Nigeria Times

By Nkechi Odoma
 
“Look at what we have on the ground before May 2015, the Boko Haram were even in Abuja,they were in Kano, they were in Kaduna. They were penetrating down to the south, we had to stop them. And for the past one and half years, we’ve not had any attack in Jos, neither in Abuja, in Kano, or in many other places, even as close as in Gombe.— Gen. TY Buatai, Nigeria’s Army Chief and Leader, counter-insurgency operations in an interview recorded and aired by BBC’s Hard Talk show, in January 2017 and rebroadcasted by The News in January 2020.
 
In very conspicuous bias, premeditated motives and partisan undertones during plenary sessions on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, National Assembly (NASS) slammed the gavel in approval of negative resolutions on the President and our Security Chiefs.
This was after intensive debates which reviewed the state of insecurities in the country as manifest in the spate of renewed attacks and killings in parts of the country.     
Some members noted the 2020 resumed pockets of onslaughts by Boko Haram/ Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists and suspected Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in killings of innocent Nigerians. Therefore, in their selfish thinking, they have passed a vote of no-confidence on the entire security architecture in Nigeria and senselessly endorsed their ouster.
Their sword and venom spared none. All were unfairly pulled down by NASS, from  the topmost  echelons in Nigeria’s security apparatus like the National Security Adviser (NSA), Military Chiefs, Director-General (DG), Department of State Security Service, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other security outfits in the country in the age of Nigeria’s multifarious battles with insurgencies and insurrections.

To my mind, their deliberations on the security situation was not a bad idea. But the tenor of the debates in both chambers mesmerized me. It was not tailored towards solutions, but undisguised vindictiveness.
Only a few legislators attempted to discern the problems underneath the renewed acts of terror of different dimensions in Nigeria. None of the Heads of Nigeria’s security deserved a word of commendation and encouragement from NASS for the priceless sacrifices they have continued to make for the peace, security and progress of Nigeria.  NASS simply wished everybody goodbye for “failing” the nation.

What else could anyone expect from a congregation of national lawmakers, who are least concerned with public good outside their personal benefits? It stinks that NASS is more interested in siding the enemies of Nigeria against Nigeria.
 But what do you expect, when internal emotions, personalized pursuits of objectives, hatred, ethnic and religious agendas infiltrate the chambers of a national parliament? Clearly, majority lawmakers are on a voyage of total ruination and destruction of Nigeria in order to voraciously scramble for the mutilated parts of the nation.

It beggared belief that majority of lawmakers sided with an odd position, while deliberating on state of the nation on security.  The wisemen among them, who understood the dynamics and attendant impediments needed to be resolved before full assurance of securing Nigeria from armed mercenaries were in the minority.
 Such issues like the gross underfunding of the security architecture, inadequate and outdated weapons, poor remuneration of troops, and insufficient number of personnel, among a motley of other debilitating problems were raised by faint voices. These spurred and berthed poor performance by security agencies in 2019/ 2020, but voices that were not strong enough to prick their conscience.

But the national parliamentarians’ obsession with the Security Chiefs overstay in office was lethal. I believe the NASS has a lot to learn from its pitfalls. It is never too late to bend even backwards to rectify an error. Obviously, the NASS resolutions on Mr. President and the Chiefs are impermissible errors.
Our NASS cannot pass the guilt of their pleasurable negligence or dereliction of duty on fulfilling its constitutional obligations to other leaders on the simplistic assumption that they clad and bask in the euphoria of legislative immunity on the floor of the chambers. The recklessness they exhibited can be corrected, only if they know the hard reality outside the confines of the chambers of NASS.

Touting President Buhari and the Chiefs as failures on securing the country in 2019 and the spillover to 2020, while exonerating legislators’ complicity resonates with maddening fury among sensible and clairvoyant Nigerians.
I keep referring to the wisdom of the prolific writer and famed international scholar, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who’s timeless warning that “Unless you know where the rains began to beat you; you won’t know the extent you are soaked.”
By last Wednesday’s action from our national parliamentarians, it animated my judgmental instincts, pinned to a scary and dreary reality. Its simply that NASS members have neither any inkling into the intensity of Boko Haram before May 2015. Nor how it was tamed and reasons for its resurgence or the path to solving the problem, while extending patriotic honours to those in charge and leading the troops.

