Group kicks against former NIMR DG, Ujah’s appointment as Vice-chancellor

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Education Minister Adamu Adamu have been urged not to appoint  Professor Innocent Ujah as the Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue state 

A group, Coalition Against Corruption and Other Related Offenses, CACRO in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Kolawole Oladejo, alleged that Ujah was sacked as Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, for fraud and corruption.

The group also urged the electoral committee of the Nigeria Medical Association to disqualify the former NIMR boss from contesting for the office of the national president of the association to save it from future embarrassment.

Oladejo said the group took its cue to follow up on the issue from a report by SaharaReporters on November 20, 2015.

He said the newspaper had exclusively reported how he awarded ghost projects to siphon money from NIMR.

The statement reads, “On 20th of November, 2015, a Nigerian leading investigative newspaper, SaharaReporters, exposed one Prof Innocent Ujah for alleged fraud and nepotism. This same professor today wants to be Vice Chancellor of a newly established Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, and as well contesting for the position of national president of NMA.

“These allegations were based on a petition seen by the newspaper which accused Prof Innocent Ujah, then the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research of nepotism, fraud, financial recklessness, and abuse of office among other offences by some “concerned NIMR staff”. 

“The accusations listed were substantiated by several documents attached to the petition including invoices, financial sheets, employment documents, and receipts. 

“In order to substantiate the allegation of nepotism, the petitioners attached a list of recently hired staff, CVs, and acceptance letters. The petitioners alleged that Mr Ujah hired his sister, Patricia Onyemowo Agbo, as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, despite being unqualified for the position.

“The petitioners not only question her relationship with Mr Ujah but also claim that her academic qualifications are not suited for her role.  A copy of Mrs Agbo’s CV clearly indicates she only possessed an MBA Finance, a degree not suited for the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer position. 

“In addition, she listed Mr Ujah as a reference on her CV suggesting a conflict of interest with the Director General. Finally, there is the matter of the alleged backdating of her employment which the petitioners claim must be investigated. 

“Several of the documents provided pertain to contracts awarded by Mr Ujah as DG of NIMR. The petitioners allege that these contracts were artificially inflated to allow himself and the contractors to skim money from the NIMR bursary.

“One example is an invoice for 296 pounds of Thailand rice and 20 pounds vegetable oil.  The contractor, JohnWells Global Concept Venture, was paid N14,950 per pound of rice amounting to a total of N4.4m.

“Petitioners also claim that Mr Ujah utilizes contractors from Jos, where he used to live and work, in order to steal more money through kickbacks. The petitioners claim “(Mr. Ujah) is fond of paying exorbitant consulting fees, in millions of naira, to these contractors. The ownership and board of directors of these contractors used to launder money out of the institute through overblown project and contract cost needs to be investigated.

“The petitioners specifically listed: DP Nigeria Ltd., Bernas Investment Ltd., A and B Evergreen Global Ventures, Omalobo Nigeria Enterprises; Goga Consults, HL Communications Ltd., Crossgate Design Associates, and Marafa Ventures as contracts needing further scrutiny by the EFCC and other authorities.

“All these documents also alleged ghost projects being used to siphon money from NIMR, including 4 million naira expense for a generator which was new and needed no maintenance according to the petitioners. Additionally, “a payment of two million naira (N2,000,000) was made for the supply of diesel, which was neither requested nor supplied.

“The staff at NIMR request in their documents that the evidence they are providing be properly investigated by the appropriate authorities in order to establish whether there is any wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Ujah. The request that the EFCC and Office of the President look into the financial crimes they allege are being committed at NIMR.”

The group said President Buhari acting on the newspaper publication and other reports sacked Ujah in July 2016 for fraud and corruption.

Ujah had publicly challenged the authorities of University of Jos(a Federal Government institution) in court when Doctors without PhD were excluded from vying for VCship. 

“This, I did to save my profession from eternal disgrace and ignominy at the expense of being sacked from my appointment as DG, NIMR. Despite all the threats on my life and career, I had the commitment and courage to enter into the ring all alone from among over 15 professors of Medicine even when I was not a contestant for office of VC. This, in my view, is commitment!

“When I returned from NIMR, I was punished by the University by refusing to pay my salary for 20months. A sacrifice I made for  my profession.  

“My dear colleagues, it is my well considered view that a lot of what happens in leadership positions depends on our vision, character, courage, focus, ideological leaning, and other attributes. 

I am aware that some of our best NMA Presidents came from the public/civil service and admirably withstood their appointing authorities/Federal Government, when it came to making a historic choice between the welfare of their members and the interests and pressures of the Federal Government”he said

How Buhari’s 5 years inspired the military to top form

By Richard Murphy

The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has saved Nigeria from imminent collapse, by revamping the military’s institution which image, structure and organization was at its lowest point.

Within five years of direct support, strategic planning and implementation, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been inspired back to shape and can now hold its head high, performing creditably well, stoutly defending the territorial integrity of the nation, securing the lives and property of citizens, ridding the country of subversive elements and stamping out terrorism.

This is a sharp contrast from its dismal record in the not so distant past when it lost its place as a regional leader owing to the many missteps of the past and the devastation of its ranks by the insurgents.

No doubt, one of its biggest challenges the military has faced since the Nigerian civil war is the Boko Haram crisis when some elements took up arms against the state in the Northeastern part of the country in the attempt to take over the country by force.

The more the armed forces tried to engage, the more it betrayed signs of fatigue, weakness and lack of capacity which emboldened the terrorist to push further into the country bombing towns and communities at will, attacking military bases and villages and wrecking heavy toll on both the military and civilian population.

Worse still, troops that were supposed to defend the citizens seem more in need of help. Pathetic stories of troops deserting at the slightest indication of danger rend the air with reports of whole units fleeing from battle fields for safety, known as tactical withdrawal in other countries.

Aggrieved soldiers who had no confidence in themselves, their weapons and on the high command, protested openly by opening fire on their commanders.

Regaled with tales of how their husbands were being butchered at the battle fields, wife of soldiers could no longer keep calm and marched in the barracks with placards protesting the deployment of their spouses’ to the battle front.

