Report: How The Buhari Administration Gained Control Of The Boko Haram Phenomena Since 2015

The sustained efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and as well as the political will exhibited by the President Muhammadu Buhari upon the assumption of office in 2015 was primarily responsible for the inroads the Nigeria military attained in the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria. This was contained in a report by the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) titled “The Battle Against Terrorism in Nigeria 2013-2018) which was released by CISS in December as part of its annual research work on critical sectors in Nigeria. 

The report which was signed by Professor Ahmed Danfulani, stated that the CISS undertook the research with a view to dissecting the trend of insurgency in Nigeria, its dynamics and sophistication of its operations and how the apparent invincibility of the sect have raised fundamental questions not only about military roles on national security but also on governance issues as well as on Nigeria’s corporate existence. 

The report revealed that, in spite of the setbacks the Nigeria Military had experienced in the battlefield, the Nigeria Army had made a significant breakthrough in breaking the ranks of Boko Haram fighters from 2015 with the advent of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration. 

The report stated that “The Buhari led administration has shown tremendous political will towards protecting lives and properties in Nigeria. The Nigerian Military has engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists in a battle for the soul of Nigeria. In the process, phenomenal successes have been recorded as indicated in the Global Terrorism Index.  It is, therefore, sufficing to state that all the remarkable successes recorded by the Nigerian Army under Lt Gen TY Buratai occurred between 2015 to date.” 

The five themed report captures the emergence, activities, mode of operation, ideology and the international dimension of Boko Haram. It also focused on the counter-insurgency attempts of the Nigerian military under former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari. Emphasis was on Civil-Military relations in Nigerians North East, as well as the response of Buhari led administration in curtailing the Boko Hara threat. 

“The state’s response to Boko Haram since 2009 has been characterized by extreme complexity, especially in regards to the relationship between federal, state, and local government levels, and the inevitable institutional tensions between security services – military, police, the State Security Service (SSS), and other governmental agencies – and civil society groups including traditional and religious institutions.” 

“The turning point of the Boko Haram insurgency occurred in 2009 after a four-day battle between Nigerian security forces and Boko Haram members in Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, and Borno state, all in northern Nigeria. The confrontation led to the death of over 800 suspected Boko Haram members including its leader Mohammed Yusuf and other high profile supporters of the sect including Alhaji Buji Foi, a former commissioner in Borno State, and Baba Fugu Mohammed, the 72-year-old father-in-law of Yusuf.” 

As regards government response to the Boko Haram threat under President Muhammadu Buhari, the report stated that “among his earliest acts in office was to replace the heads of the army, navy, and air force. The new army chief and the commanding officer in charge of operations against Boko Haram both hail from northern Nigeria, and by many accounts they have taken a more proactive approach than their predecessors toward countering the group. For example, they moved the army’s operational headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri and had deployed more long-range patrols in the region. Experts suggest that the army is now conducting more strategically-focused operations, such as those that target Boko Haram’s logistics routes.” 

According to the report, morale within the army has improved under the new leadership, and suitable conditions for the safe return of the more than two million people displaced by Boko Haram’s violence has been ongoing since 2015. 

“the Muhammadu Buhari administration has achieved much when pitched in direct comparison with the efforts of the former regime to manage the insecurity menace in the North Eastern region of the country where the insurgency has thrived over the years.”

This is however in contrast to the defense and foreign affairs report published by the International Strategic Studies Association. The report blames “corruption among higher-ups in the military high command for the faltering war against Boko Haram, and also that the Nigerian government had completely and comprehensively lost control of the engagement with Boko Haram and could show no instance when the government presently had tactical, theatre, strategic, or information dominance of any aspect of the conflict.” 

However, the CISS report counters the position of the ISIS report, which appeared hastily put together due to some factual inaccuracies and illogical conclusions noticed in its analysis. This was the case as it is evident that the present government had responded to the overwhelming activities of insurgency through soliciting international assistance to get rid of the domestic terrorism posed by the sect. 

