Buhari made the right choice appointing Prof. Gambari as Chief of Staff – Igbo group

The South East Emancipation Movement (SEEM) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambiri as his new Chief of Staff.

Gambari, a renowned diplomat and academia, replaces Abba Kyari who passed away in April.

The appointment of the Kwara native has been widely accepted by Nigerians with the South East Emancipation Movement the latest to show solidarity.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Nnaemeka Chukwuebuka, on Friday, SEEM expressed gratitude to the president for settling for someone with a clean slate and unblemished integrity like himself.

Given the current global situation, the group revealed that this is coming at the right time when the administration can’t afford to gamble on key decisions and policies.

With Nigeria’s economy on an upward swing since 2015, SEEM believes Gambari’s exposure and wealth of experience would be crucial in sustaining the tempo.

Having previously worked with the president, the Igbo group reckoned that the professor would most certainly hit the ground running as he is already familiar with the terrain.

While calling on all Nigerians to continue to support President Buhari, SEEM, however, wished Gambari all the best as he coordinates the activities for and on behalf of his boss.

Read full statement below:

The South East Emancipation Movement (SEEM), hereby congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari on his appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, as Chief of Staff to the President.

The appointment is well deserved, well thought out, done in the best interest of the nation, apt and could not have come at a better time.

Though the Chief of Staff is expected to work directly for the President by assisting him to attain the goal of his administration, the excitement that greeted the choice of Prof. Gambari suggests the impact Nigerians are expecting it will have on the overall interest of the nation.

SEEM as well other well meaning Nigerians were initially concerned that given the fervour and zeal with which the immediate past chief of staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari served the president in that capacity, that it would be difficult for Mr. President to find an able replacement.

We became more worried when we saw the names being bandied about in the press as those being considered for the position; but Mr. President in his usual calm and calculating manner took his time to search for the right person and we were pleasantly surprised when he unveiled Prof. Gambari as his choice.

We make bold to say that there is no better example of a round peg in round hole than this appointment which had placed a man with vast knowledge and experience to support Mr. President.

It is to the credit of the President that he had all these while kept the choice of Gambari close to his chest such that when the decision was announced, the applause was overwhelming, as those that raised some concerns did so purely on the basis of primordial sentiment.

Since the Chief of Staff is going to be working closely with the President, the position is one that requires absolute trust and integrity and lots of personal sacrifice to function.

Prof. Gambari is a living testimony of what service and integrity should be all about and one whom the President can place his absolute trust on without losing sleep.

We note that the respected Professor is coming in at a time when the administration, given the current global situation, cannot afford to gamble on key decisions and policies.

The fact that the world at large is going through challenges owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant consequences, requires a Midas touch that could only have been acquired through years of study and experience which Prof. Gambari evinces.

The President and his team have since 2015, served the country well in terms of improving on the economy, taking care of the security challenges bedevilling the country and fighting corruption.

It will require someone with the right attitude and intellect to sustain the gains recorded as well improve on what is on ground.

Prof. Gambari who has held various responsible positions across the globe, we believe is eminently qualified to occupy the seat as his long years in the public service has been a record of unblemished and distinguished performance.

We note that the Professor is well a sought after material by world leaders due to his depth of knowledge and wealth of experience. He was for instance the first Special Adviser on Africa to the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and had served Ban Ki Moon in different capacities.

He is so far the only diplomat with the record of working for five Nigerian heads of state and presidents at the UN, hence we see it is apt for the Nigerian president to offer him the opportunity to once again serve his fatherland.

This group believes that a transparent, experienced and detribalized Nigerian in the person of Ibrahim Gambari as Chief of Staff will cement the relationship between various interests groups in Nigeria and coordinate activities for Mr. President.

Having worked with President Buhari as the minister for external affairs between 1984 and 1985, the professor needs no induction nor training in the ideals of integrity, truth and justice that the president is known for.

His resumption at the villa would be seamless as he is already on familiar terrain having worked closely with the president and due to the fact that he is somebody who espouses and shares the lofty ideals of incorruptibility and integrity that have earned the president respect in Nigeria and the world.

We are confident that Prof. Gambari will make Mr. President and the rest of the country proud in discharging his duties as Chief of Staff as he is not known to have failed in the past.

Nigerians from all walks of life and across political parties, have trooped out to congratulate the Professor as well as express confidence that he has what it takes to make the difference.

We at SEEM are equally confident that Prof. Gambari will do a good job of coordinating work at the presidency and advising the president on administrative and policy issues.

We draw our confidence from his background as a detribalized Nigerian, nationalist and visionary leader who understands the Nigerian terrain very well and who has the right charisma to deliver on the job.

We are ready to support him and cooperate with him in any way we can for him to support the president to achieve his mandate for the nation.

We call on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari, his new Chief of staff and indeed all the people working with Mr. President to move Nigeria forward.

We wish Prof. Gambari all the best as we believe that he will carry all along in coordinating activities for and on behalf of Mr. President at all times.

My Encounter with the Humility and Wisdom of Gen Buratai

By AE Ameh

In the military, we are faced with several challenges. We are always on the go in the quest to keep the country safe and secured. I recall ten months ago when I was posted to Borno State from my previous posting in Taraba state; it was a case of mixed feelings for me as I didn’t know what to expect.

Make no mistakes; I was not in anyway frightened. As an army officer, I had signed for it, and the issue of fear was far from it. I dare to say my initial reservations were how I was going to work with my commanders in the theatre of operations as we have been fed with tales on how some commanders can be overbearing. In some instances, their sense of judgment does much harm than good.

