SPY NIGERIA: Opinion

Yusuf Buratai: Times and Life of a Legend, BY BUKOLA OLASANMI

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 Yusuf Buratai, just like his son, served the military, with distinction, honor and valour. Little was known about his birth and early childhood, however, In 1942 Alhaji Yusuf Buratai (Senior) the father of current COAS joined the West African Army at the tender age of 18. He fought in World War II in 1945, especially the war in Burma.<br />
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Yusuf Buratai, was a non commissioned officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force and World War II veteran.  Buratai, joined the West African Army in 1942.<br />
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 The Burma Campaign in the South-East Asian theatre of World War II was fought primarily between the forces of the British Empire and China, with support from the United States, against the forces of the Empire of Japan, Thailand, and the Indian National Army. British Empire forces peaked at around 1,000,000 land, naval and air forces, and were drawn primarily from British India, with British Army forces (equivalent to 8 regular infantry divisions and 6 tank regiments), 100,000 East and West African colonial troops, and smaller numbers of land and air forces from several other Dominions and Colonies.<br />
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 The Burmese Independence Army was trained by the Japanese and spearheaded the initial attacks against British Empire forces. Buratai Senior later joined the services of escorting ships from Lagos to Cotonou and Cape Town in South Africa.<br />
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The 115-year-old war veteran died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital where he was being treated for undisclosed ailment. Buratai, who fought in World War II, is survived by one wife, 15 children and many grandchildren.<br />
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Those who knew Yususf  Burati back in the days continued to tell tales of his courage and valour . While in the service of escorting ships from Lagos to Cotonou and Cape Town in South Africa, Yusuf was described as a very fearless, disciplined and highly professional officer.<br />
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This certainly explains why President Buhari  in a statement commiserating with his family stated that his service to Nigeria will always be appreciated and remembered. He further noted that Buratai’s years of service to the nation epitomised by courage, skill, determination and devotion has been rightly bequeathed to his son, who is diligently serving the nation.<br />
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He saw action during the Second World War and fought gallantly. He is a highly respected community leader  and an opinion leader of great repute. He will not be forgotten in a hurry. At community level he is seen as a vibrant leader who was a great promoter of peaceful co-existence, development and the unity of the country.<br />
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The successful career of his son in the military has been severally attributed to proper upbringing by him. Little wonder,  Buratai junior is going down in history as  one of Nigeria most revered army chief in Africa and indeed, the world at large; he has reached a grand pinnacle with his numerous achievements, leading the Nigerian Army to completely decimate the Boko Haram menace which threatened the very existence of the nation. Though, the heights great men like Buratai reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night and also got directions from veterans like his father.<br />
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Tukur Yusufu  Buratai, the illustrious son of late Yusuf Buratai is a Nigerian Lieutenant general and the current Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2015.  He was commissioned in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative, and instructional appointments.

Opinion Yusuf Buratai: Times and Life of a Legend, BY BUKOLA OLASANMI

Yusuf Buratai, just like his son, served the military, with distinction, honor and valour. Little was known about his birth and early c...

