Issues
Tackling Nigeria’s Security Challenge
By most accounts, the current security challenges facing the
country make this period one of the most critical periods which Nigeria has
passed through as a sovereign nation.
Observers maintain that the period is somewhat akin to the
30-month old Nigerian civil war, adding, however, that the marked point of
departure is that the war was a conventional war, with known and identifiable
enemies.
In the recent armed struggle in the Niger Delta area, the
dramatis personae were known and this made it possible for the Federal
Government to introduce the Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta militants and
other programmes to boost the area’s development.
The leaders of the Niger Delta militants made known their
demands and entered into dialogue with the government and the discourse
resulted in the apparent peace in the region.
For Boko Haram insurgency, however, the situation is
entirely different. Though opinions are divided on whether to dialogue with
them or not, the main question is: “How does one dialogue with a masked group?’’
Moreover, analysts say that the country’s security agencies,
especially the army, have to devise innovative means of confronting the Boko
Haram challenge.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika,
alluded to this fact when he spoke at the 2012 Army Day Celebration.
The army chief stressed that the current security situation
necessitated a paradigm shift from the conventional warfare role of the army to
counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency roles, among others.
“The changes in our force structure, necessitated by spate
of security threats in the country, call for greater emphasis on functional and
mission-oriented training in order to improve Nigerian Army’s operational
efficiency,’’ he said.
Ihejirika also likened the current security situation in the
country to the Nigerian civil war, which threatened the existence of the
country.
“Apart from the civil war, at no other time in our nation’s
history has the army been tasked as in the current security situation in the
country,’’ he added.
He, nonetheless, gave the assurance that in spite of the
security challenges facing Nigeria, the country would not disintegrate.
Ihejirika noted that the army had always been in the
forefront of efforts to keep Nigeria as one country since independence in 1960.
“The army is still ready to pay the supreme sacrifice to
keep the country as one united entity.
“So, we should forget about any talk of Nigeria breaking up;
the army will never agree to that,’’ he stressed.
President Goodluck Jonathan also conceded that the country
had been facing serious security challenges, particularly in the last one year.
The president, who also spoke at the Army Day Celebration,
challenged the army high command to re-engineer and re-train the soldiers so as
to reposition them to effectively tackle the emerging security challenges
facing the nation.
He vowed that the Federal Government would use all resources at its disposal to provide adequate
security for the citizens.
Jonathan, who lauded the current interface existing among
the security agencies, stressed that a national anti-terrorism policy was now
in place.
All the same, opinion leaders and security experts hold
divergent opinions on the kind of approach that should be adopted to handle the
Boko Haram insurgency, the main security problem currently confronting the
nation.
Alhaji Hamma Misau, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of
Police, suggested that security agencies should make efforts to get across to
the sect’s leaders.
The retired police officer, however, advised security
operatives to desist from unduly harassing members of the public.
“If they treat the public in a civil manner, some of them
will be willing to feed the security operatives with important intelligence
data which can give a lead on how to reach the Boko Haram leaders for dialogue.
“Members of the Boko Haram sect are part of us; they live
among us. Therefore, it is important to reach them and dialogue with them so as
to know their grievances and address them,’’ he said.
Nevertheless, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, a former
Inspector-General of Police, blamed the security agencies for their inability
to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges facing the
country efficiently.
He blamed the current security challenges facing the country
on the inability of the security agencies to have accurate intelligence on
activities of militant groups.
“In the past, we have dealt with militant groups such as
Maitatsine in Kano and other parts of the country with the aid of efficient
intelligence,’’ he noted.
Coomassie claimed that the Boko Haram insurgency could be
addressed via “restricted dialogue’’ with the members of the sect, once the
government was able to ascertain its leadership.
However, Dr Lateef Adegbite, the Secretary-General, Nigerian
Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said that the Federal Government should
establish an amnesty programme for members of the Boko Haram sect.
He said that the sect’s members should be pacified rather
than punished.
“The Federal Government should do everything possible to
curtail their excesses; while those of them who are ready to embrace peace
should be granted amnesty,’’ he stressed.
Adegbite, who attributed the current security challenges
facing the country to poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, stressed that these
factors were usually responsible for armed struggles in any society.
The current security situation in the country was also
exhaustively discussed at the 8th All Nigerian Editors Conference, recently
held in Uyo.
Various speakers and contributors at the conference, whose
theme was “The Nigerian Editor and National Security’’, underscored the need
for editors not to publish themes that could jeopardise national security.
Mr Gbenga Adefaye, the President of the Nigerian Guild of
Editors, bemoaned a situation in which the country’s media had become targets
of terrorist attacks.
He, however, appealed to media practitioners to look beyond
their traditional information gathering and dissemination roles.
“Today, the main topic of national discourse is security,
even President Goodluck Jonathan publicly admitted that the security concern
has been a major distraction in his efforts to fulfil his campaign promise of
job creation,’’ he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of
Information, urged the media to rise above religious and ethnic sentiments in
their reportage.
“As a reporter in government, I am encouraged when I read
you but at times, I am also depressed.
“Whenever there is a major communal crisis in the country;
that is when I test the efficacy, nationalism and judgments of the press.
“You can read and know from newspapers which one is for
which camp; you can decipher from the front page which paper has some sympathy
for certain religious or ethnic groups.”
The minister appealed to editors to put the interest of the
nation above any selfish considerations.
Senate President David Mark, who was the guest of honour,
also advised editors to play down issues which had the tendency of jeopardising
national stability.
He opined that if journalists were mindful of sensitive
national issues, their reportage would not constitute threats to national
security.
Mark appealed to editors to always refer to the Freedom of
Information Act whenever they were in doubt about certain issues so as to know
which one constituted a threat to national security.
Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, noted that the conference’s theme aptly reflected the editors’
concern over the security challenges facing the country.
The Speaker, who was represented by his deputy, Rep. Emeka
Ihedioha, advised editors not to place the media owners’ interests above
national security issues.
The National Security Adviser, Alhaji Sambo Dasuki, however,
called for a total redefinition of the role of the media to make them more
responsive to issues affecting national security, without necessarily
jeopardising their commercial interests.
He urged journalists to strike a balance between national
security issues and the need to make profits.
“While I understand that the purpose of the media is to sell
their publications, it is also important to strike a balance when it comes to
reporting national security concerns,’’ he said.
Dasuki appealed to the media to refrain from heightening the
level of fear and insecurity in the country through sensational reportage.
Mr Ita Ekpeyong, the Director-General, State Security
Service (SSS), appealed to journalists not to encourage acts of terrorism in
the country via their reportage.
In his paper entitled: “Architecture of Terror”, Ekpeyong noted that most terrorists needed publicity for their nefarious activities, stressing that the media should refrain from giving undue publicity to acts of terror so as to promote national security.
“Since terrorists need sympathy, media reportage should not
aim at encouraging their despicable acts. The press should not give prominence
to issues which ought to be buried.
“National interest must be taken into consideration whenever
the press is reporting terrorism,’’ he stressed.
In spite of the current security challenges facing Nigeria,
many observers believe that the country has a lot to celebrate as it marks its
52nd independence anniversary.
“For a country that survived a civil war as a fledgling
nation, no security challenge can be insurmountable,’’ some of them add.
They, however, urge all the citizens to assist the security
agencies in efforts to contain the activities of some anti-social groups which
are currently posing threats to the country’s security.
Obike Ukoh, is of
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Obike Ukoh
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
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