“President Buhari also sought for greater support from other friendly nations to combat the challenges posed by the sect and also calling for the support of developed countries to assist in the area of intelligence gathering on the sect’s movements, training and sources of arms and ammunition.” 

The CISS report further stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda against corruption has ultimately resulted in more transparency and accountability in the persecution of the War against the Boko Haram Insurgency. 

“The administration started by replacing the upper echelon of the military, investigated the misappropriation of security funds by 300 companies, military officers and security personnel and even individuals connected to corrupt practices during the former administration. This “crackdown” encouraged the US to offer military aid to the country amid reluctance due to fears of human right abuses and widespread mismanagement of the Jonathan administration. 

“In a bid to strengthen trust and transparency in executing the War against terrorism between the military and the general public, the command center of Operation Lafiya Dole conducts a media briefing on the progress and setbacks of the operation.” 

A top security officer who pleaded anonymity stated that ISIS report might have been a sponsored work done by some sympathizers of the terrorist network to smear the image of President Muhammadu Buhari and by extension the service chief so it can lose the international appeal it has garnered since 2015. 

“Interestingly, we know where the report emanated from.  For a start, the supposed organization is not based in Nigeria and could not have been privy to the details it claimed in its report. And you cannot use days to research and produce a report, as evident in the report that was supposedly released in 28th December and was quoting an incident that happened the previous day, 27th of December” the source stated. 

Another top military source who didn’t want his name in print gave credence to the report by The Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS). He stated that though there are a few noticeable lapses, in the long run, the report conveyed facts in a most professional manner worthy of commendation.

Coalition Ask Nigerians To Hold Mansur Dan Ali And The Presidency Responsible For Killings In Zamfara State

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to hold the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali and the Presidency, especially President Buhari, responsible for the continuing killings in Zamfara State.

While addressing the media on Wednesday in Abuja, Comrade Yunusa Idris said that since the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous and clear that the primary responsibility of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens, President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should be reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be.

Below is the full text of the press briefing:

A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA ON THE WANTOM AND CONTINUING KILLINGS IN ZAMFARA STATE

Good afternoon Gentlemen of the Press.

On Wednesday 26th December, 2018, suspected bandits struck yet again in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of Nigerians who were murdered in cold blood in their farms while harvesting sweet potatoes. This murder is one too many of such series of murder in Zamfara State especially when the government is encouraging Nigerians to invest in Agriculture. Now, the farms are far from being safe.

The bandits made a return in the evening of Wednesday, 2018 and ransacked some villages around, unmolested and unperturbed. Most of the villages surrounding Birnin Magaji Local Government Area such as Ballaka, Tsalle, Gidan Kare, Katsinawa, Garin Boka and Garin Kaka are deserted due to repeated attacks by the bandits. Persons residing in such villages are now seeking refuge at the council headquarters and some other places.

Some of the LGAs mostly affected by armed bandits and cattle rustlers in Zamfara state includes; Tsafe, Zurmi, Shankafi, Maradun, Maru and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas.

Ironically, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali is from Birnin Magaji, One of the areas mostly ravaged by these unending attacks.

Now, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous and clear that the primary responsibility of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens.

We may wish to ask what could be happening in the case of Nigerian citizens resident in Zamfara State?

For how long would this level of unprecedented carnage continue unabated?

Mr. Mansur Dan Ali, who is the current Minister of Defence needs to provide answers to these unending killings in Zamfara state.

The Presidency must tell Nigerians why these mindless killings cannot be stopped and perpetrators made to face the full wrath of the law. This is no time for blame game as Nigerians are murdered in scores daily. Nigerians therefore require answers. Quick one at that.

Nigerians Minister of Interior, Rtd Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau needs to explain why the continuing killings in Zamfara state.

President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is by this medium reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be. The 2015 election victory of President Buhari was also premised on security. But very saddening, this security has consistently eluded the average Nigerian citizen.