Buratai: World World II Legend Goes Home

09:37 Staff 0

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<b>BY OKANGA AGILA </b><br />
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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."<br />
-George Orwell<br />
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War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.<br />
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This is the story of a legend that proved that Africa and indeed Nigeria could hold its own even in the international arena. Enter the world of Baba Yusuf Buratai, a veteran of the World War two, a legend who despite all odds made his mark in his lifetime, and not only that, he left behind a legacy in the mould of a gift to humanity and Nigeria, which is the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.<br />
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Baba Buratai may have crossed to the great beyond, but his legacies would ever remain fresh in our hearts. For those who knew him, one thing was constant. He was a man of unequal bravery and dedication. He believed in the unity of Nigeria and humanity. He fought for peace to reign in his lifetime. Though not an academic, his counsels stood germane then, now and would continue in the future.<br />
Little wonder the exploits of his son, Lt. General Tukur Buratai in the current fight against the Boko Haram Insurgency. When Lt.General Tukur Buratai took over the helms of affairs of the Nigerian Army, many didn’t know his background as the son of a World War 2 veteran. Not many knew he was a man of steel. Not many knew he had a mentor who had shared war memoirs with him. Not many knew his antecedents and doubted his ability to deliver on the job.<br />
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In some quarters, it is said that Baba Buratai bequeathed his son to Nigeria in 1981 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He carefully watched his progress in the Nigerian Army. He was always there to render advice to him. And one of which was to be loyal to his superiors and constituted authority.<br />
Given the sweep of his life, the scope of his accomplishments, the adoration that he so rightly earned, it’s tempting I think to remember Baba Buratai as an icon, smiling and serene, detached from the tawdry affairs of lesser men. In his lifetime, he taught the power of action, but he also showed us the power of ideas; the importance of reason and arguments; the need to study not only those who you agree with but also those who you don’t agree with.<br />
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For the entire Buratai family, for those he inspired in Borno and other parts of the country, Baba Bauratai’s passing is rightly a time of mourning, as well as a time to celebrate a heroic life.  But it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection.  With honesty, regardless of our station or our circumstance, we must ask:  How well have I applied his lessons in our own lives?<br />
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One of Baba’s greatest legacies remains his contributions to humanity as a WW2 Hero, who saw to global peace for all humanity.  We all know of his record as a soldier, and he was a tough soldier. Baba was a man of the land. He defended this nation like a lion, and he taught its children to swing a scythe. He was a military legend in his lifetime, and he indeed passed the baton to his son, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu  Buratai, who has graciously continued to do the nation proud in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.<br />
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Baba was indomitable; he had a north star that guided him. A north star from which he never deviated. His north star was the survival of the Nigerian nation. Nigeria has indeed lost a dear man and a bold warrior. We are therefore consoled by the fact that Baba lived to witness some of the most significant exploits of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai and the humbling of Boko Haram in his lifetime.<br />
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In some instances, Baba felt like returning to the battlefront to confront the Boko Haram Insurgents, but strength failed him. His consolation was that his son was leading the onslaught, which brought him happiness.<br />
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We stand with our country and the rest of the world to mourn with the Chief of Army Staff, the Buratai family, and the entire nation. If wishes were horses, Baba would remain with us. But who are we to question God? But we are consoled with his exploits here on earth and the legacies he left behind. We are also comforted by the fact that his son, Lt. General TY Buratai indeed proved himself worthy of leading the war against the Boko Haram Insurgents.<br />
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While Baba might not be with us in the flesh, he remains with us in spirit. We use this medium to assure the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai that his efforts towards keeping Nigeria one would not go in vain. We also want to charge him to continue his good works and never to relent. If not for anything, to continue to make Baba proud wherever he is.<br />
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We also know that the entire Buratai family has lost a great patriarch. We console with them. May Allah SWT grant you and your family sabr (sabar) in this challenging time and reward you with Khair both in this world and the next. Ameen. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul-Firdaus and forgive his sins. May He make his grave a place of comfort and light. Ameen.<br />
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May Almighty Allah dwell him in Jannataul-Firdaus, the most beautiful paradise. May Allah SWT in his mercy, grant him rest, may his grave be a part of Jannatul Firdaus and an abode of light. May Allah make him pass successfully in all the stages of the life after death. Ameen.<br />
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OKANGA sent in this Tribute from Agila, Benue State.

Opinion Buratai: World World II Legend Goes Home

BY OKANGA AGILA "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf....

