Nation
Beyond Partisan Opposition Of Boko Haram, Terror, National Security
When one of America’s most legendary civil rights advocates, Malcom X at the peak of his robust advocacy for good governance once said, ‘we owe our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have deferred,” he was merely highlighting the import of alternative views and solutions to human problems and challenges.
Indeed, it also underscores the dictum, none is a reservoir of knowledge and looking further inwards, a rehash of a popular Okrika proverb which says, “Bu bilema Mingi gborianga ani-boke” meaning, the tide that eventually submerges the mangrove rages from not a single source. Therefore, for any people or nation-state to conquer its environment, unshackle itself from lack of knowledge and provide the best in human enterprise and ingenuity that humanity itself can offer, it requires men and women with rare vision, patience and a ‘never-say-die’, spirit. These are those who find no limits to what humanity can achieve.
It is to such people, human civilization today owes most accomplishments by way of inventions and myth breaking. It is to those rare human minds that society owes gratitude for finding answers to most of human needs that seemed impracticable.
These are the pacesetters, inventors and opposition voices who at one time or another preferred different approaches to getting things done and who at moments of seemingly impossible search for the hitherto unknown or little-known, tarry on as positive non-conformists or simply unusuals. But in their creative unusualness emerged most of the inventions society today do enjoy, in science, technology and even politics.
Thomas Edison, the man credited with the invention of the electric bulb among others was unrelenting in his resilience in search for workable clues and answers. That was at a time; many thought that electric bulb would not add any extra value to human life. He was mocked, derided and despised but the positive deviant in him urged him on and not even 250,000 failed attempts as success could sway his resolve. Today, the value of the electric bulb is for all to behold.
As in science and technology so it is in politics, social engineering and indeed governance. In fact, Malcolm X’s theory was meant to engineer in the main, positive opposition that at all times, offers alternative view to societal notions. It is not merely for opposition sake. The main expectation instead is for such opposition to provide alternative views to existing issues urgently demanding societal appraisal and reappraisal.
With such pedigree, the term opposition no longer becomes individualised or institutionalized but a pendulum that swings around quality alternatives to human endeavours on trial. This means, in a country like Nigeria, should there exist a potent opposition built on ideology, not individuals and clicks, nationalism not the familiar desperation for political power and selflessness not the familiar do-or-die posture of being driven to action not by intellect or reason but by desires and appetites, no single political party should govern uninterrupted approval for more than 13 year. It is either that the opposition is content being opposition endlessly or it does not have viable alternatives so can’t provide what it lacks in viable ideas. It is either that the opposition is ethno-religious in character or too regional to source such highly needed national alternatives or it simply lacks the pedigree, intellectual property or the political push to drive such alternative views for the proper understanding and indeed acceptance of the ordinary voter.
Or worst still, may be, the opposition does not meet the expectations of the electorate as a viable alternative, therefore, the voter simply feels safer sticking with the known than the unknown. One of these or all, sum-up the picture of Nigeria’s leading political opposition which rather than work hard to be seen as a viable bank of better alternatives, spends ample time in vain and uninspiring criticism, without providing any meaningful options for societal good.
Nigeria’s supposed leading opposition, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is one example that conjures this horrible picture and still content that it lacks the wherewithal, integrity and reach to provide a national alternative yet seems desperate to lose its opposition leadership to an even more unwieldy, desperate, power hungry, horribly ambitious and intellectually no better political drivers, hopeful to rest power from a single political party which it wants to make the electorate believe Nigerians do not deserve.
To achieve that tall dream, the ACN and its many disunited, uncoordinated and desperate merger partners have been busy badmouthing virtually any and every government policy, programme or action without sitting back to weigh the implications of their vituperations, the effectiveness of their criticisms and more importantly the measure of attitudinal change their views have effected among Nigerians towards actualising a displacement of the status quo.
Among others, its ever squinting views on Boko Haram, national security and war on terror appear to many, a mixed bundle of confused, directionless outburst, seemingly voiced without proper thinking or simply voiced for criticism sake not bothered about the national security implication of such view-points.