Like Achebe echoed, the Nigerian national legislature is devoid of this wisdom. So, some of them stood up in plenaries and disgorged rubbish like drunken sailors, spited everyone else except themselves.    
I recall that by May 2015, when President Buhari came on board and appointed the current crop of Security Chiefs, Nigeria was under the worse siege by Boko Haram insurgents. It operated from a single plank, yet brutal in its violent campaigns or horrendous atrocities.
Nigeria lost control of at least 17 LGAs in the Northeast to Boko Haram and terrorists had captured, declared and foisted jihadi flags in Gwoza and Baga as the administrative headquarters of the Islamic militants and pushing further to annex more territories. And outside the Chibok schoolgirls over 20, 000 Nigerians were held hostage in Boko Haram’s secret camps including women and children.
Boko Haram had captured the entire Northern part of the country and was on a steady supersonic speed to make ingress into Southern Nigeria. Terrorists freely tortured hostages and subjected them to various forms of dehumanization, forced labour, servitude, sexual abuses and extra-judicial executions.
The then lone Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau frequently insulted and derided our collective strength of nationhood by releasing videos of these horrible executions and threatening more. IDPs camps swelled in the Northeast and spilled into  neighboring African countries by thousands of distraught Nigerian refugees fleeing from ravaging insurgency.  

But the current impugned leaders of the counter-insurgency operation reversed the negative narratives as directed by the President. By December 2015, Boko Haram insurgency had been significantly decimated and technically defeated; Nigeria’s conquered territories retrieved from vicious terrorists and thousands of Boko Haram hostages regained freedom.  These are facts documented in national archives.
There are several incidents of Boko Haram incidents that support my claims. But let me cite Nigerians’ one noticeable encounter with Boko Haram strikes reported on October 31, 2014. In symbolic conquest of Nigeria and field triumphs of terrorists against the country, Vimtin,  in Mubi LAG,  Adamawa state, and   the  home town of  the then serving Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS),  Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh (may his gentle soul rest in peace) was  completely overrun  by Boko Haram militants.

The terrorists’ onslaught on Mubi forced Nigerian troops to flee the area together with thousands of civilians was lethal. I know, similar gory scenarios were replete everywhere in the Northeast before May 2015.
That’s the level Boko Haram, though yet to be actively backed by the Iranian ISWAP wreaked havoc on a defenseless nation and her peoples. However, I learnt, that by beginning of January 2015, Boko Haram had struck underground ties with terrorists of the Islamic State sect (ISILS).
But the Security Chiefs have discharged this mandate evidentially as I earlier listed, by a determined and courageous push-back of insurgents and reclaimed seized parts of Nigeria.  This is even in the face of multi-dimensional militant terrorists’ sects which have converged on Nigeria including ISWAP.   
Yet, the Service Chiefs have contained them, capturing most of their top commanders, foot soldiers who either voluntarily surrendered or were captured in battles; blocked   the recruitment and rearming of new entrants; terminated the reign of reckless female or child suicide bombers and so forth.
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists has reenergized, ostensibly with increased funding from ISWAP.  It heightened at the peak of 2019 partisan campaigns.  Terrorists began raids with a greater number of fighters on their convoys; modern and sophisticated weapons. Nigeria failed to march up with the changing tide.
 I do know, in the course of counter-insurgency combats, the armories of Nigerian troops are also depleted and requires constant replenishments. Nonetheless and perniciously, some Nigerians are brainwashed never to admit this fact and believe once weapons are secured for counter-insurgency, it should serve troops for a life-time.

This mindset has been emulated by a hostile NASS leadership, which rejected a request from President Buhari to grant about a mere $1billion loan to purchase Tucano fighter jets/weapons from America and other countries.
NASS is less concerned about improving allocations on defence budget, which is within their lawful powers. Each time they pad national budgets, the extra-budgeting only takes care of their personal welfare or other projects they have vested interests to grab from the nation.
I came across a phone interview, published in The Vanguard Newspaper edition of June 29, 2019, A soldier in the frontlines, who pleaded anonymity draw national consciousness to their plight in the battlefields. I decoded his message and discovered, resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAM terrorism is not watered by the fault of the President, the Chiefs or the Nigerian troops in the frontlines, but mainly the coldness of NASS members in doing the right thing.