You reading might be wondering why I am writing the article. Yes, it is primarily to narrate a chance encounter I had with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai in the theatre of operations in Borno State.

The encounter was a chanced one which I would forever cherish as long as I remain an officer of the Nigerian Army. As I write this piece, we just returned from an operation in Dikwa where scores of Boko Haram members were killed and some arrested. Interestingly, the Chief of Army Staff was with us in action. It was like a joke, as we didn’t know he was with us.

The Chief of Army Staff was inside our advancing tank that first engaged the Boko Haram group before we moved in to provide support during the operations. That encounter was such an eye-opener for me as it afforded me the rare opportunity of meeting the Chief of Army Staff on a one on one basis. The celebration that followed reminded us of our days in the Nigerian Defense Academy. The Chief was with us all through the night as we compared notes on the success of the operations as well as our lapses.

Two things struck me about the Chief of Army Staff. He is an exceptionally humble man. The way and manner he related with us sent shivers down our spines. It was such a difficult thing to see the number one man in the Nigerian Army shake hands with lance corporals, exchanging seats with sergeants, eating from the same plate a recruit would eat from and many other surprising acts.

I dare to say that in my ten years as a commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, I have never seen a Chief that is so humble and down to earth. A Chief that looks at you and enquires about your family. I recall the case of a corporal who had some family issues that was bothering him.

At our usual camp night, the Chief of Army Staff noticed an unusual mien from the soldier. He beckoned on him and asked a few questions. The soldier narrated his challenge and how he has not seen his family for three years. Everyone was shocked that a soldier could have such courage to speak in the presence of the Chief.

We concluded that it was over for that soldier. Our commander attempted to take charge of the situation by barking on the soldier to disengage. All the while, the Chief was standing and wearing a smile, and there was pin-drop silence.

I recall that for about five minutes, there was palpable silence. The Chief then called on the solider to come forward. When he did, the Chief asked him to cock his rifle and face the south. The soldier complied, and the Chief asked him to fire shots until his magazine was empty.

After firing thirty shots, the Chief then asked him what his next actions would be. The soldier replied that he would refill his magazine. It was at that point that everything changed as the Chief took us on a lengthy lecture on “The Army Values”. He harped on selfless service, honour, integrity and personal courage.

I must confess that we were held spell-bound by the way and manner the Chief spoke. At the end of the lecture, he asked the soldier to make his wish known. And immediately he granted the desire of the solider. The take away for me from that encounter was that the Chief of Army Staff listens. As a matter of fact, he has all the time to listen to you regardless of your rank. He always wants to hear us speak about our challenges.

The Chief of Army Staff is also a workaholic and one that does not sleep. Another crucial fact, the recent successes recorded in the theatre of operations are as a result of the inputs of the Chief of Army Staff, who has been with us for a while. He works extraordinarily hard from coordinating operations from the various sector commands; he is also involved in planning and reconnaissance operations.

The Chief is everywhere you can think of in the theatre of operations mixing and exchanging ideas with soldiers and officers alike. I also noticed that he does discontinuance any idea no matter how irrelevant such an idea is. His display of leadership is mainly responsible for the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army today.

I stand to be corrected; the Nigerian Army has never had it so good. He is the soldiers’ soldier and one that would take the lead in everything and expects everyone to follow. He is also one that takes responsibility for a wrong decision made. As incredible as this might sound, we witnessed one of such instances, and everyone was shocked with the way the Chief handled the situation.

I recall that this act by the Chief created some murmurings from the troops against some commanders that never made amends for some of their tactical errors; instead, they would shift the blame and continue as nothing happened even in instances where some of our soldiers lose their lives.

To cap it up, the Chief is a delight any day and anytime. His grasps of issues are legendary and speaks volume of a highly intelligent man. I also recall how he called off an operation because he felt the morale of the troops were not high enough.

He immediately ordered for a feast for those that were detailed to participate in that operation. It was such sweet relief for us because, in truth, most of us were exhausted mentally and physically. That is how sensitive the Chief is to the morale of the troops. The few weeks that he has been with us in the trenches has seen to an astronomical rise in the confidence of the troops.

As I write this piece, I can tell you that we are about going for an operation and the Chief is leading it. The atmosphere is calm, we are all relaxed and battle-ready, and for me to be able to pen this article tells a lot about my state of mind. I doff my heart for the Chief. He sure is a role model to young officers like us.

Ameh, an officer wrote this piece from Maiduguri, Borno State.

Revealed: How Shekau lied about ‘weeping audio’

More facts have emerged to prove that the audio recording in which the leader of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Imam Abubakar Shekau, was weeping and crying for mercy is not only recent but that the BH leader lied when he claimed it was done some “five years ago.’

