Front Pix
Playing Politics With Nat. Security …How Not To Honour Nigerian Troops
When, following the terror attacks on the Twin-Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York September 11, 2001, United States President George. W. Bush described US security forces as unrivalled protectors’ of human lives and freedom; he was merely underscoring the vital role the armed forces play in the civilization of nations.
By their brief, such security men and women are charged with the responsibility of securing American lives and property. But in other instances, they are often in faraway lands either battling to protect American interests in other climes or helping to defend the natural liberties of men and women in political bondage.
To succeed, such men and women in uniform ought to be assured that their labours would not be in vain; that their families would not be abandoned in course of accidents or deaths. Most importantly, that they will be appreciated by their government and peoples.
It is this rare support that often stands out the average American soldier as one of the most patriotic, daring and caring in battle. It is indeed why most American troops put in their very best in line of duty and for which each American death is a national loss and indeed demonstrated as such.
There, the political class is often united on issues of national security and are not easily given to vain talks that not only demoralize their troops but indeed are capable of undermining American safety. Such is the level of maturity often displayed by politicians in the country whose democratic model Nigeria seeks to replicate.
Strangely, the Nigerian political class has yet to stand up to that high national expectation as what seems to matter the most to it, is political gains. And to achieve same, the average Nigerian politician can make all manner of comments without first pondering the ripple effects of such talks.
The other day, the Borno State governor inadvertently berated the Nigeria Army by alluding that the Boko Haram insurgents were better equipped and more inspired than the Federal troops.
The first question that came to mind was whose interest would a Boko Haram victory serve? Nigeria’s or some other country’s, or who suffers the ultimate loss of such defeat? President Jonathan?
Those who think in the line of the latter miss the point. A victorious Boko Haram can never be controlled with or without President Jonathan. Instead, like every monster groomed by man, it would out-grow its owners.
Not too long ago, Nigerian troops, in course of defending country and peoples in battle against Boko Haram were accused of genocide. Infact, some alluded that innocent Nigerians were being killed by the same soldiers that should protect them and indeed called on the international community to institute a probe.
Interestingly, countless Nigerian troops have lost their lives to the Boko Haram insurgency, through terrorists ambush and veiled attacks. None, no group of people has staged rallies in solidarity and support of the troops. None demonstrated against the danger the troops daily face and in particular, for those who lost their lives or were maimed in course of ensuring that others lived peacefully.
But as soon as the news broke that more than 200 students of Chibok School in Borno, had been abducted, politicians garbed as civil society groups found a strong reason to blame Nigerian troops and the Commander-in-Chief. Some even ordered government to ‘bring back our girls’, as if the girls were willingly sold out by either the troops or the government.
Apparently seeking same relevance after years of condoning what has grown to become Boko Haram, some politicians under the aegis of Northern Elders decided to tie the security challenges which Nigeria today face to the individual ambition of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. They infact issued an ultimatum saying, if the security issues were not totally cleared by October this year, incumbent President Jonathan should not seek re-election.
It is true that as President and Commander-in-Chief, Jonathan has the responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians and all others who live and do business in the country. The buck indeed stops at his desk. That is, where all things are equal.
Terrorism, by its nature thrives on fear mongering. It grows on people’s subservience and support. It is most destructive when potential targets are divided amongst themselves, as Nigerians are today.
But the biggest challenge of fighting terror is the seeming invincibility built around the terrorist and his tendency to build human shield around his bases. And because terrorists are not conventional armies, it requires proper intelligence, planning and probing to identify enemy targets and foes.
Even more disturbing is the fact that such terrorists are also Nigerians who move about freely during the day as civilians and soldiers at night. This means, if such ‘terrorists’ unknown to neighbours as such becomes a casualty, he would be described as an innocent Nigerian.
But perhaps the most delicate part of the troops’ challenges, is the expected release of the Chibok girls from captivity. The troops have repeatedly explained that using force would endeanger the lives of the girls, just as trading them for Boko Haram insurgents in custody is a fatal plan, as such insurgents would still remain a potent danger to society.
The troops have, instead, solicited the patience and understanding of Nigerians as they tinker workable ways of saving the girls:
In all this however, it must be understood, that fighting terror is a relatively strange responsibility that the Nigerian army is today saddled with. It will require time, training and capacity building to perfect the skills for the task.
It is not like prosecuting conventional warfare – identify enemy targets, pound and keep pounding until total surrender.
In the case of terrorists, they attack and return to basis, predominantly residential areas and use defenceless men, women and children as human shields. To spare such shields will be to spare the terrorists who will lives another day to inflict greater harm.
Yet to attack is to record civilian casualties and be accused of genocide.
This, indeed is not easy. It never has been in other lands. It took the whole of the Bush’s, two term US Presidency to search for Osama Bin Ladden, mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks on America. It took nearly four years of Obama’s Presidency to finally find and kill him; making nearly 12 years.
In Afganistan’ Iraq, Pakistain, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine among others, it has not been easy, because the peoples are divided by ethnic and religious divides. That division is what terrorism requires to thrive.
To fight and win the war against terror therefore, all Nigerians must forget their political and ethnic differences and persuations and rally round our troops in support and solidarity.
They must avoid comments and actions capable of heating up the polity and further polarizing the citizenry across Northern and Southern lines and across Christian and Moslem, divides.
All must appreciate the reality of the dangers we face: That terror has no real friend and that anyone could be a target.
This is why I find it regrettable that oldmen under the aegis of that Northern Elders Forum would rather than advance suggestions towards ending the insurgency tie it to the individual ambition of Jonathan, as if his non-involvement in 2015, will automatically bring to an end Boko Haram. Or will it?
My Agony is that the Northern Elders seem so certain that it will. What this means is that there is no need searching for sponsors of the terror group, who alone can determine when it dies. So, let them do the needful, not issue threats.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Kenneth Minimah and Suleiman Abba
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.