what qualify us as human beings.

It is all about choosing the values that should drive our national life. It is a challenge for both leaders as well as citizens. It is the survival challenge, which Covid-19 present. Today, it is Covid-19, who knows what will be next. The task of responding to such challenge requires collective responses from both leaders and citizens. Covid-19 being the leveler it is, test our humanity across both leaders and citizens. The earlier we come to terms with this fact, the better for all of us.”

The PGF boss said at the early stage of the manifestations of the threat of Covid-19 in Nigeria, the country needs to take urgent steps to recover her humanity if at all “we want to focus ourselves to ensure that our responses help in producing the needed changes that could protect lives of citizens, guarantee quality and accessible healthcare services, etc. All these can only be achieved through high public investment in our health sector, which will also be partly dependent on similar high public investment in the education sector that will be required to produce the medical personnel.

“With the enormity of the threat Covid-19 has posed to humanity across the world, instinctively, all attention is about what to do to save humanity, at least in virtually every country. Non-governmental initiatives are springing up across the world to support governmental initiatives. Organised Private Sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, trade unions and all other voluntary associations are mobilising resources to support governments to tackle the threat of Covid-19 in virtually every country. Sadly, this cannot be said to be the case in Nigeria.

“Somewhat because effectiveness of responses will be determined by the quality of services provided by the health sector, initiatives around healthcare service delivery should be the focus of attention. Given the terrible state of our hospitals in Nigeria such that almost every citizen believes that to find cure for any sickness, major or minor, Nigerians have to go outside the country. Irrespective of our earnings or social status, it is a common belief across all divides in the country. As a result, everybody’s instinct, once faced with medical challenge is to mobilise financial resources, which many have to achieve through donations by family members and well-wishers. With Covid-19 dangers facing all countries equally, most of the countries that used to be destinations for Nigerians in search of medical services have shut down.

“Therefore, part of what could be the challenge facing us as Nigerians may be the issue of initiating processes of developing our health sector such that it is able to mobilise our leaders and citizens to work in harmony. Unfortunately, because the reality of our national life has made citizens to distrust all our leaders at all levels, public conversations around these issues are cynical and full of anger. In the circumstance, all that appear to dominate all our news platforms are negative commentaries and in some respect doomsday analysis and projections.

“With such reality, we may just be setting ourselves, as a nation, for a disaster. So long as our terms of engagement with our leaders is informed by a negative mindset, the outcome would most likely only be negative. It was Ant Middleton, in his 2018 Bestseller, First Man In: Leading from the Front, who argued that the principle that should underpins leaders is positivity, which according to him “is the secret principle of success”. Given how disappointed we are with our leaders, and against the background of Covid-19 world pandemic, how can we be positive? What does positivity even mean? Could it suggest being uncritical and supportive of everything our leaders do?

“Individuals would have different views about what being positive should mean, which could be blinded by our deep-seated anger against our leaders. Unfortunately, our leaders have also developed a corresponding mindset that almost equate every critical opinion as hostile. As a result, we are witnessing expressions of joy when our leaders are infected by Covid-19 virus. And our leaders are also not open to public suggestions and recommendations. It is virtually a case of establishing a negative equilibrium, which negate all possible engagements between our leaders and citizens on how best to respond to the policy challenge that Covid-19 posed to the nation.”

Armed Forces Commission: What does Abaribe want again ?

By Idoko Ainoko

Every system and in all political dispensations, there are enough spoilers and destroyers. The professional sabs stop at nothing to rock the boat even where the circumstances resist. There are people who hate progress and invent all antics to ensure progress is interrupted. Their only joy is when they cause confusion.

Nigeria has a fair share of such people. And unfortunately, they are also found in the corridors of power and they use such positions to pursue personalized agenda at the detriment of the nation. Nigeria’s most urgent challenge now is the insecurity.

But it is glaring that there is no meaning approach or suggestions to assist the President and Heads of Security agencies overcome the challenge of insecurity. Most Nigerians are out to weaken the attempts by the President to surmount our security challenges.

And the National Assembly has many of such Nigerians who are opposed to President Buhari’s stringent actions on security. I can argue conveniently and boldly with Nigeria’s best of political Socrates that since 1999 the National Assembly (NASS) has been Nigeria’s greatest incumbrance on the country’s progressive match to peace and prosperity.

NASS has consistently affirmed itself as the static and haunting nightmare of the country’s match to a stable or vibrant democracy, good governance and progressive development. Every evil plan against Nigeria is hatched through NASS. which they usually back with pristine laws.

The negative shadows of NASS are too overflowing and have overshadowed any modicum of respect or honour it has ever earned on credibility as an important institution of government in a democracy. I am not hesitant to say, NASS has marketed itself as an institution which also deserves an independent body to monitor it’s sinister and destructive activities in the nation.