But year after year, NASS has refused to address these concerns in appropriating the budget.  Even with the resurgence of attacks and killings, NASS still obstinately clung unto its reserved and selfish disposition on allocating meaningful votes for defence. It encompasses, all the Armed Forces and para-military agencies participating in operations of  counter-insurgencies and insurrections in Nigeria.    
Confessions of the anonymous soldiers reminded me of another thorny issue, which has impeded recent operations against insurgency in Nigeria.   I challenge the NASS members to tell Nigerians how they responded to the plea by the Army for the operation of its airwing in the theatre of war when the 2020 Appropriation Act was still on their table?
 The Theatre Commander of the Army’s Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi,   pleaded with a recent  delegation of  NASS’s  Joint Committee on the Army, led by Sen. Ali Ndume, that Boko Haram had never been as formidable as perceived, as only combat helicopters are needed by soldiers to munch  ISWAP and Boko Haram  terrorists to end the war, aside operating with outdated equipment.
The plea was made when the 2020 national budget was still at its infantile preparatory stage by NASS. Ab initio when President Buhari submitted the proposed 2020 Appropriation Bill to NASS totaling N10. 33 trillion and a breakdown indicated a paltry N878,458,607,427 total allocation proposed for the Ministry of Defence, experts on security complained loudly about the inadequacy of the amount to quench terrorism and emerging allied criminalities in the country.

But it all fell on deaf ears. Approved Nigeria’s 2020 budget is N10.59 trillion (USD 35 billion). But defence entirely got just about one percent of it. The docility of Nigeria’s NASS over proper funding or attention to insurgency is heart-breaking.
Interestingly, in spite of these operational constraints, the Nigerian military and sister security agencies have continued to play their constitutional roles. They conscientiously battle insurgency attacks even in the face of life-threatening or grave dangers and recorded several victories. And they are more determined despite the setbacks.
Some Nigerians forget easily Nigerians. Former President Goodluck Jonathan did not see this level of multi-dimensional conspiracies against his move to fight Boko Haram before giving up.  But what has made the situation then and now differently unique is the fact that a war tested Army General is in charge and this has reflected in the successful operations of the Security Chiefs.

Without mentioning names, everyone should be proud about the numerous achievements of the various Chiefs and how much they have helped to sanitize the armed forces. These are the Military officers some Nigerians want Mr. President to drop in a jiffy under flimsy excuses and personalized interests. Based on this odious proclivity, whereas the world is looking for stars of counter-terrorism to fete with honour; in Nigeria, we are busy plotting ways to vilify and humiliate our Security Chiefs.

The NASS therefore has a religious obligation to reclaim its lost glory by doing the needful, including honouring the Security Chiefs.  
All the Security Chiefs deserve national honours as the least they can get as appreciation from the national Government for their services to our country. Even if, institutions like NASS are deliberately blinded to this fact for whatever reasons, the world and those who understand global conflicts, prevention and resolution are celebrating Nigeria’s Security Chiefs.

Odoma is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

By David Onmeje 

There are indeed some Nigerians that can be labeled as quiet achievers. These sets of individuals are media-shy, but their level of competence is astonishing, so much so that a peep into their activities would reveal tales of achievements that would make every doubting Thomas’s green with envy. 

This is indeed the case of Mr. Olabode Fakuade, the chief executive officer of the Metallurgical Training Institute, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Since assumption of office, Mr. Olabode Fakuade has transformed the operations of the agency. But one of his undoing is the fact that he is one that chooses not to blow his trumpet. 

According to insider sources, the agency has a meager allocation for publicity. The time the agency has been in the news is when it is calling for prospective candidates for admission into its various training programmes. As a background, the agency offers a modular 3-year intensive study programme 70% practical and 30% theory and supervised practical training in 6 specialized courses Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, Industrial Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control System Engineering, Steel Fabrication and Welding Engineering, Heavy Mobile / Automobile Equipment, Maintenance Engineering and Industrial Metallurgy and Foundry Engineering. 

The agency also runs short term programmes ranging from 1 week to 12 months in the following courses: Auto-Mechatronics (Computerized Vehicle Diagnosis/Repairs), Foundry & Casting Technology, Special Welding (MIG, TIG, MAG), Advanced Machining Processes, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), and Electrical Equipment Maintenance/Installation Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Repairs (Cooling Systems).  

Quite a sensitive agency you would want to agree and the more baffling is why it has remained anonymous in a clime where publicity stunts is the order of the day. This fact was what ignited my interest and the decision to pen this article. 

I consequently researched on the agency that included on the spot assessment, interviews, and interactions with students and stakeholders in the industry. I must state that the consensus was the same; a trail blazing agency that is contributing to the training of Nigerians in the area of maintenance engineering with the aim of fast-tracking technological development in Nigeria.