As patriotic Nigerian citizens, the Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria therefore demand for answers to these very germane and pertinent questions as our right in not more than a fortnight of this press briefing. This is consequent to our mandate as Civil Society Organizations in furtherance to the sanctity of human life en route an enduring democratic ethos of the Nigerian state.

Thank you.

Comrade Yunusa Idris,

For the Coalition.

The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness Celebrates An ICON At 60

Osaro Onaiwu’s 60 Odysseys

Over the years, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has like old wine, mature into a rare and fine specie of those endowed with grace and are living gracefully.

Onaiwu, though a man of many parts, lives the conviction of his belief, one reason he has weathered not a few storms to remain a near-permanent feature of Nigeria’s political and social space.

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Edo state was born on December 23, 1958 in Benin City. A scion of educator parents reputed for their disciplinary streak, he attended Ogbe Primary School and Baptist High School, Benin City, Auchi Polytechnic majoring in Mass Communications and have attended several executive courses. 

Onaiwu is not only a successful business man but has a rich political resume, which started in the Second Republic. 

In 1983, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the famed former Governor of Old Bendel State, credited for the many legacy projects in Edo and Delta states.

In 2007, having washed his hands clean, the late former Vice-president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, appointed him as Special Adviser on Political & Public Affairs, a position he held until 2010.

Having ground himself in public organization with those and many other positions, Onaiwu was positioned to offer his patriotic service as coordinator, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from 2012- 2013; and later coordinator and then director general, PDP Governors’ Forum, in 2013 to 2015.

It was in this position that Dr. Bamaga Tukur, former PDP National Chairman 2013 – 2015, appointed him as Special Adviser on Governors and Government. 

In 2018, he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party and will be appointed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, sometime in August this year, as Special Liaison on State Matters. 

For many, the appointment was a crystallization of the long held notion in the political space that the Edo state born experienced politician and public administrator, understands the matrix of engagement with state governors and governments.

Before his active foray in politics, Onaiwu, who many of his followers call the Earl, had cut an enviable niche for himself on the social space with his sartorial taste and love for the arts and entertainment generally.

Owing to this, the Earl remains a toast of Nigerian entertainers as he provided a platform in the bourgeoning days of the country’s film and video industry to the upstarts.

The vehicle which he used to not only print his imprimatur as Nigeria’s primus inter pares in protocol services and events management, but to galvanise the top echelon of society is Red Carpet Protocols.

Over the years, Red Carpet Protocols became the signature for those who are keen on details to attention when planning their occasions.

The point needs to be made that Osaro’s odyssey – political and business-wise- has not come cheap but through dint of hard work, loyalty and commitment to excellence backed by the patience of learning, retooling and knowledgeable about timing. 

Over the years, he has demonstrated that he is a man of many parts; entrepreneur, socialite, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and fundamentally, a vehicle for the formation of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

In the early days when the governors were without a coordinating body to present a common front on issues affecting states, Onaiwu proposed a peer review mechanism to the then chairman of the NGF and his current boss, Senate President Saraki, where states can leverage on their economies of scale for accelerated development. Years on, his vision has lived on leading to his being a pivotal presence in the circle of governors over the years.

Speaking on what drives him in an interview recently, he said: “There is no shortcut to doing well in any human endeavour especially in wanting to serve your people. You need to have vision, focus and sincerity of purpose and for you to do that you have to put in your energy, drive, passion, creativity and loyalty or commitment if you like.”

It is something of a cheer that he sees the solution in every challenge. Little wonder he cringes when others find fault rather than seek for answers. According to him, it is common for people to lament, point out faults of a system that is not working but rarely offering clear perspectives on solutions.

And true to his conviction, as a governorship candidate, his motto was ‘Solution!’

As he clocks 60 this Sunday, there is little doubt that this man who towers imposingly as Nigeria’s Number 1, protocol impresario is not your normal run-of-the-mill politician with all sorts of baggage. He has managed to stay the course, eschewing political divisions, shunning religious schisms and the temptation of filthy lucre.