The situation was so bad that a Nigerian state governor lamented that the Boko Haram is “better armed and better motivated” than government forces trying to stop their attacks.

Then Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, was quoted as saying that not only were the insurgents better equipped but that “given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram.”

Security experts confirmed that the terrorists were using sophisticated weapons and were receiving better allowances from their sponsors than the Nigerian troops.

No doubt, President Buhari met the worst armed forces at the time he took over the helms of affair. But quite astutely, he has been able to transform it into one of the best in the world today in just five years.

Facts indicating that the Nigerian military has recorded significant gains since the current administration speak for itself as Nigeria has never had it better than what is going on at the theatres of operation with the insurgents.

Since March when Lt. Gen. TY Buratai moved to the theatre of war in Borno State, the gallantry of the fighting forces have become more pronounced at every turn making many to wonder if is the same institution that was being ridiculed some back.

Within two months, no less than 500 of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have been liquidated by Nigerian troops while many have been seriously wounded or arrested.

In the same March, Nigerian troops eliminated a notorious Boko Haram strategist and trainer, Abu Usamah, and killed over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in hidden communities like Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala and in Gorgi, Damboa local government of Borno State.

In April, Nigerian troops in another operations also killed 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many of their weapons.

The terrorist group suffered much more devastation in May when troops killed 134 and arrested 28 of their informants while overrunning their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest.

The heat on the insurgence was so intense that the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau in an audio message admitted to being weakened and cried for mercy seeking Allah’s protection against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Not long after that 11 of the ISWAP members ran to the military and surrendered their weapons.

These gains have been made possible by a number of factors which the Buhari administration adopted which include reorganizing the military by dealing with those who had frittered away the resources meant for fighting insurgency.

President Buhari also appointed highly professional, well trained and disciplined officers to man each arm of the armed forces.

His appointment of Lt. Gen T.Y Buratai has been a source of huge blessing to the military as it was Chief of Army Staff that was responsible for the success of the Multinational Task Force on insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

To prove that the President hadn’t made a mistake by appointing him, Buratai began to lead insurgency operations from the front by going to the battlefield himself.

There, he is said to engage troops directly, hearing their grievances and complaint and then take immediate actions to address them, thereby motivating the fighting forces.

His presence at the theatre of operations has also been a massive boost in the application of experience and strategy as it is already paying off.

The Army Chief’s latest innovation is said to involve moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents thereby overwhelming the terrorists.

The president Buhari administration has also taken positive steps to train and equip the military.

It has sent so many officers for coaching and has acquired some of the weapons of warfare to outwit insurgents.

This year alone, the army acquired 17 military vehicles consisting of VT-4 main battle tanks and two types of self-propelled howitzer from China.

The vehicles consist of VT-4 main battle tanks and two types of self-propelled howitzers.

The army made the purchase from the Chinese government as part of its strategies to intensify effort in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region and the contract was signed between Nigeria and the NORINCO back in 2019.

Nigerian troops expected to operate the vehicles have already been trained in China with the Chinese government confirming that Nigeria has become the first nation in the region to own advanced tanks with the buffalo 4-Wheel vehicles numbering 55 which have been procured and commissioned.

The Defense Industrial Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, in 2015 was also revived and made to commence the production of the 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition cartridge in its facility in Kaduna in addition to the ones it is producing.

In 2019, the Nigerian Army also deployed four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti-Ambush Personnel (MRAP) vehicles and inducted them in Maigumeri super camp in Maiduguri.

The MRAP vehicles are meant to offer increased firepower, enhanced force protection against small arms as well as improved capability.

The government also increased budget on defense and this time around made sure that money meant for security were not diverted but gets to its intended destination.

In 2018 for instance, the Nigerian military budgeted about N38bn for the purchase of ammunition, fighter jets and helicopters as part of its efforts to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

This comprised N5,281,288,780 for the “procurement of ammunition of various types and calibres,” while another N1,024,800,000 was for part payment for three light utility helicopters.

In the 2017 budget, the army had also budgeted N5bn for the procurement of weapons to prosecute the anti-terrorism war.

Meanwhile, in the breakdown of the 2018 budget, the army set aside N1bn for the purchase of armoured vehicles, and N300m for the acquisition of 25 infantry patrol vehicles and N235,697,000 for the purchase of vehicles for the Operation Lafiya Dole.

These are indeed big strides that have made it possible for Nigeria to begin to hope that the insurgency which has ravaged the country for so many years would soon be a thing of the past and the entire villages in the Northeast would no longer live in fear.

Murphy is a security expert and wrote in from Calabar.

Premium Times and her uncharitable Sallah gesture to the military

By Samson Abu

“Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility. Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helpingng to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.”

The above sentence is what readers on the Premium News platform are confronted with for every news story. The appeal is strong and meant to elicit monetary donations from members of the public in the sustenance of “journalism of relevance.”

Whatever the motives of Premium Times are in soliciting for monetary donations from members of the public remains to be unravelled in the fullness of time. I am still struggling to come to terms with it because I have had reasons to question the editorial stance of Premium Times in times past.

When I see responsible journalism, I know it. When I also see irresponsible journalism occasioned by mischief and a price tag for every news story I also know. I stand to be corrected; Premium Times is leading in this fold, especially when it comes to issues that concern the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.

Having all these in mind, I sparsely visit Premium Times let alone rely on the genuineness of its reportage of issues. But a senior colleague of mine and an expert in conflict and security drew my attention to a publication in Premium Times titled “EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Army ‘secretly trying’ soldier who criticized service chiefs on social media” he left the following note for me:

“Your good friends are in their elements again. This story is not about the soldier, but that of the Service Chiefs. You can guess what is up. Happy reading”

Out of curiosity, I followed the link to the story and to say I wasn’t disgusted at the display of shoddy journalism would be an understatement. My conclusion was that with the likes of Premium Times, journalism has indeed gone to the dogs in Nigeria.

As a first, I knew after reading the first paragraph that someone has made a “modest support” in the accounts of the organization towards helping “to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.”