Mr. Olabode Fakuade is a rare gem. He is one that devotes a substantial part of his life to service. Upon close interaction with him, I discovered a man that is passionate about what he does, and this much he has exhibited in the operations of the agency. Some reading this piece would be wondering the rationale behind this piece. I would consequently like to state that my fascination was occasioned with what I saw on the ground in the MTI. 

On a first visit to the institute, you would be confronted with an ambiance that speaks volumes of hope for Nigeria. It was a common sight to see young Nigerians that are actively engaged in their studies and with promising prospects in contributing to the technological development of Nigeria. The array of courses offered by the institute is indeed strategic in the sense that Nigeria would experience phenomenal growth in our quest for technological advancement.

The MTI as an agency is primed to provide the required workforce in the technological development of Nigeria, and I must commend the rationale behind the establishment of the agency since 1981. The impact of the MTI in the technical space in Nigeria has been indeed felt in this critical sector, but for the fact that it has not been engaged in publicity stunts makes this silent. 

Just maybe it is a strategy. But overall, I think it is a function of the leadership style of the Chief Executive Officer that believes in getting the task done without funfair. Those in the know of the leadership style of this unassuming chief executive officer attests to the fact that since his appointment, he indeed hit the ground running and turned around the fortunes of the institute.  

The highlight amongst the numerous feats recorded is the fact that the MTI avails various calibers of Nigerians the opportunity to acquire technical education that provides for necessary skills for gainful employment, self-employment, and job creation. The construction of about 600 meters of deep concrete drains to link the tunnel adjoining Onitsha-Owerri Expressway to channel erosion water is one worthy example. 

The impact of this feat cannot be overemphasized given the fact that soil erosion has been a considerable challenge in the southeast region of Nigeria. This is also aside from the fact that the institute has witnessed unprecedented facilities upgrade for maximum efficiency. 

I dare to say that all of these were made possible by the leadership acumen and sagacity of the chief executive officer whose antecedent speaks volumes of a man on a mission to make an impact wherever he finds himself. 

The students of the institute are full of praises for the chief executive officer whose tenure they have described as innovative and transformative. For the chief executive officer, it is about service. In his words, “It is evident, from the growing rate of unemployment and the effect on the overall economy of Nigeria, that technical skill empowerment plays a pivotal role to ensure that young Nigerians are well trained and given adequate skill to run the machinery of our nation’s economy.” 

Lest I forget, the institute is taking advantage of the solar power system as an alternative source of energy supply to run its various departments. There is also an emphasis on training and retraining that has seen to the organization of workshops for members of staff of the institute to improve their efficiency at the workplace.

There is also strict compliance for transparency and accountability in the operations of the institute. Those conversant with the leadership style of the chief executive officer would always say that with Olabode Fakuade, every penny must be accounted for because he is not one that encourages frivolities. 

If this is the case in most agencies of government, then Nigeria would be better for it. For me, Olabode Fakuade has indeed raised the bar in administration and an example of how public office holder should conduct their selves. 

I can go on non-stop on the exploits of this unassuming administrator that has indeed redefined what service to fatherland ought to be. His infectious administrative style should serve as a reference point to those desirous of contributing to the development of Nigeria. His zeal for excellence is worthy of emulation. I salute this man of uncommon feat, and I desire that the country is blessed with such administrators that would assist in our quest for development. Olabode Fakuade is indeed a silent achiever.

Onmeje is the Group Managing Director of TheNigerian News Group and wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

By Bridget Agada

This is a story of exceptional courage in governance and an indication that there are indeed some individuals whose commitment to the Nigerian cause is unflinching. This is also a story of a woman who has dared to do what most men would shy away from with their tails in between their legs for the race is not for the faint-hearted, but for those with courage and a commitment to doing the right thing at all times.

The revelation of the rot in the Niger-Delta Development Commission came to Nigerians as a rude shock. The country was astonished by the level of decadence that has characterized its operations since the year 2000 with the mission of facilitating the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.

The fact remains that the NDDC has not delivered on its mandate. At best, it has been a lack-luster performance, with very little to show for the humongous resources that have accrued to it over the past 19 years. Pervasive corruption, flagrant abuse of due process, abandoned projects, poor quality project delivery, and many other despicable acts were the order of the day. While the majority of the people reeled in abject poverty, some highly placed smile to the bank and oppress the people with their ill-gotten wealth.

It was indeed an eyesore so much so that but for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari through the appointment of Dr. Joi Nunieh as the acting managing director of the interim management committee of the agency. I must admit that this was indeed the game-changer and an indication that indeed there would be light the end of the tunnel for the people of the Niger-Delta region.