Making the Post Insurgency War A New Focus, BY RICHARD MURPHY

10:17 Staff 0

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Anyone that still doubts that Boko Haram has been defeated would have to watch the latest video released by Abubakar Shekau, the sociopath leader of the terror group - or read up the English transcription of the rant. For Shekau to have declared  in the ten-minute video that “I am tired of this calamity; it is better I die and go to rest in paradise” says a lot about the morale of whatever is left of the nest of killers that once straddled the north-east of Nigeria.<br />
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He may still be making threats, and citing recent events that appropriately dated the video, but his near lack of coherence attests to the pressure under which the defeat of Boko Haram has placed him, hence the desire and preference for death. While he may be making taunts about Sambisa Forest, creating the impression that he and his minions still control the location, the reality is that Shekau is eager to throw the military of the scent of his actual location. A national newspaper had reported that Shekau and other insurgents had relocated to in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.<br />
However, this capitulation by the terrorist does not call for jubilation as it only spells the need to take the counter-insurgency war into a new phase. Far from waxing celebratory in the face of Shekau's admission of calamity for his group the new focus should be the post-insurgency war, which is a blend of many things to not only seal the defeat of Boko Haram's terrorism but to also ensure that the kind of ideology that bred the reign of terror previously unleashed on Nigeria is never again to thrive in the country again. This requires that decision makers are resolute and innovative in the choices they make going forward.<br />
First is the issue of funding. Financing to place the Nigeria Military at an optimum level to counter threats must not be cut down simply because we see that Boko Haram has been defeated. If anything, spending on hardware and troop welfare must be improved to a level where there are resources to expand the capabilities of the Armed Forces, like locally building drones and small warheads that can be used to patrol areas where remnant of the terrorists may again attempt to regroup.<br />
Secondly, the deradicalization programme must be expanded to go beyond surrendered or captured Boko Haram members. Some of those that had joined forces with the terror group might not need too much persuasion to give up the madness since they would have found out that living as an outcast in the desert is not as romantic as Boko Haram recruitment propaganda make it seem. The new target is to identify at-risk persons with a view to reaching out to them before they join the group. Persons that have links with preachers known to be sympathetic to the cause of Boko Haram are good candidates for such programme.<br />
Also, much as Shekau has renewed his death wish in the new video, the military must decide whether granting his request is the better thing to do, bearing the long term in mind. Should he be killed in battle, there is every tendency for his followers to elevate him to the level of a prophet, a martyr whose grave or place of death could become a shrine to the depraved. Should he be arrested, a wave of abductions by whatever is left of his followers could follow as they would attempt to force the government into negotiating his release. The best way of sending Shekau into inconsequence without a backlash must therefore be prioritize in the post insurgency war.<br />
Furthermore, the modus operandi of Boko Haram must have necessarily transformed from what it was even as recently as twelve months ago. Particular note must be made of the call by Shekau for terrorist sympathizers that "Wherever you are, even if you are in Saudi Arabia, and you have your gun, please stand up and fight, kill whoever you see that is not on our side." This call must be reviewed against the spate of killings by gunmen across the country, which has been explained so far as "armed herdsmen". The interrogation of the spate of killings should be informed by the fact that some of the gunmen have no cattle and may as well be Boko Haram members executing a new mandate from their sick leaders. Shekau's charge of "Kidnap and bring them to us" should also be investigated to be sure that the orgy of kidnaps in certain parts of the country are not related to Boko Haram members on revenue drive.<br />
The military must equally take a critical look at their offer of surrender to defeated insurgents. The offer cannot remain on the table forever. A timeframe must be given following which troops should step in to liquidate any terrorist that is persists on treading the path of evil; once deadline is past surrendering for reintegration should be off the table.<br />
On the part of the Federal Government, rebuilding efforts in the north-east should be accelerated so that the region can again go back to being a vibrant economic hub. The rebuilding efforts itself should have poverty reduction embedded in it so that what has been identified as one of the factors that aided the spread of Boko Haram can be addressed at a foundational level.<br />
These are initiatives the Nigerian Army must seize as elections are around the corners again and the terrorists and their financiers will look to exploiting that to their advantage to attempt regrouping. The Army must make Nigerians take ownership of the post-insurgency war because it theirs to win; citizens are in vantage position to turn in fleeing terrorists and the opinion leaders among them can help amplify the message to them to surrender.<br />
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Murphy is a security expert based in Calabar.

Opinion Making the Post Insurgency War A New Focus, BY RICHARD MURPHY

Anyone that still doubts that Boko Haram has been defeated would have to watch the latest video released by Abubakar Shekau, the sociopat...