The trajectory in the story was poor. No media house that is well structured and abides by the journalism creed would sanction such a disjointed story lacking in every form of integrity and professionalism.

The Premium Times story reminded me of an article “Thinking about the Symbiotic Relationship between the Media and Terrorism” written by Mohammed Elshimi, where he stated that that the media does not create terrorist organizations, but it does promote terrorism. The principal distinction to bear in mind is: once terrorism gets going, the relationship between terrorism and media becomes symbiotic.

He stated that ‘Symbiotic’ explains how these strikingly different actors become interlocked in a relationship hinged on a convergence of interest: the media’s insatiable drive to supply content is simultaneously mirrored by the strategic necessity of terrorist movements for the oxygen of publicity.

“The media provides a platform for terrorist movements to broadcast and amplify their message to global audiences. Without this platform, the message of terrorist movements would not reach beyond its very immediate locale and therefore would remain unknown to most people outside the confined boundaries of the attack.”

Enter the world of Premium Times in Nigeria where the medium has been notorious in promoting acts of terrorism in Nigeria. Their scathing campaign against the Military is indeed legendary. They seem to have absolute disdain for the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East, Nigeria for inexplicable reasons.

I recall that sometime in 2016, the Chief of Army Staff sued Premium Times for libel and character assassination. And since then there has been no love lost between the Nigerian Army and Premium Times. In my opinion, this recent diatribe by Premium Times is nothing but a huge distraction to the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria.

I am aware that the military authorities have stated that the soldier involved in the online video that went viral would be placed under observation and counselling. That was the most rational thing to do in a circumstance like this and not what Premium Times wants members of the unsuspecting general public to believe.

Premium Times must understand that a warfront is different from a newsroom and therefore the need to be circumspect in the propagation of half-truths. This is also on the heels that the country is at the last phase of the Boko Haram war and Nigerians may have forgiven those that contributed in promoting the war in the past but not anyone or organization that further prolongs the war through whatever means.

This is not a time for distractions, and it’s such a shame that Premium Times is that veritable tool identified by those against the interest of Nigeria to distract the Nigerian Army. Sufficing to add that the prerogative of the tenure of the Services Chiefs in Nigeria is that of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

And for those interested in the Service Chiefs, I wonder in whose interest they want this to happen. I can bet that it is not in the interest of the country, but that of their cronies and business partners whose trade has been greatly affected since the Nigerian Military turned the tide against the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Even though it is expected that these merchants of war would fight back, the interest of the country must supersede personal interest. The promoters of Premium Times must realize and desist from availing their medium to unpatriotic elements to further fan the embers of war in Nigeria. The agitation is needless. It would only serve the purpose of denting further the already dented image of the organization by their often malicious stories on individuals and organizations.

It must be stated, and expressly so that since Premium Times cannot substantiate their claim of a secret trial, it would be in the interest of remnants of their reputation to retract their story and commit themselves to the best practices in journalism.

Premium Times must not distract the Army at this point. The authorities have said the soldiers involved in the outburst would be put through observation and counselling on the heels that emotions can run riot in war situations. This is normal and not peculiar to Nigerian troops engaged in the Boko Haram war in North-East, Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army is in the process of taking stocks, and it is expected that the Boko Haram group and their collaborators would fight dirty, including launching vicious attacks using different mediums and methods. And the Premium Times charade is an example of an uncharitable Salah gesture to the efforts of the Military in the push emancipation of North-East Nigeria from the clutches of Boko Haram terror group.

Needless, I mention that terrorist activities won’t thrive if there are no collaborators in the chain of violence. Some carry arms, some facilitate logistics, and some propagate their activities. Premium Times must stand out and not be counted as accomplices to acts of terrorism in Nigeria when the history of the Boko Haram insurgency is written.

Terrorism knows no tribe religion or organization for we all are victims of their fangs. Consequently, there must be a unity of purpose to defeat terrorism in Nigeria. The media has a vital role to play in this regard. This is the time for the press to join ranks with the generality of Nigerians that have given their support to the efforts of the Nigerian troops in battle. There is no need magnifying issues that would provide the Boko Haram terrorist the psychological boost that they so crave. For that in itself is aiding and abetting their activities.

Premium Times should take a cue from other media organizations in Nigeria. No doubt, they boast of some fine blend of journalists in the country, but this credit must be channelled in the right way and the interest of Nigeria. This is a piece of advice.

Abu is a freelance journalist based in Maiduguri.

Buhari’s administration has demonstrated will, capacity to end Boko Haram – Prof Danfulani

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated the will and capacity to end terrorism and all forms of violent crimes in Nigeria.

A former Director General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic studies, NIPSS, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani who is the current Chancellor, Chartered Institute of Strategic Studies (CISS) said this while appraising the performance of the current administration in the last five years.

He said one area where it has indisputably done tremendously well and saved the lives of citizens is security.

The Professor, speaking in Abuja said the administration, though, has surpassed expectations in other areas like economy and fight against corruption, but said security is considered as central to the overall performance of an administration because it provides the base for other things like the formulation of policies and for planning as well as citizens wellbeing and infrastructural development.

He said an administration that knits it onions first and foremost sets out to secure the citizenry before any other thing as much cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos and brigandage.

The former DG of NIPSS said the Buhari administration which came a time that the country was facing security challenges, did well to identify security as one of the cardinal challenges facing the country and quickly moved ahead to take drastic actions which has earned Nigeria respect and admiration from across the globe.

Said the Prof: “From day one, Buhari gave the service and other security chiefs in the country his agenda for the nation and gave them a marching order to move to the theatres of war.

“From that moment, the war on terrorism and insurgency in the country took a new dimension with Nigerian troops leading joint operations in the Lake Chad region as well ridding the home front of the activities of the terrorists.”

Danfulani said it is within this period that Boko Haram was technically defeated and their operations bases weakened to the extent that they no longer were able to carry out operations in the country but fled to other countries to sometimes attack soft targets.