After the United nations (UN) House bombing, in Abuja, among many others last year; the ACN blamed the Federal government for a lack of tactical resolve, dependable intelligence gathering ingenuity and short supply of inspiring political leadership as responsible for the thriving profile of the Boko Haram. It did not suggest any which better way it would have handled the situation, were it in power.
Early this year, when Boko Haram terrorists attacked Christian places of worship, parks and markets with high Igbo ethnic nationality casualties, raising national concerns for likely reprisals, ACN merely criticised the attacks but refused to call it a terrorist siege. It did not suggest which better way it would have fought the war except blaming the ruling government of indecisiveness in tackling insecurity in the land.
Last month, when irked by the increasing spate of terror attacks in key Northern cities, including Kano, Jos and Maiduguru, in which several were killed and public and private property destroyed, Federal Government opted to consider the terror siege as a war on the Nigerian state, the ACN again criticised any likely military force, but did not say what alternative was left.
Curiously, at the peak hours of the merger talks with the Gen Muhammadu Buhari-owned Conference for Progressive Change (CPC) with just a state, in control against others’ with 12 as soon as Northern political elements started the clamour for amnesty for Boko Haram, apparently moved by same dubious political considerations, the ACN quickly jumped at it in support, without suggesting what government must do for victims of the protracted Boko Maram terrorist siege. It was merely in support of Boko Haram amnesty without tinkering where funds would be sourced to finance such unsolicited amnesty, from Boko Haram perspective.
And only last week, when, as many as between 70 and 100 police officers on official duty in search of an ethnic militia cult leaders in Nasarawa State were ambushed and killed, forcing President Goodluck Jonathan to cancel his planned trip to Namibia after cutting-short his working visit to South Africa to be briefed on the security situation, all, the ACN was quoted as saying was to warn the Federal government against plans to impose a state of emergency in many Northern states of Nigeria. No suggestions on what government should have done to stem the orgy of violence and senseless killings, except the known grandstanding to posture itself as a better lover of Northerners than the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.
To its disappointment, President Jonathan, last Tuesday, evening declared state of emergency in the three states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno, but did not tamper with elected democratic structures as did former President Olusegun Obasanjo in similar circumstances, thus leaving ACN and others with little or nothing to feast on, in negative criticism.
But it seemed the ACN prepared its own opposition speech against the President’s expected broadcast long before the actual air-time when, it insinuated that the emergency rule was meant to dislocate democratic institutions, a suggestion that the nationwide broadcast later addressed to be untrue.
Even so, while, many well-meaning Nigerians; including governors of the affected states welcomed the Federal government’s decision as the most reasonable action to stem the reign of terror and reclaim Nigeria’s territory daily being annexed by foreign terrorists, with local connivance, the ACN stuck to its gun of unrestrained condemnation without offering alternative.
A week earlier, after spirited clashes between the terrorists and armed security men under the aegis of the Multinational Task Force on boarder surveillance in Baga, Borno State left several terrorists dead, the ACN in a statement had invited the International Criminal Court to charge the Nigeria defence institutions and of course, government with war crimes. There, again it made no viable suggestions on how to check the terrorists.
This is not the kind of opposition that can be seen as an alternative to the ruling party’s. It is instead one that makes the PDP, “the devil Nigerians know and are willing to stick to, than the self imposed angels Nigerians are still unsure to see. ACN and others in their emerging merger plans must present a better and more convincing manifesto that can make them national alternatives, not to shore-up as a band of shakeholders with shared political blocks to superintend and recoup such investments.
My Agony is that up till now, opposition politicians have not only failed to show character, drive and conviction as worthy alternative to the ruling government, they have made Nigeria the only thriving democracy where, government and opposition do not ever enjoy bi-partisanship even, on matters of national security, threatened by terrorists’ siege.
Some even say, many in their ranks could go the whole hug to sabotaging government efforts, if only to ensure their negative predictions not necessarily with a better opposite come true. That is not how politics should be played. National security should stand far above political sentiments and partisan adventurism. Period.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.
Donatus Ebi
The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.
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