Investigations has revealed that the attempt to discredit the audio was in order to preserve the image of the Boko Haram leader which has been battered in recent times by reports of the devastation on his group  by the Nigerian military and the indication he sent out that he is about to surrender.
A report revealed that when the audio was leaked, Shekau was devastated and needed to do something to sustain his public image.
“His men no longer see him as indestructible owing to what he has been through this year alone and the audio tape confirmed his desperation and timidity which needed to be redeemed hence the attempt to discredit the audio.”
Fact Check by our team further revealed that the audio was actually done this year as the year 2020 stands out as one of the worst for the terrorist groups.
Recall that in March this year, more than 1000 of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were killed across the Chadian border by troops led by the Chadian President, Idris Derby Itno forcing many of them to flee to Nigerian territories.
Not long after they fled, the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, moved to the Northeast in what is now looking like the final push to crush the terrorists and in no time, the group started suffering series of defeats started with the killing of more than 100 of their fighting men and 20 commanders.
Nigerian troops sustained the heat right through to the next month of April and by May, no less than 500 of the terrorist groups top commanders and fighting men were slain and their key informants arrested.
Large cache of their arms were also seized and destroyed and many of their bunkers were blown off.
It did not come as a surprise to many when an audio tape of the Boko Haram leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau weeping and crying for mercy and protection against Nigerian troops emerged due to the series of defeats he and his group have suffered within the last two months period.
Shekau, in the audio tape could be heard, asking “Allah” to protect him and his followers against the intensive fire power of Nigerian troops and lamenting what he called the “devilish act” of Nigerian military which e said has made the Holy month of Ramadan difficult for him and his followers to observe.
He could be heard in the 1:22 seconds audio, weeping that and saying that  “If it is the devilish act and wickedness [of the Nigerian military], may Allah protect us from their evil. Oh Allah, keep us firm on your religion. We are poor things who know nothing, oh our Lord, Allah.”
He continued, “We deserted Izala people to practice your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice your true religion.
“It is because of your religion that we placed a knife on your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon us during Ramadan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under the blessings of Ramadan.
“Oh Allah, give us victory over our enemies. Oh brothers, for Allah’s sake, obey Allah and help me with prayers. This does not mean I am angry.”
But shortly after the video went viral and Nigerians were celebrating that the end of Shekau and his followers had come, the Boko Haram leader tried to downplay the import of his ululation and cry for mercy saying the audio is not a recent one, but was made five years ago.
He said in the sequel audio that, “I made the statement during the Muslim month of Ramadan and between that Ramadan and this one is about five years.
“In that statement, I prayed to seek Allah’s support. Even today, I will not stop telling my creator about my lack of strength for him to give me strength.”
He added, “There is war of words, certainly. There is a war of arms, certainly. There is also a war of deceptions. Indeed, there are many ways to fight anyone, we all know this.” 
It is obvious that Shekau is quite disturbed about his image as a result of the leaked audio as he threatened those he says were responsible for releasing it to the public.
But the attempt by Shekau to defend what is remaining of his battered image has not been helped by his explanation that it is an old audio. It had rather emphasized the desperation of the Boko haram leader to remain relevant in the wake of the recent onslaught agains him and his group.
Fact Check by our team revealed that the claim by Shekau that the audio is as old as five years cannot be true as nobody in the last five year has come up to indicate ever hearing such a tape until now.
A security expert explained that if the audio was done five years ago as a message to Boko Haram members who were scattered across four countries and different territories, there was no way the message would not have been intercepted or sourced by military intelligence for five good years.
He said similar recordings of Shekau shouting orders to his men or trying to encourage them in battle that were done in the past had all been intercepted and verified.
The security expert said there is every reason to believe that Shekau was lying when he said the audio was done five years ago because of the current circumstances his group is passing through coupled with the fact that there was no compelling reason for him to have wept five years ago.
Further investigations by our correspondent revealed that the Shekau claim of five years cannot be true because the 2015 or 2014 which he was referring to are some of the years that the terrorists unleashed their worst acts of terror on Nigeria.  
It was in 2015 for instance that the Baga massacre which involved a series of mass killings was carried out by the group, in Baga and its environs, in Borno State between 3 January and 7 January 2015 in which over a thousand people in 16 different communities were either killed or remained unaccounted for.
It was in that carnage that  a military base that was the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force containing troops from Chad, Niger and Nigeria was overran and over 35,000 people are reported to have been displaced, with many feared to have drowned while trying to cross Lake Chad.
Shekau had after the carnage, claimed responsibility for the massacre in a video he sent out not long after and it was recorded that in the year 2015, the group was responsible for over 6,000 deaths in 270 separate attacks.
The year 2015 was even more devastating for innocent citizens as in the previous year 2014, the group was responsible for the death 3,425 dead in 220 attacks though it was in that year that the group gained international attention after its fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State and it was in August of that year that Boko Haram announced it had established a “caliphate” in Nigeria with headquarters in Gwoza.
The group however suffered defeat in April, 2015, when the general elections were postponed which allowed the then administration to intensify efforts and Gwoza, Boko Haram’s base was retaken by Nigerian troops.
But the heat was not sustained to the extent that the Boko Haram leader would be weeping.
When the current Chief of Army Staff was appointed in July of that year, the story began to change and though the group suffered series of  defeats after that ,many of them found safe havens in other neighboring countries like Chad and Shekau even bragged in many videos after that, that the group has not been sufficiently subdued.
The only evidence of a total defeat on the Boko from all sides only happened this year and this is why many believe that Shekau posted the second audio just to sustain his image a tough fighter which has since been eroded.
The audio tape has made many to believe earlier reports that the time is almost up for the terrorists and that the BH leader had actually indicated a willingness to surrender.
 