He said many have tried to unravel the magic that Nigeria brought to bear to achieve this turnaround and pointed out that a lot has to do with the right leadership in the country and in the armed forces.

The Prof. explained that to have a clearer picture of what was brought to bear on the operations of the Nigeria military that is earning it positive results lately, the commitment of the country’s leadership to security had to be x-rayed.

The professor said the commitment of President Buhari to security can be categorised into three different phases to arrive at the conclusion that Nigeria is achieving results due to the right kind of leadership.

He said the three phases are, Buhari’s attitude to security while in the military, his efforts as a private citizen and his tactics as a president.

“Buhari, said the Prof, “while serving in the military, brought pride to Nigeria with the way he carried out assignments especially with the way he gave Chadian soldiers who were reported to have killed some Nigerian soldiers a bloody nose when he was serving in Maiduguri under the Shagari administration.”

The Professor said even as a private citizen, the President involved himself in processes to secure the nation and was constantly reminding the then government to be more committed to securing the country untill an attempt was made on his life while driving in Kaduna.

Danfulani said it was the culmination of these efforts that came to bear when Buhari took over the mantle of leadership as president and provided the support and impetus for Nigerian troops to defeat the insurgents, recapture many seized Nigerian territories and set many communities free.

“Who would have thought that a time would come in Nigeria when we will spend a whole week, then later months and now years without a bomb going off in any part of the country.

“Who would have thought that schools, hospitals and markets in Bama, Monguno, Gwoza and many other terrorised towns would reopen?” he asked.

Prof. Danfulani maintained that those that doubted Boko Haram was defeated were shocked to hear that the success of the military has even gone beyond making the terrorists flee but that the Boko Haram leader is even looking for ways to surrender.

The academic added that the sucker punch came when the Boko Haram leader in an audio was heard weeping like a baby and pleading to Allah to intercede for them over what he called the wickedness of the Nigerian military.

“President Buhari, the chief of army staff and the troops in the field deserve a standing ovation for making the Boko Haram leader who is wont to talk tough all the time swallow his pride to cry for mercy.

“That is the height of the assurance needed by the citizens that the President through the armed forces has given priority to secure the lives of citizens and has succeeded in doing so,” he stated.

Prof. Danfulani said the President deserves commendation for appointing highly professional and well disciplined officers like Lt. Gen TY Buratai to lead the war against insurgency and terrorism.

He noted that the war against insurgency and terrorism took a different dimension since March this year when the Chief of army staff moved to the theater of operation and vowed not to return untill the terrorists are defeated.

“You can see that within a month, more than 500 of the insurgents have been killed, their weapons seized and their informants arrested.

“They have been reduced to a rag tag army clutching at straws in the most pitiable and uncoordinated manner.

“The Nigerian military is serious about bringing Boko Haram activities to an end and very soon people would see that some of the things achieved can only through a dedicated leadership with purpose that we currently have,” he stated.

Nigeria’s 5 years of a turnaround under Buhari

By Abe Kolawole

It was then military president, Ibrahim Babangida after several failed attempts to revamp the Nigerian economy while in office, let out in exasperation that, “ the Nigerian economy has defied all solutions.”

Babangida it was who introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, devalued the naira, introduced the Second Tier Foreign Exchange Market and privatized many sectors of the economy.

But when all these did not post the desired result on the economy, he threw his arms up in surrender in that statement that portrayed his helplessness.

Fast forward to 27 years later, the country’s economy, which seemingly defied five administrations after Babangida and countless policies and strategies betrayed its rigidity, as they say in medical parlance, began to respond to treatment.

Two things, according to experts have made the difference in the approach the current administration has adopted which are impacting positively on the economy.

The first is the integrity of the man on the saddle, President Muhammadu Buhari and the second is his well known zero tolerance for corruption.

Whereas past Nigerian leaders have been able to come up with beautiful economic policies and programmes, such have failed to yield positive results due to the lack of discipline and moral rectitude required on the part of the leadership to see them through.

However, unlike others, Buhari came tailored-made for the job. Since his days in the military where he served in many credible positions including the federal commissioner for petroleum and natural resources to when he left office and served as the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), the president has shown that he cannot be enticed with material things to shift focus from doing his job creditably well and can go to any length to ensure he protects the people’s interest.

With that sense of commitment, he has been able to churn out results in any assignment. It was for instance during his time at the petroleum ministry that many projects including federal government’s investment in pipelines and petroleum storage infrastructures and the building of about 21 petroleum storage depots all over the country from Lagos to Maiduguri and from Calabar to Gusau were done and when he became chairman of the PTF, it is on record that the project executed by the fund far surpassed the expectations of even the administration that established it.

Nigerians became nostalgic for a repeat of the Buhari leadership when they recounted that after he left office as Head of State, no administration has rivalled his commitment towards developing the country.

Since he was swoon into office in May 29 2015, the story of Nigeria has changed. The economy which was in doldrums began to show signs of recovery; states which could not pay salaries were helped to do so through the provision of bailout funds; small and medium scale enterprises began to boom and the agricultural sector was opened up through investment-friendly policies.

The power sector which had drained huge resources in the past without reciprocal improvement, quickly picked up as thousands of megawatts of power were not only added to the national grid but transmitted and distributed to consumers. That’s not all, though.

The petroleum sector recovered from its convulsion with just a push as queues at the filling stations completely disappeared and availability of petroleum products became the new order.

Corruption which defied many administrations was forced to take the back seat when the Treasury Single Account, TSA, was introduced and those who stole from the public till in the previous administrations were made to face the wrath of the law.

Not less than 8,000 ghost workers were uncovered in the public service and many public servants who were benefitting from corrupt practices of the past, living large at the expense of others, discerning that a new sheriff was in town, repented and adjusted their ways.

But perhaps the greatest legacy for which the current administration would be remembered for both now and in many years to come is on the aspect of security.

Prior to 2015, the security situation in the country was so embarrassing that Nigeria became a laughing stock the world over.

Its soldiers were the butt of jokes in other nations including even smaller African countries due to lack of motivation, poor welfare, inadequate equipment and training as well as corruption. Troops battling terrorists in the country and in the Lake Chad region were forced to abandon the fight to flee into other countries for safety.