Assessing Haruna ‘s Change Mantra In NASENI, BY BEST AGBESE

10:14 Staff 0

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Nigerians have held President Muhammadu  Buhari on public accountability strictly on his professed sobriquet of “Change mantra,” in the administration of Nigeria.  Before May 2015, there was a unanimous consensus among Nigerians that the country had slipped into very dangerous abyss of ennui, where virtually all public institutions and agencies collapsed pathetically, amid mounting problems.<br />
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Therefore, President Buhari ascended the Presidency of Nigeria on the banner of a reformer and redeemer, with a vow to change the narrative positively.<br />
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And frantically, all civilized nations assume the status through the development and promotion of science and technology. However, its application in Nigeria was not only abandoned, but regrettably disappeared from the binoculars and psyche of national planners or policy makers.  President Buhari’s retention of the Ministry of Science and Technology, after trimming down the number of ministries sent his signals to pull back Nigeria from this regressive obscurity of Science and technology in national life.       <br />
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Hitherto, some federal agencies like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) were cold- dead agencies, which existed only in nomenclature and a huge staff base. NASENI, with a gargantuan mandate ought to have been the bedrock of the development of science and technology, failed to register its presence in tackling the multifaceted challenges of a technology-driven economy of Nigeria.<br />
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But the mindset and focus of Mr. President has rejigged the tale. And in NASENI specifically, an agency mandated to provide engineering infrastructure to effectively service the nation’s technological needs in consumables’ has attuned into the “change mantra” code.<br />
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The last two years have ingrained silent ineradicable footprints in bravura development of home-grown technology, spanning many sectors. The awe-inspiring breakthroughs are already transforming the lives of Nigerians in some communities. Surprisingly too, the agency has its eyes eagerly fixed on erecting a platform of launching Nigeria into the prestigious clan of technologically endowed countries of the world soonest.<br />
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Nigeria’s glorious songs in technological advancement have been ennobled by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, (EVC/CE), Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna and his team. They are quietly exploring the several windows abound in the agency to redesign the face of Nigeria in the application of its indigenous knowledge of science and technology to provide solutions to national problems. <br />
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And in the last couple of years, even with little resources at his disposal, Professor Haruna’s innovations in research and development, commitment and unyielding exploration of fresh grounds have posted confounding  results. It has surged  NASENI, a once decrepit agency into national cum international limelight, with breathtaking technological  inventions and creativity, which are proudly Nigerian.<br />
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An archetypal, professional engineer cum administrator per excellence, Prof.  Haruna, has dramatized his ingenuity in leadership of the agency,  in consonance with  President Buhari’s leadership of Nigeria. Buhari , who is the Executive Chairman and doubles as chairman, Governing Board of NASENI . <br />
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The EVC/DG has placed the agency and its dozen institutes, perpetually on a fast rewarding lane of productivity as exposed  in this interview that “NASENI has continued to design and fabricate products that have bettered the lives of Nigerians and also transferred these technologies to SMEs.”<br />
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Like President Buhari, Professor Haruna unmistakably blends words with action and the vaults of NASENI under the few years of his leadership display admirable and fascinating treasures in indigenous technology. An ardent apostle of the Executive Order on Local content, the EVC has struck partnerships and synergies with local partners in enhancing the work of the agency.  <br />
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He has leveraged on the commonplace technological void, which afflict Nigerians, but attract huge foreign exchange expenditure to deliver his message of emancipation to Nigerians.   The agency’s shadows now roam splendidly in power, industrial, education, agriculture, transport sectors as well as in mechanical re-engineering of the electronic voting system.      <br />
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It is to NASENI’s credit that some Nigerian communities now regale in micro-power generation liberty with the development of locally researched and produced Small hydropower (SHP) Propeller Turbines of three different models.  The brainchild   of the Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI), the Turbines are already effectively supplying 10 KW   electricity to communities, like the  Awara Dam facility in Ikare, Ondo state.<br />
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To demonstrate his leadership prowess, NASENI under Haruna  has  crazily romanced  technology in many novel ways. The Ikeji-ille Ijesa community in  Osun state is  powered by the agency’s Cross Flow Turbine , which generates up to 70 KW of electricity. And likewise, the Mada Community at Gudi hamlet, in Nasarawa state has continued to celebrate a 5 KW Kinetic Turbine installed for power supply.<br />