Welcome on board ship of change, Gambari, do these for Mr. President

By Ochonu Ochonu

New Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has hit the ground running right from when he reported at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa days ago.
He said from his very first interview with newsmen that his office would be solely for the service of his principal and to provide the President with the best advice to organize the presidency and make sure that the machinery runs smoothly with his priorities carried out efficiently and properly.
This shows that the Chief of Staff, who is coming with sound educational background and wealth of experience clearly knows and understands the role expected of him and is prepared to serve sincerely and objectively to the best of his abilities.
The background to the appointment of Prof. Gambari, though well known, bears restating due to its significance to appreciating the enormity of the task at hand.
He is succeeding a technocrat, Alhaji Abba Kyari, who until his death, was believed to have exerted a lot of influence on the President.
In 2019 immediately after the results of the presidential elections were announced and it was clear that President Buhari had won a second term in office, intense lobby began for the replacement of the then chief of staff, because of the benefits believed to be attached to that office.
But the president disappointed the lobbyists by reappointing Abba Kyari. His death while in office however gave opportunity for the hawks milling around the presidency to resume a fresh round of scheming. But outside the projection of book makers and presidency analysts, the president chose Gambari, who is not known to have indicated interest in the job for the position.
It was a master stroke because that pleasantly shocked many as analysts admitted that the Professor has the capacity to run the office effectively despite the enormity of the work required and the sensitivity of some of the issues on ground.
Gambari has held several responsible positions that makes his experience stand out. He was President of UNICEF and later became UN Under Secretary-General and the first Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. He was the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs, under Secretary-General’s Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-Moon and was chairperson of the African Union Commission.
He also has a rich background in the academia and has maintained a respectful profile both while serving in public office and in his private capacities.
Due to the perception of the office of the chief of staff, the expectations on Gambari are quite high.
The first task for Gmabri therefore would be to identify the job specification of the office which he has done, but more importantly, shake off the excesses imposed by people’s perception and give the President sound support drawing for his wealth of knowledge and experience.
The responsibility of the chief of staff to the president as obtainable in the US where Nigeria’s presidential system of government was copied from indicates that the job is both managerial and advisory.
It has been listed for instance that job entails the selection of key staff for the president and supervising them; structuring the staff system in the presidency, controlling the flow of people into the office of the president; managing the flow of information; protecting the interests of the president; negotiating with congress, other members of the executive branch, and extra-governmental political groups to implement the president’s agenda among other functions.
Having been picked among a million, the choice alone comes with its challenges ; the first being the fact that those who had lobbied for the position and who will want the rules bent in their favour would automatically assume a not so friendly position to the occupant of that office and it would do the new Chief of Staff to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff.
But that should be the least of Gambari’s problems for now. His focus,  like he said in his first interview, is should be how to serve the president to the best of his abilities. The erudite Professor has by the virtue of his appointment, become an insider in the administration and the key person that would be expected to drive, sell and project the Buhari philosophy. 
He may not have been around when key decisions that defined the administration were taken or when basic policies were formulated, but he must, as the one who protects the interests of the president and negotiates with others including the parliament on implementing the president’s agenda steep himself in the philosophy that shapes the administration.
For a start, one would suggest that Gambari takes a look at the mantra upon which the current administration based its administrative framework on, examine if these have been achieved and how well they be been applied; and if there be any need for improvement and the areas for improvement. 
The President Buhari APC led administration at inception, rolled out its agenda on the tripod of fighting corruption, improving on the economy and subduing security challenges facing the nation.
On the three, one can say without fear of contradiction, that the administration has done well as it has succeeded in reducing the level of corruption in public service, improved on the economy and made it very difficult for Boko Haram elements to find breathing space not to talk about operating as they used to in Nigeria.
On the aspect of corruption, three former governors and the national publicity secretary of a former ruling party are now in jail due to charges related to corruption while the administration also introduced the Treasury Single Account,(TSA) which abolished the multiple accounts of ministries and extra ministerial departments, making them more accountable and subject to scrutiny.
The administration has also insisted on the implementation of the IPPIS and its extension to other agencies to save the nation’s higher institutions and other agencies of government from collapse.
As stated earlier, the administration had within the period, crushed the erstwhile dreaded Boko Haram insurgents and liberated all territories under its grip.
The boost in agriculture and its impact on rural populace has been massive as farmers especially those that produce rice are becoming millionaires and the rejuvenation of small scale businesses has created the middle class that was hitherto missing on the polity while the nation’s currency has been stabilised.
Nigeria, is fast becoming an admired international business and financial center with more foreign interests trying to take advantage of the favorable economic situation to hop in and do business.
The chief of staff can take a cue from there and rally round efforts towards sustaining these efforts for the benefits to trickle further down to the masses.
Having worked with President Buhari as head of state some thirty years ago, the chief of staff should know that the president is a man with focus who is firm and committed in achieving results especially now that he is more concerned about leaving a legacy for posterity.
This behoves on the professor to be firm and strong no matter the amount of blackmail and subterfuge and never to give in to enemies within who will try to achieve their selfish aims by trying to compromise on the integrity of the President. 
In this regard, Prof. Gambari should be bold and ready to say NO to the businessmen around the corridors of power who see the presidency as an avenue to feather their nests and nothing more. Such people must be reminded that President Buhari is committed to the development of the country and not interested in deals that do not serve the interests of the masses. 
 