Several communities in the North eastern part of the country were taken over by insurgents who boasted with glee that they are on the verge of carving out another country out of Nigeria as the then administration looked on helplessly.

The terrorists not assuaged by their takeover of communities on the fringes of the Lake Chad penetrated further into the country spreading the bloodletting activities to many states in the Northwest and Northcentral parts of the country and capped it all with their heavy presence and operations right in the heart of the federal capital in Abuja.

It was an all-time low for Nigeria as many infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and communication facilities were destroyed by the insurgents in addition to the many killed and the thousands abducted, raped and terrorized.

President Buhari, well aware of the crisis when he resumed made the issue of security part of his inaugural speech, promising to deal with the situation and promised to relocate the military command to the theatres of war.

He also searched hard to fish out those who would help him attain the goal of freeing Nigeria from terrorism that was making life so difficult for a vast majority of the populace and he appointed Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai among other service chiefs, as the Chief of Army Staff. Jackpot

That was the watershed. The narrative on the war on terrorism, insurgency and sundry other crimes suddenly took a different twist.

The terrorists that were making videos of their exploits including bombing of significant edifices like the United Nations’ office, the police headquarters both in Abuja and attempt at attacking the office of the DSS began to flee as the heat turned on them.

They were in no time forced to evacuate from the FCT as the heat became unbearable. Their weekly rit/ual of blowing up worship centers in an average of one per week vanished and their threats to bring down the country fizzled out as the military took the war to their base and entered their fortresses in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Hills.

The so called capital of their caliphate in Gwoza was overrun to the extent that the leader of the Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau abandoned his location with his tails between his legs leaving behind his cherished flag and Quran which were retrieved and presented to the President by the Chief of Army Staff.

All the 20 local government spread between Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States which were under Boko Haram control were recaptured by Nigerian troops and all the communities liberated. This saw to the drop on the population of people at the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps as many returned to their homes and communities.

The Buhari administration through support to the military and other security agencies also saved Nigeria from the threat of secession from some disgruntled elements in the Southeast and put a permanent stop to their criminal activities while the head of the outfit, Nnamdi Kanu fled.

Between 2015 and 2020, the military also launched several operational codes to take care of certain security issues affecting the country ranging from cattle rustling, kidnapping, highway robbery, ritual killings and banditry.

Each time the terrorists made futile attempts to bounce back through surprise attacks on certain towns and communities, the military showed resistance and resilience, turning around attacks on Biu, Damboa, Garkida, Michika and other places.

People in these communities have seen more than an actionable assurance that their security is now guaranteed and never have failed to thank the Buhari administration for that.

As the heat became too much on the terrorists, they resorted into harassing villages on the fringes of Nigerien borders in Katsina, seeing that they are losing their grip on all fronts. President Buhari, unrelenting, equally ordered for operations in that area that would took care of that problem permanently.

Indeed even residents of places far away from the North east like Abuja, Kaduna and Kano have also had a cause to remember what transpired in the years gone by and to thank the Buhari administration for the wonderful job it is doing which has made life more meaningful and secured for them.

Kolawole is former PRO, National Association of Nigerian Student and wrote from Ondo State.

Boko Haram: Understanding the wailing wailers

By Philip Agbese

Somewhat ironically, I would never have believed in the hyped paradox of belonging to a nation called Nigeria, whose citizens are very religious, but rather prefer to celebrate its oddities than progression or golly. But of course, I live in this nation and through the years, I have incredibly realized that most Nigerians are repulsed to any good about their country.

Evil has been elevated to prime heights. We can organize generous fanfares in feting a national tragedy which touches on agony, blood and massive deaths. Trust us! We can even go extra miles to invite the remotest of friends and associates to partake with us, in this somehow, Luciferic feast to wine and dine. I have grudgingly come to accept this sad, but unassailable truth.

Ask for the reasons why some of us delight in carnivals of evil, but nothing worthy would be muttered. I mean, nothing tangible would be exposited as the reason for such a stab on their conscience and the soul of a nation. It will only take you some level of innately gifted ingenuity to decode that the celebrations are organized because a tragedy has befallen their nation. It’s difficult to rescue a nation populated by people with such psychological fixations.

And the organizers and partakers in evil against their country think, whoever is the leader of Nigeria, and in the instant case, President Muhammadu Buhari would be ridiculed, defamed and demeaned by it. They invoke so much of retributive justice on they’re wretched souls because a Nigerian leader is outside their political camp.

Much as we are learned and exposed, this idiosyncrasy has co-habited with us and it is thriving in our souls and spirits. Almost all of us behave as if, after we wittingly destroy Nigeria, there is another country reserved for us to inhabit.

Nigerians with such mindsets are recognized with multiple names and identities, depending on the sane mind observing their resentful games against our beloved country. We know them as operating under separate nomenclatures. They are opposers, wailers, detractors, haters, sabs, praise singers, sycophants, destroyers, heritage usurpers, ancestors of the nation, godfathers of Nigeria, politicians, or perpetual power monks. It all depends on the angle of anybody’s perception of these compatriots.

But the common denominator among them all is very shameful and disgraceful reality that once “A Government -In-Power” (AGIP) is outside their political bloc, the rest of us should be deprived of peace. So, it must be pulled down through grandeur conspiracies of evil.

And in their infantile minds, narrowed mindsets, malicious outings and completely nonsensical mouthing, they think, whoever leads the country must be dwarfed with frivolous criticisms. His efforts must be rubbished with meaningless pukes to fill an egoistic void.

I heard the celebrative moods of some Nigerians of the same regressive ilk, I earlier mentioned. Their very active agents posted and acolytates’ delightedly syndicated on traditional and social media platforms, videos of our gallant troops caught up in the web of fleeing terrorists at Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis of Yobe State, in the Northeast a few days back.

Of course, no one is denying that troops of Combat Team 1, Operation Kantana Jimlan never encountered and fought terrorists while on routine patrol of vicinities within their jurisdiction. And in that outing, again Nigerian troops triumphed over the combined forces of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists. Casualties were recorded on both sides mainly because it was an ambush on Nigerian troops.