The National Assembly is currently deliberating on a law Christened “Nigerian Armed Forces Commission Bill 2019.” The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia state. The law seeks to dissolve all the powers constitutionally vested in the President in hiring and firing his Service Chiefs. The powers which presently resides with the President is transferred to the Commission whose composition comprise politicians and National Assembly members.

It is difficult to understand the direction or intention of the proposed Bill. It is hogwash in every sense. It is the most senseless Bill ever contemplated in Nigeria or known to any country in the world. Outside its obvious aberration, I see it as a duplication hence existing laws already empowers the Senate to confirm Service Chiefs nominated by the President. So, what does the Senators want to do to Nigeria with that Bill?

What the Sen. Ahmed Lawan-led Senate is attempting to do by the Armed Forces Commission is to politicize and weaken the management of national security. It is a masked attempt to polarized the Nigerian military and make it susceptible to the mercy of politicians to recklessly manipulate. This is how we consciously embark on actions that are capable of destroying our country. The Senators themselves know that such a Bill is irrational and destructive to the security architecture of the nation.

But a lot of Nigerians are comfortably silent, because the darts are directed at a President they hate. But they have forgotten that President Muhammadu Buhari will not remain Nigeria’s President forever. Every Nigerian knows the Armed Forces Commission Bill will spell doom for the country if allowed to scale through the legislature.

The contents of the Bill overtly endanger the future of Nigeria because it is a sure way of polarizing the Nigerian Armed forces which will begin to function by the dictates of political parties and politicians. This is not permissible anywhere. We cannot leave sensitive decisions on national security in the hands of multitudes as the Senate is contemplating.

I am convinced that this is not justifiable. It surprises me that members of the Senate are hypnotized and hoodwinked by Sen. Abaribe into believing such a destructive and worthless Bill is worth their attention and energy to the point of debating. It is not possible for one nation to have two Commanders-In-Chief. The Bill seeks to create two Commanders-In-Chief for Nigeria. Where else is this aberration obtained?

Abaribe is a diehard apostate and an unrepentant agent of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). He is the Senator who took the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu on bail when every one else declined. He failed to produce Kanu in court on the appointed day, which betrays his total allegiance to IPOB. It is clear to me that Sen. Abaribe is the veiled official force of IPOB in government and the Senate. And therefore, he is using his privileged position to nourish IPOB’s agenda as evidenced by his contemplation of this absolutely useless Bill.

And we all know that the main agenda and determination of IPOB is to lead a war against the country. It has not given up on this ambition. And its agents like Sen. Abaribe are working in diverse ways to create fertile and unchallengeable grounds for the IPOB war on Nigeria. No one is in doubt as to where they are deriving their inspiration.

And the nonsensical Armed Forces Bill sponsored by Abaribe is cleverly crafted to weaken the power of the Nigerian Military in the event IPOB declares war on the country. It is honed to sow the seed of disloyalty to Mr. President among the Armed Forces when IPOB steps out again against Nigeria.

So, we are not going to allow Sen. Lawan and his cahoots to rubbish the Nigerian Armed Forces. If Sen. Lawan is blind to Abaribe’s prosecution of IPOB’s agenda, Nigerians are not blind to it. The Bill is a façade by Sen. Abaribe to feather the nest of IPOB. It is Sen. Abaribe’s drive for IPOB’s agenda to destabilize Nigeria. But we don’t think, it is correct for him to use the Senate as platform in promoting and emboldening the ferocious and criminal activities of IPOB.

Ainoko is a public affairs commentator based in Kaduna.