The new Chief of Staff should also shun myopic interests who would willfully set out on their own mission and agenda to destroy the principles which Buhari has built his entire life and career as a public officer. 
Having served as the minister for external affairs, with the record of being the longest serving Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations under five Heads of State and Presidents, Prof Gambari by posseses the requisite qualification to guide the presidency in ensuring the economy is  put on the right course especially now that there would be fresh challenges owing to the general lockdown in which many businesses have suffered and income from the sale of crude oil has gone down.
The chief of staff must also keep an eye on the other security issues ravaging the country apart from insurgency.
Though the Nigerian armed forces has stepped up its game and is giving the insurgents in the Northeast a bloody nose, his encouragement by way of constantly reminding the President and encouraging the military top hierarchy, will go a long way in bringing the problem to an end.
As a former United Nations Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa, former Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid and on Peace-Keeping Operations none has better credentials to guide the president through the labyrinth of international politics that would put Nigeria permanently in the comity of fast developing nations.
The Chief of staff can also add verve to what the Presidential Task Force  to contain the spread Coronavirus is doing. This is a huge global problem that Nigerian cannot allow to weigh it down.
Prof. Gambari’s experience in Foreign Service and sojourn in other countries which enabled him to relate with persons at the highest levels would be required to help Nigeria in the bid to check the spread of the virus and contain the pandemic which has claimed almost 300,000 lives in the world.  
In the education sector, Gambari who began his teaching career in 1969 at City University of New York and had taught in many universities including the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Georgetown University and Howard University, has come at the right time as his voice would add to the many administrative policies of the current administration in the education sector now that schools have been shut and are on compulsory vacation due to Coronavirus.
As the streams of congratulatory messages continue to pour in welcoming the new Chief of staff, the Chief of Staff needs to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff even at this stage.
He should be careful to avoid falling into the trap of the group of vicious few who are driven by self interest and who will not mind he compromises the philosophy of President Buhari once it would serve their interest.
Welcome on board erudite Professor, your time starts now!
 
 
 Ochonu wrote this article from Asokoro, Abuja.

The choice of Gambari and the wisdom of PMB

By Philip Agbese

The news of the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari to replace late Patriot Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammadu Buhari excited me greatly. It has silenced hitherto agitated voices and what I consider, unhealthy speculations by those scheming to use the vacancy to manipulate and hijack the Buhari Presidency.

I have known Prof. Gambari for almost two decades now and his life has inspired me in several ways. He is a thorough- breed academic, scholar, retired diplomat who once served our country as External Affairs Minister. He parades among other notable credentials, record of the longest serving Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, under five different Heads of State and Presidents of Nigeria.

His experience and international clout cast no veil on his capacity to deliver on his new mandate as Chief of Staff to the President. It’s a position known to us as one of the most powerful and influential offices in the Presidency.

By my assessment and popular opinions, Professor Gambari, no doubt, is a perfect match and replacement for the demised CoS. A patriotic and loyal Nigerian, Gambari is expected to be a unifying factor and bridge between the Presidency/governance and Nigerians. It is a role which no one doubts that he has the personage and possesses the competence to excel.

But in Nigeria, we sometimes experiment politics from impossible angles ennobled by destructive intents. There are the perpetual power monks, the sharks in the corridors of power, detractors, sabs and a flurry of competing interests who may be a clog in the wheel of progress others who may strive to make his job difficult to rubbish the Presidency.

Until Abba Kyari occupied the office, many Nigerians underestimated the power and influence of the office of CoS to the President and its centrality in the functioning of a vibrant Presidency. So, all eyes are on Prof. Gambari.

There is no gainsaying that Professor Gambari is conversant with the policy thrust of the Buhari Presidency and its heightened interest on the battle against corruption and his determination to end Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria by whatever means. Gambari is aware that it is President Buhari’s unfading desire to improve the living conditions of Nigerians and leave the nation better than he met it.

Both the Presidency and Nigerians expect the new CoS, like his predecessor, to adopt these ideals as his working document and hold them very sacrosanct day and night. The political vampires and saboteurs who are desperate to frustrate President Buhari in order to cast his Presidency in the light of failure would certainly descend on the new CoS, Gambari voraciously. Let me presume he is aware of the banana peels strawn on the path of the office he occupies.

Those who have pathological hatred for President Buhari and his administration would employ all antics to frustrate him. They would attempt to negatively influence or twist Gambari to achieve their demonic plots to cripple the administration. It behooves on the new CoS to invoke his Solomonic wisdom to navigate his path through the muddy waters of power play in Nigeria.

Therefore, the new CoS must necessarily be vigilant at all times to deflate and wade off these unhealthy influences. I have known Professor Gambari for many years and believe in him as a personality who will deliver on the mandate. He has excelled on all assignments and this one will not be different.

Gambari parades a basketful of impeccable credentials. A recipient of the third highest national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), in 2002, Professor Gambari has several honourary degrees (honoris causa) from prestigious universities, home and abroad.

Professor Gambari is a man whose entire life epitomizes laurels in various endeavours of life. In 2012, former President Jacob Zuma personally conferred on Gambari, South Africa’s highest national honour, the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, award to non-citizens.

It is my conviction that a man very learned and exposed is not honed for failure anywhere he is obligated to render public service. Myself, like many other Nigerians, expect nothing less from Professor Gambari than for him to actively deploy his wealth of experience to assist President Buhari to deliver to Nigerians his cardinal promises towards achieving the change that he promised. Gambari must position himself as a pillar for Buhari to actualize his vision in the #NextLevel.

In President Buhari’s post humous tribute, he said something, I still consider very instructive and germane which, I wish to remind Professor Gambari to adopt as his operational principle.

The President wrote in the tribute that; “In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment; who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a by-product of possessing political office. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.”

By my interpretation of Mr. President’s mindset, he expects the occupant of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President to overcome the foibles enunciated by these two generations of the political class in Nigeria. Gambari must effectively triumph over them. He must not allow political sycophants any inch close to the President including those within, but are mentally and philosophically estranged from the philosophy of the administration because they don’t believe in Mr. President and his agenda for Nigeria.

But most importantly, I think Professor Gambari must develop the instant capacity and cognition to identify and detach from those who see national security as an opportunity to make money. Our country is assailed by instigated insecurities.