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 And further deconstructing the underbelly of hydro-power generation in Nigeria, NASENI has also developed a 10 KW Propeller Turbine, whose capacity to generate power is merely pressure from a  pipe -borne water source.<br />
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But with eyes set on long targets, Professor Haruna  has  reactivated and upgraded the  5 MW Solar panel manufacturing plant at Karshi, Abuja  and converted into a limited liability company  renamed as NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL). At the moment,   NSEL produces solar panels and modules for Nigerians. It has also developed a high voltage testing laboratory, a vital component or unit for all power generation companies.<br />
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And by 2019,  through a partnership with a firm in China, its capacity is planned to jerk up to 25MW and,  an increased   local content targeted to jump from 40- 95 percent, to land a  mass production of cheaper solar panels and power transformers for domestic uses and   exportation to  other African nations.<br />
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The agricultural sector, which is another prime sector President Buhari has targeted for attaining food security and self-sufficiency, in the bid to diversify Nigeria’s mono-economy, NASENI has registered imprints. Professor Haruna has actualized the development of efficient Deep Well hand pumps and centrifugal pumps for irrigation purposes in the pursuit of all-year farming agenda of Nigeria.<br />
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Through the technique of reverse engineering, the agric sector is also infested with other goodies, as farmers can now boast of mobile cassava graters, rice threshers and harvesters,   yam pounding machines, fish dryer, table top seed oil mills for easy extraction of oil from various genetic seeds.<br />
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However, NASENI has pleasantly shocked Nigerians by pioneering the development of first made- in Nigeria passenger and cargo tricycles with improved features. These are low cost vehicles, and designed for the convenience of rural dwellers, intended to solve the haunting problems of haulage of agric produce from rural areas to urban market centers.<br />
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It like, the EVC has a knack for scoring first.  So, the Haruna  led agency has also produced the first made- in Nigeria motorcycle, with 65 percent of its components locally sourced.  And plans are in top gear to commence mass production anytime from now.<br />
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Nigeria’s industrial sector is experiencing a blaze of glorious moments and products.   NASENI has launched multiple mud brick making machines and   Injection nozzles. it is producing  machine components/spare parts and molds, which has sent a message to the outside world that  the  indigenous importation racket would soon be broken.  Added, there is NASENI engineered Laterite Grinders as well as  Laterite Mixers,  whose proficiency is comparable to foreign ones and a lot similar interventions in the offing. <br />
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And  in order to vacate the perennial problem of electoral malfeasances prevalent in Nigeria and Africa generally, through credible polls, a unique  solar-powered electronic voting machine (e-voting machine)  has been  developed. It has cloud-based collation of election results devices anywhere.  Some, other outstanding features of the e-voting machine ensures and guarantees all segments of elections on the same day and   time, much as conveying electronically, flawless or indisputable results.<br />
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These days, national agencies and institutions like the Nigeria Airforce (NAF) have found NASENI convenient a destination for personnel and technicians training in networking tools and techniques in line with the Executive Order on local content for goods and services.  This was impossible in the past, as foreign trainings would have usurped such roles for lack of a suitable, viable and functional internal agency like NASENI to render such services. <br />
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It is therefore, pertinent to buttress that Professor Haruna’s leadership of NASENI is configured after President Buhari’s mindset and actions in tandem with the “change mantra.”  To understand that despite the poor funding of the agency, he has been able to promenade the agency on the path of unprecedented development is commendable.<br />
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 Nigeria is craving for the sort of quality and focused leadership offered by Professor Haruna  as the helmsman of  NASENI.  Its quite amazing that the results as manifest in work done is far beyond the limits of federal resources at its disposal. It again, trumpets Buhari’s message of inward search for solutions to Nigeria’s problems by the different heads in the lower rungs of leadership.     <br />
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No wonder, this devout and result-oriented leader, has earned the confidence of the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, another scientific guru. He has entrusted Professor Haruna with chairmanship of various committees in the ministry to illuminate the path of development in science and technology for Nigeria.<br />
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Agbese holds a Master of Science in Oil and Gas Engineering from Coventry University, United Kingdom.