But our troops did not disappoint me. Soldiers stood gallantly very firm and never allowed the terrorists to have a field day, despite the multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the cursed bloodsuckers planted on their path. Some soldiers (two) died in the process (may their souls rest in perfect peace) and others sustained injuries. Its also normal in the warfront. In war situations, the combatants expect anything and the worse can even happen.

Give and take, I think the performance of Nigerian troops at this specific incident deserves recommendation from all of us because insurgents of whatever hue were neutralized. It implies that they could not cause the large-scale damage as planned.

What I can’t discern are the stories and videos circulating on social media platforms. The cooked videos in that particular encounter, had images of soldiers’ blaming the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for failing to deploy airstrikes early enough, until the Boko Haram had dealt a severe blow on troops. Gen. Buratai is also in the same trenches with troops. From the skewed narrations by detractors, it’s easy to know, the fake news, hyped is all about destroying Gen. Buratai.

Its curious for a soldier in the battlefront and in the heat of war; I mean, a soldier who is under the “pressure” of enemy attacks, to have time to use his cellphone to record gory scenes of his defeat from attacks to circulate on social media platforms. It looks very unreal! But the wailing wailers spare no antics in this rough game.

Incredibly, the wailers and haters of the administration of President Buhari are gleefully circulating what in all nuance drapes with fakeness. We must not drag the hate on our country to such extents. It’s extremely uncharitable and unpatriotic.

But being the very peculiar human beings, we are famed, some disgruntled elements in their usual gyrations, passed the verdict that the war against terrorism and Nigeria’s final push against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists will be extended. No concrete reason is given by these detractors on why they think the last clearance operations against terrorists’ and their defeat would be stretched further. However, what I did not miss in the narrations was both the faint and strong voices of vilification or condemnation of Gen. Buratai.

Let me emphasize that those who took a satanic advantage of a video clip by some soldiers who suffered an ambush in an encounter with fleeing elements of Boko Haram as the basis of their celebration and generous conclusion about the extension of the counter-insurgency operations have goofed. Gen. Buratai is someone I know, who cannot be taken for granted. He is a soldier’s soldier any day you encounter him.

The wailers and haters of the Buhari Presidency are unexcited and indeed, melancholic that barely one month the troops led by Gen Buratai in the trenches of the Northeast have killed over 500 terrorists in quick succession. The sexed and publicized lamentation videos of soldiers is just the latest trick of the wailers to hit Gen. Buratai, blur the reality and confuse Nigerians.

Some of us have not lost focus of the actual reasons. The saboteurs’, Boko Haram sponsors, agents and sympathizers are angry that their business enterprise is facing a dire threat and coming to an end. The wailers are angry that money will stop silently snaking into their wallets in the business of promoting terrorism for a fee from external sponsors. They are burning with indignation within.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to change destiny. Gen. Buratai is destined to end Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism and no amount of malicious propaganda can frustrate him.

Useful advice now!It’ss early enough and the signals are visible that Boko Haram is on its way out of existence. So, the terrorprinterss should begin to scout for new busineuses to occupy their conscienceless souls. But as far as the blues from the theatre of war in the Northeast conveys, terrorism is no longer fashionable in Nigeria. It is merely struggling with its last and faint shadows of survival.

The terrorism entrepreneurs and wailing wailers will keep wailin like hapless armed robbers caught pants down in a cage during a sting operation by security forces. But the message must be clearly sounded that Nigeria has no space for Luciferic souls like them. Certainly, not under the Government of President Buhari.

Agbese is a publisher and human rights lawyer based in the UK.

Over 1000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists killed in six weeks – Buratai

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has revealed that over 1,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed in the last six weeks.

The COAS made this known during a luncheon organized for the troops of “Operations Lafiya Dole” in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Nigeria has recorded tremendous gains in the war against insurgency since Lt. Gen. Buratai relocated to the Theatre of Operations.

Scores of the terrorists have been killed and several injured, with factional leader Abubakar Shekau reportedly on the brink of surrender.

In his address, the COAS assured that the troops are edging closer towards victory, especially with the insurgents suffering numerous casualties.

He added that a total of 84 high ranking members of Boko Haram logistics and informants have been arrested within the same time frame.

“We have put concerted efforts against BHTs and ISWAP,” he said, adding that: “We have severely dealt with the BH terrorists and ISWAP.

“We have successful displaced major camps of the BHTs. We have killed 1015 terrorists and ISWAP in the ongoing operation in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state respectively.

“We have also arrested 84 BHTs logistics and information suppliers in the ongoing operation which started 12 April, 2020,” COAS said.

He appreciated the efforts of the Nigeria Air Force, Navy, Police Force, Department of State Services, Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and hunters for the resounding success against the terrorists. Earlier in the day, the Military had said it killed a total of 35 Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and ISWAP criminals at several attacks encountered in Borno State between 11th and 22nd May this year.