A true and passionate family man, it is only fitting to say, may you continue to sail the winds like Odysseus and always come up with the crown.

Those Calling For My Sack Are Agents And Merchants Of Corruption - Obono-Obla

....Fires back at the House of Representatives resolution

The Chairman, Special Presidential Investigation Panel, SPIP, Okoi Obono-Obla has hit back at the House of Representatives saying the allegedly certificate forgery and corruption is hogwash, balderdash and absolute rubbish. 

It will be recalled that the House of Representatives also urged the president to dissolve the panel headed by Obla, requesting that the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, be effectively utilized to perform the function meant for it in the anti-corruption fight.

"It is a hatchet job by agents and merchants of corruption and graft that have looted our country for the past 19 years to intimidate, hound and harass me! But it will not work for them! It is even ridiculous to make such a call, Obono-obla said. 

He went further; "They are agents of looters that I have investigated. Is the House of Representatives the Police? I left University 30 years ago. I graduated and went to Law School. I left Law School in 1990 and was called to Bar in June 1991. 

"The university screened me and awarded me a Degree  after deeming me worthy and after fulfilling the entry requirements.  I wrote JAMB and scored excellent grades in all the subjects I wrote.  

"It is a blackmail contrived by looters and their agents using the House  of Representatives. I have even filled a suit in Court challenging the power of the House of Representatives to conduct such an investigation. But characteristically, the agents of impunity still went ahead to conduct their so call investigation. 

"It is a hatchet job with a premeditated mission. So the so called report is illegal and unconstitutional. 

Obono-obla further reiterated; "Let me inform Nigerians how this people work.  All the members of the House of Representatives Committee that purportedly investigated me were cohorts of some members of the National Assembly I was investigating.  One of them openly boasted that for daring to investigating some powerful people in the National Assembly I will be dealt with. It is a reaction to my press conference early this week where I informed Nigerians that my Panel has forwarded the names of those under it investigation to the Nigeria Immigration Service to implement the travel ban stipulated by the Executive Order No 6 of 2018 for those under trial and investigation for corruption and abuse of office.  

"I must be a genius to pass through University and Law School, practice Law for more than two decades without a “school certificate”. The whole issue is really laughable but it is sad the extent to which corruption can fight back, Obono-obla concluded. 

Coalition Calls On EFCC To Release Or Charge Malam Daudu Lawal To Court Over Bribe Allegations

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on the Economic. Financial Crime Commission to release or charge one Malam Daudu Lawal, a Governorship aspirant of Zamfara State to court instead of keeping him in detention without trial. 

In a press statement on behalf of the  Coalition,  Comrade Yunusa Idris, said it is wrong for the EFCC to allow Adams Oshiomole who received bribe worth $50million to be walking freely despite DSS indictment on him. 

Excerpt is the full statement from the coalition:

A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOG OF NIGERIA ON THE INTRIGUES OF THE EFCC, MALLAM DAUDU LAWAL AND ADAMS ASHIOMHOLE.

One of the cardinal objectives of President Mohammadu Buhari's administration is hinged on its determination to eradicate corruption in Nigeria or at least reduce it to the barest minimum. This ethos was largely embraced by all and sundry - thus, the erstwhile administration perceived by many Nigerians to be riddled with corruption was pushed out via the 2015  protest vote against wide spread corruption in the country.

Now, major issues that culminated the APC primary elections across Nigeria was the unprecedented wide spread corruption allegations against its National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The bribery allegations against Oshiomhole runs in excess of 50 million US dollars. This whooping sum was contributed from several states which includes: Imo, Ogun, Zamfara, etc. All these prompted the quizzing by the DSS and consequent report by the secret service.