President Buhari has fought them to a standstill. The President is uncompromisingly concerned about ending Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP terrorism in the Northeast and allied insurgencies everywhere in the country. He wants to recover back Nigeria from armed criminalities for Nigerians.

A few days ago, I read a news story from some national dailies on the ongoing clearance operations in the Northeast, where the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai relocated mid-April 2020, personally leading Nigerian troops in the final onslaught against insurgency.

The news report captured contents of a recent video released by the factional leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, lamenting profusely and pathetically about the overwhelming heat in the battle in the hands of troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole. In the 1:22 seconds audio, the Boko Haram leader who spoke in Kanuri, sought the protection of Allah against the “devilish act” of Nigerian military, bemoaning the difficulties confronting them in this Holy month of Ramadan.

Analyzing the video clip, a human rights lawyer and conflict analyst, Bulama Bukarti, said “this is the first time we heard Shekau cry in this way.” He explained further that, “The Shekau we are used to is a bombastic, ruthless gangster that ridicules, mocks and chortles at his victims…It suggests that the group is under immense pressure that threatens its existence.”

We cannot afford to reverse the gains on insurgency. Some disgruntled Nigerians and political merchants may attempt to use the Office of Gambari to reverse the gains of counter-insurgency. Therefore, I pray Professor Gambari to be extraordinarily vigilant to effectively checkmate these forces.

He must avoid those who still think that change is impossible and will stop at nothing to compromise the system. He should never carve into the satanic plots of enemies within who have not been able to achieve their selfish aim of compromising the integrity of the President.

The CoS must be firm, resolute, bold and always prepared to say ‘no‘ to the businessmen around the corridors of power who still think the Buhari presidency will be business as usual. Of necessity too is that Gambari must strive to shun myopic interests who would willfully set out on a mission and agenda to destroy the principles which Buhari has built throughout his entire life and career as a public officer.

The new Chief of Staff, as one of the closest aides to Mr. President should watch and avoid the banana peels which his predecessor, Kyari defeated until his death. As a tested and trusted patriot, I implore Gambari to consider as supreme the interests which Mr. President was voted in all his dealings.

Finally, Professor Gambari should not forget that the successes of the Buhari administration on the war against corruption and insurgency is not negotiable and must be sustained. Therefore, he should fence out all the external agents who would willfully set out on a mission to mislead Mr. President through fictitious groups and fraudulent individuals that will be cloned as public interest activists to offer misleading counsels to Mr. President.

I am sure, Gambari will deliver without hassles. One can only wait to commend President Buhari for his wisdom in the choice of Gambari at the end of the day.

Agbese wrote from the United Kingdom.

CoS: Diaspora Nigerians describe Gambari’s appointment as a plus for country’s image

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambiri as his new Chief of Staff.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday, the UK-based Nigerians described the diplomat’s appointment as a “plus to the country’s image abroad”.

Abba Kyari’s shock demise in April left a huge vacuum in the presidency, which was already being felt.

And Prof. Gambari was handed that monstrous task on Wednesday and Nigerians in diaspora has joined their compatriots back home to commend the move.

Being a seasoned diplomat and academia, the Nigerians said that Prof. Gambari comes with pedigree and would offer credibility to President Buhari’s administration, especially in the international community.

The group believes his wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the federal government.

The Nigerians expressed total support for the president, who according to them, displayed statesmanship, putting the interest of Nigerians in appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

The group, however, urged the new CoS to swiftly hit the ground running and ensure that the nation comes ahead of his personal interest.

Read full communique below:

A communique issued after an emergency general virtual meeting of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United Kingdom, assessing the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Introduction:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) is a think tank of Nigerian intellectuals resident in the United Kingdom and devoted to dissecting issues on development and governance in Nigeria, and to avail informed and expert advisory services to the Nigerian government on a sector by sector basis.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) have in times past and through its vast network of members availed the Nigerian government laudable policy initiatives that have been implemented by previous administrations to the benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Issues:

The recent appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has elicited reactions from various quarters and as such an emergency general virtual meeting was called by the leadership of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group to deliberate on the suitability and otherwise of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as Chief of Staff to the President.

The virtual meeting was well-attended, and an ad-hoc committee on leadership and governance was constituted to examine the resume of Prof Ibrahim Gambari, amongst other issues.

The Deliberations:

After extensive deliberations, the ad-hoc committee made the following observations:

That the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari would give credibility to the Muhammadu Buhari led administration given his background as a professor of political science, a diplomat and an academician that has taught as various notable universities around the globe.

The Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming at a time where Nigeria is in dire need of a seasoned administrator to assist in fine-tuning government policies, offering sound and balanced advice to the President on issues that concern governance and development.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s pedigree and international clout would serve as an image booster for Nigeria among the comity of Nations.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the Nigerian government.

The Consensus:

Members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring group were unanimous in accepting the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

That President Muhammadu Buhari with this appointment is desirous of putting Nigeria on the path of greatness.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s dexterity, extensive international contacts would be of immense benefit to Nigeria.

That Nigerians are particularly elated about the choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari being a nationalist, a patriot and true democrat whose wealth of experience in both local and international politics is second to none in all ramifications.

Our Stand:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) lauds President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of statesmanship and putting into consideration the interest of Nigerians in making appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must strive to avail Nigeria his services by putting National Interest above personal interest.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must understand the enormity of the task at hand and must consequently hit the ground running.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari understands that the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari has left a big shoe behind and he must work very hard in line with the President’s vision to restore normalcy, sanity and transparency in the conduct of affairs within the corridors of power.