Growing Confidence in War Against Insurgency

By Sunday Attah
 
 
There is no such thing as crisis of confidence in the current war against insurgency in Nigeria. If there is, it wouldn’t have been confined to the hush tones of conspirators but would have been evident in reports of the operations of troops.
When Nigerian troops suffered defeat in the hands of insurgents in the previous administration and retreated to other countries for tactical maneuver, the whole world knew that there was a problem on ground that even the military command could not hide.
The contrary is the case with reports coming from the theatres of war and other locations where Nigerian troops have battled the insurgents in recent time.
Unlike in the past where military camps and fortresses were being attacked and subdued at will and communities decimated in the twinkle of an eye, the narrative has changed to reports where troops have constantly repelled insurgents based on intelligence reports, destroyed their bases and sending them fleeing in all directions by taking the war to their bases.
This was the case in Biu, Michika, Maiduguri and other places where the insurgents had attempted to launch attacks.
The effectiveness of military operations at the moment is such that there is no room for the slightest form of compromise to be accommodated, not to talk of engendering a crisis of confidence. Such thoughts exist only in the imagination of naysayers.
People have forgotten so soon that Nigerian troops have recorded tremendous success in the fight against insurgency compared to what was obtainable in the past.
This they have done by changing tactics and strategies and taking the fight to the theatre of war, deployment of intelligence in the face of challenges and by boosting the morale of troops.
The Nigerian Army as well as the Chief of Army Staff, have received awards and recognition from governments and reputable organizations the world over.
The gallantry of the Nigerian troops is to such an extent that neghouring countries which were relied upon to lead in the fight against insurgency after having withdrawn the bulk of their troops from Nigerian soil have been awed by the renewed efficiency, professionalism and determination of the Nigerian troops which has seen them succeeding in the fight unlike in the past where they have to rely on such countries.
Time there was when Nigeria invested heavily on the participation of other countries as a stimulus for fighting the insurgents. But with the success being recorded now, Nigeria has taken back its leadership position in the fight and has paved the way for the success of the much onslaught against troops.
The Chief of Army Staff explained recently that the narrative changed because changes were introduced in tactics deployed by Nigerian troops from a wholly defensive posture to one where the army defend in numbers and conduct offensive operations in smaller packets but simultaneously in different fronts.
People have also forgotten so soon how the terrorists had seized parts of Nigerian territories and proclaim with glee that they are severing it from other parts while hoisting their flags to drive him the point.
It was such a low period for Nigeria that in Borno State alone, 14 local government came under the authority of the insurgents with the sacking of every form of authority of the Nigerian government, such things no longer exists as all the captured local governments and territories have been liberated and there is now an effective local government administration in those places.
Many would recall that Sambisa Forest used to be the most dreaded place in Nigeria where even troops dare not tread.
Insurgents had captured the military training facility as well as the armory and were deploying it to their use as they wished. The area was a no go area for troops then even when it was suspected to be where they kept the terrorists kept their abductees.
The effrontery of the insurgents then was such that they even penetrated military bases like Monguno and Gwoza and seized the training facilities as well as armoury and sent troops and other trainees fleeing for dear lives.
But the Nigeria army under Burati has confined such experiences to the dustbin of history by retrieving such captured military bases and the dreaded Samnbisa Forest from the hold of the insurgents and established a base at Camp Zero.
More than that, the hitherto usual invasion of military facilities by the insurgents have been stopped as the remnants of the terrorists have been so pummeled that they have been reduced to launching attacks on only soft targets.  
This has led to an improvement on internal security as many roads that were declared impassable due to the activities of insurgents on such routes have been liberated by Nigerian troops such that many can now travel freely to their destinations without fear of being killed or attacked.
The barricading of major roads by organizations and in worship centers in state capitals has also reduced as people no longer fear conducting business within their premises.  
From complaints about lack of sufficient and modern weapons the amry has been able to equip personnel with modern fighting equipments as well as encouraged and supported all NA officers and soldiers who have innovative ideas and competencies that it is now partnering with several companies in Nigeria including Innoson Motors, Proforce Limited and Nigeria Machine Tools, among others, towards the production of light and heavy armoured vehicles, critical equipment as well as protective clothing for NA troops which has led to the development of the TYB Rover, Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) and the Bionbion Helicopter, among several other equipment.
Many also forget there was time when the activities of insurgents had begun to penetrate the hinterlands leaving the fringes of Bor and Yobe and extending to Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna and even to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
 
Those that peddle the idea of a crisis of confidence rely heavily on the restraint deployed when measures that extend beyond Nigeria are involved.
But this is misleading because they do not seem to realize that there are various dimensions to the insurgency which Nigeria has no power over. The interests of nations come into play when certain measures are taken which impact extends beyond a particular border. In such an instance, nations have to observe restraint in order not to be seen as infringing on the territorial integrity of others.
Issues concerning prisoner swap especially when  it has to do with international terrorists organisations like ISWAP cannot be determined by the interest of one country alone due to the effect it is bound to have on the global war against insurgency.
 
Nations have to fight to defeat both internal enemies and those coming from outside and the Nigeria army have done great so far showing that it has learnt from history.
In Romans 13 the bible enjoins all to respect constituted authority. It says,  “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.”
It is also recorded that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first divine revelations for the purpose of legal warfare to repel aggression and protect human rights in Mecca where he peacefully preached the message of Islam to the Meccans for thirteen years until an intolerable level of persecution forced him and his followers to flee to the nearby town of Yathrib (later known as Medina and despite emigrating outside of Mecca, the Meccans headed by the Quraish aristocracy vowed to exterminate the newly formed religious community.
In all aspects therefore the Nigerian army has giving a good account of itself while defending the people and the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
There is therefore no such thing as crisis of confidence as far the war against insurgency in Nigeria is concerned.
 
 
 Evangelist Attah is a public affairs commentator based in Abuja.