Again, the EFCC under Mr Magu had last week invited Malam Daudu Lawal, a Governorship aspirant of Zamfara state who allegedly has given a bribe of 17m US Dallas to the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. Malam Daudu Lawal has been detained in EFCC custody since last week without being charged to court. Adams Oshiomhole who allegedly received the 17m US Dollars as bribe has not been invited by the anti graft agency (the EFCC), let alone being charged to court. Both the giver and the receiver are equally culpable. That is the law. Anything short of this tantamount to an aberration of our laws and a kangaroo arrangement.

Consequent to the above therefore, Nigerians reserve the right to know the reasons for the following actions:

1. Why Adams Oshiomhole has not been invited by the EFCC and charged to court even with multiple corruption allegations dangling round his neck for an administration that was voted based on the anticorruption pedigree even when one Bishop Ochei from Edo state had on October 28, 2016 petitioned the EFCC against Oshiomhole on his activities while the Governor of Edo state.

2.  What has indeed become of the DSS report on the litany of Oshiomhole's bribery allegations.

3.  Why Mallam Daudu Lawal is still in the EFCC detention without being charged to court.

4. Why the alleged bribe giver is being incarcerated in the EFCC custody while the alleged receiver is moving freely unperturbed and unmolested  for a party that preaches war against corruption.

5. Could it be that Oshiomhole is being shielded by the powers that be against the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

For these questions, millions of Nigerians reserve the right to get answers in a nation that belongs to all of us.

We as a coalition of CSOs would keep monitoring events as is unfolds.

Thank you.

Signed:

Comrade Yunusa Idris,

For the coalition.

Group Threaten To Mobilize 10million Nigerians Against INEC Submergence Over Zamfara APC Primaries

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on the Independent National  Commission (INEC) to await the decision of the court instead of hurriedly fielding a government candidate  for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State. 

While addressing the press in Abuja, Comrade Yunusa Idris who spoke on behalf of the coalition warned INEC that the coalition would not fail to mobilize 10 million Nigerians against the submergence and treat to democracy,  if Professor Yakubu and his team attempts to truncate the rule of law and the neutrality of INEC by aligning with any directives that undermines the Independence and neutrality of INEC. 

Below is the full statement from the coalition:

A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has been watching with keen interest the unfolding events as it affects the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the supposed neutrality of the Electoral Management Body and the INEC Chairman, Professor Mamood Yakubu on the purported neutrality and the candidature of Zamfara State APC.

Election primaries held in Zamfara state as attested by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Zamfara state, 2 AIGs, Zamfara Commissioner of police, DSS, etc. But because the primary election did not favour an anointed candidate from the Presidency, INEC was rather too quick to announce that Zamfara state APC cannot field candidates even while the concluding primaries was ongoing.

Pursuant to the provisions of section 31 and 87 respectively of the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended), INEC ought to have exhausted the duration for primaries before placing a restraint on the APC.

Again, the contending individuals has gone to court on this matter. It is only compliant to the rule of law that governs modern democracy that INEC waits for the judgment on this matter before fielding any candidate.

As Nigerian Citizens, we may wish to ask the following questions:

1.        Why was INEC so much in a hurry to issue a statement against an       ongoing primary election? Could it be that the outcome of the primary did            not favour the Minister of Defence who wants to be a Governor at all cost?

2.        Why is INEC  under pressure from the Presidency to adopt Mr. Mansur        Muhammad Dan-Ali, the Minister of Defence as the APC Governorship          candidate of Zamfara State even while the court is yet to pronounce     judgment?

This matter stands as a litmus test for the Professor Mamood Yakubu led INEC as Nigerians are observing with the International community showing keen interest on the mockery being perpetrated on the most populous black democratic nation of the world.

By this medium, we wish to sound a note of warning on INEC which is funded by tax payers money that our coalition would not fail to mobilize 10 million Nigerians against this submergence and treat to our democracy if Professor Yakubu and his team attempts to truncate the rule of law and the neutrality of INEC by aligning with any directive/s that undermines the Independence and neutrality of INEC.

Thank you.

Signed:

Comrade Yunusa Idris.

For the coalition