That President Muhammadu Buhari choice is indeed the best for Nigeria and another value addition as a whole.

Conclusion:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) herby states that the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is worthy, timely and in the overall interest of Nigeria and expresses no doubt that his impact on governance would felt in no distant time.

APC govs laud Gambari’s appointment, promise support

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari on his appointment as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC governors said Prof. Gambari’s appointment will further inspire as well as challenge all appointees of the current administration to aim to achieve global standards especially on matters of national development.

In a statement signed in behalf of all the governors in Abuja Thursday, chairman of the forum and governor of Kebbi state Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the forum was inspired by Gambari’S leadership accomplishments, which he said “is globally acknowledged and look forward to drawing immensely from your rich reservoir of experiences, insights and foresights in the management of governmental responsibilities.

“As governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), we rejoice with you and on this auspicious occasion reaffirm our unflinching commitment to continue to work with Mr. President and all his dedicated team at federal level to achieve the vision of our party of taking Nigeria to the NEXT LEVEL in line with all our campaign promises and provisions of our party’s manifesto.

“Given your vast knowledge, experiences, discipline and loyalty to Nigeria, we are confident that your assumption as Chief of Staff will further inspire as well as challenge all appointees of government to aim to achieve global standards especially on matters of national development.

“Pursuant to our commitment to supporting President Buhari, you can count on our support, individually and collectively at all times. We wish you all the best and assure you of the Progressive Governors Forum’s continued support and goodwill.”

CoS: Pro-Democracy group hails PMB over Gambari’s choice

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff.

According to the group, the president has once again demonstrated true patriotism hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

Gambari, a renowned academic and diplomat of international repute was confirmed as late Abba Kyari’s successor on Wednesday.

The appointment of the Kwara native has been widely accepted and NDF believes this is the right move by the president.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji, on Wednesday, the NDF said “Gambari’s appointment is a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people.”

The choice of Gambari, the group added, is well-deserved and merited owing to his “ rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand as a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level”.

While declaring total support for the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand, the NDF, however, urged all Nigerians to do likewise.

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front lauds the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in the critical point of our existence as a people and as a country.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming on board with rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand been a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level.

The National Democratic Front views his appointment as a victory for democracy and the people of Nigeria because the ultimate beneficiary would be the Nigerian people that have yearned for the dividends of democracy over the years.

We wish to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of patriotism and foresight in carefully selecting a Chief of Staff that would assist in formulating developmental policies that would translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again demonstrated his unflinching commitment to the Nigerian cause by bringing on board an individual who has achieved tangible results in the international scene, and whose strength of character is hinged on selfless service to our dear country.

The National Democratic Front joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this appointment for its merit and suitability in line with the cardinal objectives which the Muhammadu Buhari presidency was overwhelmingly voted for at the general elections.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari would in no small measures and in his dexterity avail the Muhammadu Buhari administration the required drive in its fight against insurgency and corruption for the betterment of Nigeria.

The National Democratic Front at this moment declares its support to the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand. We have no doubt whatsoever on his ability to fine-tune government policies and lead the President and Commander-in-Chief in the right path in the governance of the country.

It is our hope that Nigerians will continue to support the Muhammadu Buhari led administration and continue to extend the needed courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in particular and members of the cabinet in general.

This is indeed a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people as we confront the various economic, political and social challenges in the country.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to congratulate the good people of Nigeria for this worthy appointment. We desire that Nigerians from all walks of life extends their support to Prof Ibrahim Gambari as he settles down to the task ahead.

It consequently behoves on all cabinet members to do well to extend their sincere courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in a bid to speed up issues that affect governance in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed demonstrated the pan-Nigerian spirit that is hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

The National Democratic Front herby charges all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations to see the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to the President as a step in the right direction in our quest for a Nigeria of our dreams.

We state that the confidence reposed in Prof Ibrahim Gambari would not be betrayed because he has a rich resume and pedigree that speaks volume of capacity, competence and patriotism.

Why Buratai cannot lose this war!

By Idris Abubakar

The narrative that the rambunctious and puffy leader of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Abubakar Shekau, has been devastated to the point that he has not only become sober but is pleading for mercy would have been unimaginable in the recent past. 

Indeed when the audio tape of the Boko Haram leader was released by a major news medium, many did not believe it initially until it was confirmed by multiple sources.

Shekau, through media preps and hype has over the years  succeeded in not only terrorising the minds of people, but has succeeded in creating a myth of invincibility about himself. 

But it is true that the Boko Haram leader in a new audio, not only admitted being weakened but cried for mercy seeking protection against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Shekau in the 1:22 seconds audio, cried that he and his men are facing difficulties  due to what he called the  devilish act and wickedness of the Nigerian military. 

He said, “We deserted Izala people to practice Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice Your true religion. 

“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan,” he said while crying profusely.

The ululations of Shekau is  not without basis.

Since March when Lt. Gen. TY Buratai moved to the theatre of war in Borno State, the fight against insurgency and terrorism took a new dimension with the Nigerian military giving the insurgents hell in each encounter.

The sustained offensive has recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists fighting on the fringes of Lake Chad region. 

In March, Nigerian troops eliminated not less than 20 top Boko Haram commanders including one Abu Usamah, and over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala axis as well as in Gorgi, Damboa local government of  Borno State.