The strategic importance of the NDDC in facilitating the development of the Niger-Delta region cannot be overemphasized. It is instructive to state that for change to happen there must be those that are willing to take the bull by the horns at great discomfort. And this is what Dr. Joi Nunieh has done since she assumed leadership of the NDDC.

These heroic acts of hers did not come with its attendant consequences because those have benefited from the heist would ordinarily not go down without a good fight. This much they have been doing in an attempt to take their pound of flesh from her for daring to reposition the agency for greater efficiency.

If not for anything, I salute her courage in the efforts she has put in so far despite the avalanche of attacks that have come her way. In a country like Nigeria, there are a few people that would carry on like Dr. Joi Nunieh. And this lends credence to the famous saying that what a man can do a woman can do better and is doing better.

I can count the number of people that would be this brave even in the face of a threat to life. Instead of trembling, she is in a hurry to achieve results like some others in this present administration that have indeed proved their mettle in governance. This is indeed phenomenal and worthy of emulation by those holding positions of authorities.

How the NDDC disintegrated to this despicable level is a topic for discussion another day because of the various developmental challenges facing the region. It was expected that the NDDC vehicle would have been used to change the fortunes of the region favorably. But ironically, the reverse has been the case. This is quite sad. I recall that I stated in one of my writings that for meaningful development to come to the Niger-Delta region, its leaders must put the interest of the people at heart.

I say this for the fact that perpetrators of the rot in the agency are those that claim to be the political and traditional leaders of the region that are quick to grace the pages of newspapers on how the federal government is neglecting the region. At the same time, they are busy depriving the people of their commonwealth.

There is also an interesting revelation that indeed, these individuals have willing collaborators within the agency that are also beneficiaries of the rot in the system. This fact is also corroborated by the level of insider abuse that has characterized the operations of the agency. This fact even makes the job of repositioning the agency more daunting for Dr. Joi Nunieh.

I have nothing but admiration for her because of her determination to rewrite the history of the Niger-Delta region for good. The case of Dr. Joi Nunieh reminds me of Claudia Escobar, who grew up in Guatemala; Claudia Escobar learned early on what it’s like to live in a country marked by corruption and impunity. To make a difference and fight injustice, she became a magistrate at the Court of Appeals. But when she decided to speak up publicly against illegal interferences in the judiciary, her life changed dramatically. Escobar became the lead whistleblower in a case of grand corruption that implicated many high-ranking political officials, including Guatemala’s vice-president and the former president of Congress.

In her words, she stated that “Of course, I was afraid of the consequences. Immediately after I denounced this wrongdoing, the president, the vice president, and the congressman that I denounced started a campaign to intimidate and discredit me professionally.”

This is the case of Dr. Joi Nunieh that has found herself in waters filled with sharks that are lurking around with their mouths wide open, waiting to devour her by launching scathing campaigns against her person all in a bid to discredit her before the eyes of the general public.

My consolation is the fact the Nigerians and indeed discerning people of the Niger-Delta region would rise in her defense in completing what she has started in the NDDC. I have no doubt whatsoever as regards this because if we must make progress as a country, we must learn to put round pegs in round holes. This is also on the heels of her track record that dates back to her struggles for the emancipation of the Ogoni people with the late Ken Saro Wiwa.

To say she is fearless is an understatement. She is indeed an amazon whose impact would be felt across the board in the Niger-Delta region in the fullness of time. Those that think they can intimidate her should have a rethink as the more they attack her, the stronger she gets.

Her commitment to sanitizing the NDDC is fierce. This much she has exhibited so far since she assumed leadership of the NDDC. We must admit that it indeed takes much courage to effect a change in a system that has been heavily compromised over the years. I salute her courage in this regard and can only join millions of Nigerians in wishing her well in the task ahead.

In my opinion, what the country owes her is nothing but 100% support in the discharge of her duties. I know for sure that more campaigns would be launched against her all in a bid to demoralize and weaken her resolve to do the right thing in the NDDC. It is indeed my earnest prayer that she does not lose focus on this tedious task. This can only happen if the leadership of the country does not give her the needed support for no man is an island.

Dr. Joi Nunieh has displayed an infectious commitment that should elicit ovation from all and sundry for daring to take the bulls by the horns. If the majority of public office holders can be like her, then we can be sure of sustainable growth and development in the country. I salute her courage and encourage her to continue to weather the storm because it is not yet Uhuru. This is indeed an act of exceptional courage in governance.

Agada, a strategic communication expert wrote this piece from Abuja.