Boko Haram: Buhari, Army global security role models – Tsav

A former commissioner of police, Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has described the five years of President Muhammadu Buhari in the saddle of leadership in Nigeria as phenomenal in the annals of the country with regards to the prosecution of the war against terrorism.
Abubakar Tsav stated this in an exclusive interview he granted on the state of the nation recently. According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari came on board at a time when the country was grappling with myriads of challenges, and despite all of that he was able to stir the ship of Nigeria out of turbulence.
“For those who know me know that I am very objective when it comes to issues of national interest. What was happening in Nigeria before Buhari came on board was not a joke. We were on the verge. But he was able to stabilize the polity and Nigeria is better off today. This is indeed phenomenal, and I must extend my utmost commendation to him.”
He also stated that what assisted the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the past five years was his commitment to the war against Boko Haram terrorism and other acts of economic sabotage that became the order of the day in previous administrations.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of unquestionable integrity, and this has been the hallmark of his administration. I think its common sense for all those in his team to understand the body language of their principal and this is what we need in this country as we march forward.”
“This administration has carried out a near-impossible task in just five years, which is a rare feat that would make other world leaders green with envy. Virtually all sectors of the economy have been affected positively, and this is what you get when you have a leader that is upright and committed to the Nigerian cause.”
When asked about the commitment of the government in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in the country, Abubakar Tsav stated that the hallmark of the Buhari government is the feat recorded by the Nigerian Army in turning the tide against the Boko Haram terrorist group.
“The Nigerian Army has been excellent since the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari. One of the first pointers that he meant well was the composition of the Service Chiefs. Mind you I am of that constituency, and when I saw the caliber of those appointed, I was convinced that it was just a matter of time before we turn the tides against those insurgents.”
“So I was not surprised that in less than a year, the insurgents were dislodged from their operational headquarters in Sambisa forest, and all the local government areas that were under their control were recaptured.”
“Make no mistakes; this is a rare feat for those of us that understand asymmetric warfare and in terrain like North-East Nigeria. The Nigerian Military indeed rose to the occasion, and they must be commended regardless of the propaganda campaign against it by some unscrupulous elements.”
He further averred that the Nigerian Military has rapidly transformed into a professional force that abides by the rules of engagement in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria.
“There is something called professionalism. This is the perfect description of the Nigerian Military of today. When I hear things like Directorate of Army-Civil relations I marvel. Also looking at the creation of Human rights desk in the Nigerian Army is novel in the security architecture in Nigeria.”
“Sorry to say this, during our years, there was never going to be a mention of such, let alone talk about the establishment. But here we have a military that is responsive and as well committed to the preservation of human rights in its operations. This is very commendable.”
Abubakar Tsav also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for repositioning and leading the Nigerian Army in the battle against the Boko Haram insurgent group.
“I salute the doggedness of the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai. He is such a brilliant officer who understands what it means to be a leader. He has indeed led by worthy examples, and I am sure that posterity would be kind to him for his numerous sacrifices in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.”
He advised that the government should be alert to the possibility of the resurgence of the Boko Haram group due to external support it receives.
“The government must be careful not to celebrate too early because terrorism is dynamic and also with the fact that the Boko Haram group has assumed a regional dimension and that is to say there are eternal sources that support its operations. We must be careful in this regards and continue to monitor things closely.”

Inter- Faith group declares spiritual victory over Covid-19, Boko Haram

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) has declared spiritual victory over COVID-19 and Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, made this declaration on Saturday during the grand finale of the 30-day fast and prayer for divine intervention on coronavirus and the end of Boko Haram/ capture of Abubakar Shekau.

The rampaging COVID-19 has taken a grip on the entire universe with over five million persons infected and almost 350,000 dead according to John Hopkins University.

In Nigeria alone, more than 7,000 persons have tested positive while above 200 persons succumbed to the contagion.

Unfortunately, though, the pandemic comes at a time the Nigerian military is making giant strides in its final clearance operation against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the northeast.

However, Bishop Garuba believes both would soon come to an end in the country as revealed to him and his group during their 30 days intensive prayer and fast.

According to the cleric, “ Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength”.

He added that due to NIFROP’s composition of both Christians and Muslims, their strong faith in one supreme God would see the country overcome coronavirus and Boko Haram.

While affirming that COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time, the clergyman, however, urged Nigerians not to be afraid rather remain steadfast and resolute.

Read full address below:

“No one can battle with the lord!”
I bring warm greetings to us all from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose mercies endures forever.

Today is indeed a significant one in the annals of our great country. Today marks the grand finale of the 30-day fasting and prayer session organized for Gods intervention on COVID-19 and threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria.

My dear brothers and sisters, I have joy in my heart because of the wonders of God in the life and times of Nigeria. It is indeed a statement of the fact that Nigeria is a great nation hence the myriads of challenges confronting the nation. And we did not despair nor question the promises of God as regards our dear country.

In the book of Psalm 91: 7-12, the Bible states that “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling for He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

My brothers and sisters, it is a statement of fact that with the revelations from God during this prayer and fasting programme Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river; the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

Our prayers and fastings have reached the Host of heaven. The numbers that turned up for this prayer and fasting programme is indeed outstanding despite the challenge of the Coronavirus pandemic. The devil meant it for evil, but God turned it to good.

The composition of our gathering is unprecedented in the annals of our country, where Muslims and Christians gathered in one voice in prayers to God for divine intervention in Nigeria in the holy month of Ramadan.

Our Muslim brothers and sisters have displayed a significant commitment towards the peace and progress of Nigeria. The Holy Koran in Quran, 2:18 states “Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness”

“Indeed we have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of Morning!” (Q 97:1-5).”

The peace promised in the Holy Koran has indeed come to Nigeria in the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (humankind, jinns and all that exists).

My brothers and sisters, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, have provided us with that platform for us to see our similarities and belief in the supremacy of God almighty.

If we have such strong faith, neither Coronavirus nor Boko Haram shall overcome Nigeria for we are a blessed nation under the care of God. His promises towards Nigeria are yes and amen, and we shout a big halleluiah to the Host of Heaven for the great and wondrous works.

I say to you all under the authority of God that no harm or evil shall overcome Nigeria. For COVID-19 and Boko Haram, we shall see them no more. Our prayers have been heard by the Host of Heaven, and He has indeed taken charge over the affairs of Nigeria. I tell you all today that the end of Boko Haram has come and we shall indeed come together in fellowship to return our thanks and appreciation to God.

My brothers and sisters, COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time. God is not a man that He should lie. The Bible informs us about the protection of God. As humans, we want to see God’s protection as a magic force field that keeps us from all harm. Yes, God can prevent any evil or destruction, but we must remember that we live in a fallen world where we have free will. Many times, God works in ways that we do not understand. Sometimes God’s protection comes in the form of peace and strength in the middle of despair. Other times God’s protection comes as an ending because he sees something more on the horizon that we cannot see.

As believers in Jesus, we are promised a new life covered under the protection of God in which nothing can separate us from His love. My brothers and sisters, rest knowing that no matter what hardship we face, God is our provider and protector.