The troops followed up on that with the  killing of 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many weapons in April and on the heels of that in May, killed 134 of ISWAP and  Boko Haram members  and  arrested 28 of their informants and overran their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest. 

These appear too good to be true but all facts relating to the success have been fact checked and confirmed by security experts, the media and other independent bodies .

The question now is what has made it possible for these successes to be recorded within a short time and in the magnitude attained.

Hitherto, the killing of even tens of insurgents given the asymmetric nature of the fight and the lack of clear demarcation between the terrorists and civilian communities have been celebrated,  but in less than two months, over 500 of the terrorists and not less than 40 of their top commanders and informants have been  taken down bringing them to their knees and begging for mercy. 

The secret has to do with the current leadership of the military and the experience of the person leading the assault on the insurgents at the Lake Chad region.

Buratai undoubtedly is one of the best war commanders and intelligent military tactician Nigeria and indeed Africa has ever had.

Since he began leading the Multinational Joint Task Force against insurgency the pressure tilted on the terrorists.

Pathetic stories of troops fleeing from battle fields in what was known as tactical withdrawal stopped completely. 

Stories about soldiers opening fire on their commanders due to lack of trust or wives of soldiers protesting the deployment of their husbands to the battle front all stopped

Troops and their commanders who have worked directly under Buratai have described him as motivation personified.

Troops tell the story of one of his first appearances in the theatre of war after he was appointed chief of army staff. While addressing soldiers in their camps,  shots, apparently from the insurgents were heard from the nearby bushes and the COAS was said to have given an order for the troops to follow him to take down the ‘irritants.’

Since confirming that the Army Chief is serious about winning the battle due to the zeal and courage he exhibits, troops no longer have cause to doubt the sincerity of their commanders and have been motivated to push harder. 

Seeing that the new helmsman is  not one that would hole himself up in a guest house partying while troops are in the battle field but one that is prepared to be in the battlefield with them, troops regained their confidence and moved with gusto. 

The Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters must noticed the change in the fighting spirit of troops and must have been asking themselves if these were the same set of troops that were scared of confronting them that many of them were said to have even deserted the army out of fear.

The fact is, Buratai, thinks, eats and drinks battles. He sees military engagement and combat as every drill that should be expected by any serious soldier no matter the rank.

Those close to him say he devotes his time to study and  planning war strategies and is meticulous and thorough in execution. 

He is said to have studied all the strategies of war heroes like Chaka Zulu, Khalid ibn Walid, Hannibal, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte and others.

War experts and security analysts maintain that given the depth of knowledge and experience Buratai has acquired over the years, that it would be an insult to expect anything less from the current war against insurgency given the nature of the enemy who are mere street urchins trained by a sprinkle of rebels from Chad who serve as their commanders. 

The  Army Chief’s latest innovation is said to be the strategy which involves moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents which has completely overwhelmed the terrorists. 

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed made the right choice as far as the military high command is concerned. 

But it is not over until it is over. 

Buratai and the troops  deserve the prayer and support of all Nigerians as we can see that he and his troops are on the last lap of putting a final stop to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism.

Abubakar is a security expert and wrote this piece from Shomolu, Lagos.

Gambari’s appointment victory for Nigerians, group says

The Centre for Democracy, Development and Strategic Studies (CDDSS) has hailed the choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as the new Chief of Staff to the President, describing it as “victory for Nigerians”.

Prof. Gambari, a renowned scholar and diplomat was confirmed as late Abba Kyari’s successor at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Executive Director, Terrence Kuanum, CDDSS said that “President Muhammadu Buhari has once again proven that his actions and inactions are for the good of the country” with Prof. Gambari’s appointment.

The centre added that Gambari would bring his decades of experience garnered at the United Nations and in the academia in assisting the president resolve most of the development and global issues that confronts the country.

While applauding President Buhari for putting the country first once again, the centre urged all Nigerians to support the new CoS as he brings his wealth of knowledge for the good of the nation.

Read full statement below:

The Centre for Democracy, Development and Strategic Studies (CDDSS) received the news of the appointment of the erudite Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to the President with excitement.

The choice of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is by no means a great victory for Nigerians and the future of democracy in Nigeria given the rich resume of Prof Ibrahim Gambari and his services to Nigeria over the past years.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari has once again proven that his actions and inactions are for the good of the country and the overall interest of Nigerians.

The CDDSS sees the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as a display of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in steering the ship of Nigeria to greatness due to the wealth of experience that he would bring on board in democratic governance in Nigeria. His strength of character and contributions to the development of Nigeria are as well astounding.

There is no doubt that Prof Ibrahim Gambari would bring to bear his decades of experience garnered at the highest level of the United Nations and in the academia in assisting President Muhammadu Buhari in resolving most of the development and global issues that Nigerian is being faced with.

The CDDSS is also optimistic that Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s vast knowledge in international diplomacy and politics would be deployed in the interest of Nigeria in this critical point of our existence. The coming on board of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is indeed the needed tonic for Nigeria in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

The CDDSS wishes to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for putting the interest of the country at heart in the appointment of his Chief of Staff, as the choice of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is a case of a round square in a round hole.

We consequently support President Muhammadu Buhari in the choice of his Chief of Staff and charge well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the newly appointed Chief of Staff as he settles down in service to Nigeria.

The CDDSS wishes to applaud other members of the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari and charge them to give in their best in the discharge of their duties.

The exigencies of time require a total commitment by all and sundry in the onerous task ahead.

The CDDSS also charges the cabinet members to extend their support to the new Chief of Staff in an attempt to assist him in settling down quickly to the task ahead.