The book of Deuteronomy 31:6 states that “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

We must rest our hopes on the promises of God in these critical times with the absolute belief that victory over our adversaries is ours in Jesus Name.

My brothers and sisters do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Boko Haram and Abubakar Shekau we shall see no more. COVID-19, we shall see no more. Armed banditry we shall see no more. Militant groups, we shall see no more.

I remain confident of this: we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because He has promised and He will never fail because his goodness and mercies endure forever.

I want to use this medium to thank all our members that made this programme a huge success. That we are also able to distribute food and other relief materials to the less privilege in the society. The outreach saw to the provision of food to over 5000 families that are in dire need during the Ramadan period.

Our reward is seen in the Holy Koran (2:110) “Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do”.

Our reward is also seen in the book of Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

My brothers and sisters, God will reward our various sacrifices towards helping the needy in society. We shall reap a bountiful harvest in Jesus name.

As we go back to our families, we must go with the consciousness that the worst is indeed over. My appreciation goes to all of us, and I pray that Gods mercies and favors continue to be with Nigeria. Victory is here at last.

Thank you all, and God bless.

Amnesty International: Security Experts expresses worry

Some security experts in the country have continued to express worry over the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria. According to multiple sources interviewed by this newspaper, they stated that if the relevant authorities do not take urgent steps, the country might go up in flames due to the desperation of Amnesty International and their international collaborators in seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria.

According to Prof. Stanly Onyia an expert in peace and conflict studies at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja, he stated that a cursory look at the recent posturing of Amnesty International is an indication that they are out for a mission that is not in the best interest of Nigeria.

“AI is not a credible organization; their mission, especially in Nigeria, is tied around the innate desire to perpetuate mischief and cause a conflict of immeasurable proportion. Their reports are often lacking in objectivity and somewhat an insult to some of us that are in the field of conflict resolution.”

He further stated that Amnesty International gained traction in their activities under a questionable international cover and backing that covered their intent and purposes in Nigeria.

“At numerous peace and conflict forums, we have had reasons to dissect the various reports of Amnesty International and the consensus is that Amnesty International is not acting in the overall interest of the entrenchment of peace but that of fanning the embers of war. This is sad, and I hope that the relevant authorities in Nigeria would take the bull by the horns and stop them in their tracks before it gets too late.”

In a similar vein, an associate professor of defense and strategic studies at the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna stated that AI is a product of terrorist organizations that have devised means to escape the radar in the perpetuation of their nefarious activities.

“There is a long-standing history of how Amnesty International was compromised by some of the world deadliest terrorist organizations. If you look at their reports, you will find a trajectory that promotes acts of terrorism. The case of Nigeria is very evident in the support it has been rendering organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Their presence in Nigeria is a serious threat to our nascent democracy, and the government must, as a matter of urgency act if it’s serious about the unity of the country.”

This newspaper also gathered from reliable sources that Amnesty International has resulted in recruitment for militant groups in Nigeria. A security source who pleaded anonymity stated that Amnesty International has recently devised means to assist the Boko Haram group in ensuring that it fills its ranks that have been depleted by the renewed onslaught by the Nigerian Army.

“Amnesty International is carrying out espionage activities for Boko Haram. They are using their clout to lure unsuspecting youths to join the Boko Haram group. You know they have so much resource at their disposal, and they have been spending lots of money to lure these youths.”

“The good thing is that the security agencies are aware of this plot and they are doing everything possible to nip it in the bud. But I can tell you that Nigeria would be in trouble if Amnesty International succeeds in their endeavor”.

According to Dr Ibrahim Suleiman, a lecturer in the Department of History at Kaduna State University, he stated that Amnesty International had been covertly recruiting gullible youths from Northern Nigeria into Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“The threat posed by Amnesty International is real. We have had instances where some of our students disappeared from the classrooms. Upon enquiries, we realized that they were invited for workshops organized by Amnesty International and since they haven’t returned.”

“It’s unfortunate that the security agencies are treating the threat posed by Amnesty International with kid gloves. If only they know the number of youths that have been deceived into joining the Boko Haram group by Amnesty International.”

A top retired director of the secret police, who was interviewed by this newspaper, stated that Amnesty International is the new intellectual wing of the Boko Haram dedicated to providing discreet support to the Boko Haram group.

“There is no difference between Amnesty International and Boko Haram. It is just a function of different nomenclatures. What is Boko Haram doing that Amnesty International is not doing? The only difference is that they don’t carry arms but what they do is worse than carrying arms.”

“While I was in service, I presided over a report where multiple pieces of evidence on the nefarious activities of Amnesty International were presented. We escalated to the appropriate authorities, but nothing was done. You can see what is happening today. This is just despicable. I hope those in authority act in the best interest of Nigeria else the consequences might be severe.”

It would be recalled that in times past, there were calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria for acts against the interest of the country. A top source in the presidency who confided in this newspaper stated that the presidency took the call lightly and didn’t act.

“I recall that when there were street protests for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria, the presidency waved it off. They gave Amnesty International the benefit of the doubt. However, I think that was a grave mistake as the presidency is in a dilemma on how to address the threat posed by Amnesty International in light of the recent revelations.”

“The solution now is for the government to devise means to halt the recruitment drive of Amnesty International as the efforts of our military would be in vain. This is indeed a serious situation.”

“The government must blacklist Amnesty International as a first step. If this is not done, then we might be faced with a resurgence of the Boko Haram group and Nigeria would suffer untold consequences.”

This same position was echoed by a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, who does not want his name in print. He stated that the option left for Nigeria because of the revelations that Amnesty International is promoting terrorism in Nigeria is a complete blacklisting.

“There are no two ways about it. Amnesty International must be blacklisted. This is not borne out of malice but on substantiated facts. In my opinion, this should have been done a long time ago, especially when it became obvious that Amnesty International has something up their sleeves with the constant attack on the government and the military.”

“If this is not done, I wonder what would become of Nigeria as countries where Amnesty International has succeeded started like this. I am not sure we have such luxury of time. “