Opinion Assessing Haruna ‘s Change Mantra In NASENI, BY BEST AGBESE

Nigerians have held President Muhammadu Buhari on public accountability strictly on his professed sobriquet of “Change mantra,” in the ad...

Obasanjo Intervention: Nigeria Needs A Restructured Mind Not A Third Force (READ)

13:02 Staff 0

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T<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">ruth, in the words of Thomas Aquinas, is the agreement of what is in the mind with what is on the lips. Considering this remark in relation to the truth as told by the former President, Chief Olusegun  Obasanjo in his memo to President Buhari, and the ripple reactions that followed, one may be tempted to view the letter as more of a connotation than ordinary. Though, an interesting argument, but again, may not be true as the former president is well known as an open, straight talker, who cares less about strategy or diplomacy.</span><br />
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To Obasanjo, the letter was not aimed at impressing anyone, but it did impressed. It was not targeted at winning a cheap political point, instead, focused on restoring hope to the masses while providing political access to direction – hungry politicians. Interestingly, the memo has attracted similar ones with the latest coming from another former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Conversely, the well-chiseled letter excelled in the issues raised but, suffered structural deformity in strategy/action plan proffered. The call for, and decision to lead a coalition to save Nigeria by the author in my views is not well thought out as it points to another round of ‘political crop rotation. The caliber of dignitaries that graced the inaugural ceremony of the coalition and Obasanjo’s statement that the coalition will work with some relevant political parties underscores this assertion. Again, the composition of the group so far, and the support structure further points to the age long palace ;Problem Has Changed Name’ (PHCN).</span><div style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 23px;">
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No doubt, OBJ.  as an elder statesman, propelled by ‘’ holy anger’ needed to effect a positive change coupled with the   burning love for his country, has done the needful by igniting the needed consciousness but forming or leading a coalition may be an off-side role.</div>
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The world has witnessed great leaders such as Lyndon Johnson, a onetime President of the united state of America stopped from seeking a second term in the office by virtue of such letters. Notably, it was after such a letter condemning his poor handling of the war against the Vietnamese that he (Lyndon) issued a statement which read in parts ‘’I shall not seek and, I will not accept the nomination of my party as president’’. The rest is now history and who knows?</div>
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The memo and not the coalition remain the most dynamic and cohesive action expected of a past leader like OBJ to earn a higher height of respect. Therefore, the knowledge gained, and awareness created via the letter will assist Nigerians in the pursuit of their political destiny without the orchestrated coalition. To further support my voiced opinion, ‘a tree generally bears no colourful flowers, but if decked with false blossoms, it can look like something it is not’. Similarly, the call for the coalition, from observations so far, is nothing but an assemblage of outsmarted ‘old horse riders in a rebranded package.</div>
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Specifically more interesting is his  remark on the ‘lice of poor performance in government- poverty, insecurity, poor economic management, nepotism, gross dereliction of duty, condonation of misdeed-if not outright encouragement of it, lack of progress and hope for the future, lack of national cohesion and poor management of internal political dynamics and widening inequality’’.</div>
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 Going by reports, the memo has started bearing fruits with President Buhari’s recent comment that he will no longer accept mindless killings while celebrated corruption cases now receives attention.</div>
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However, Nigerians are yet to spot the difference in their socio-economic wellbeing as a nation between 1999 when OBJ was in power and now. This fact alone is enough moral burdens that discredit the former President’s proposed decision to lead a coalition against a situation he partially created.</div>
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 Viewed differently, his interventionist role is acceptable, nevertheless, it will be more rewarding if the  former president concentrates on preaching; honesty in government and need for a multicultural society of equal citizens, where opportunities are equal and person’s contribution is recognized and rewarded on merit regardless of tribe, language, religion or culture’. That, in my view is expected of the former president and not forming or leading a coalition.</div>
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These call for a coalition or third force is a sign that as human beings, we think of ourselves ‘as more generous, selfless, honest, kindly, intelligent or good looking than in fact we are’. Such disposition, in all fairness, makes it extremely difficult for us to be honest with ourselves about our own limitations. This development becomes more worrisome when we remember that some of these calls are superficial without genuine repentance from the proponents.</div>
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Objectively, one thing we must not fail to remember is that our political challenges were created by our leaders, accelerated by the masses, and can only be reduced by all of us. Hence, we do not need a movement, a coalition or third force, but a personal political reorientation via mind restructuring that will bring a national political rebirth. Learning from the silent points raised by former President Obasanjo is important. But developing the will to hold our leaders accountable and using the knowledge gained to re-shape our support structure come 2019 general election should remain fundamental to all as a nation..</div>
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Getting the above process catalyzed will require an urgent reworking of our faulty political mentality vis-a-vis party preference against credible candidates, instant gratification mentality which is fast becoming a native and developing the needed political consciousness built on value.</div>
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To conclude, for us as a  people that are interested in turning  our nation to a space for  peace, freedom and prosperity, For us to ‘create leaders with virtues that we can respect and moral principles we can applaud’, For us to make real progress and build the Nigerian of our dreams come 2019 , what we urgently need is personal political mind restructuring to vote the right people irrespective of their; age, tribe, party or financial muscular as achieving such will definitely open the floodgate of development and prosperity.</div>
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<em>Jerome-Mario is a political commentator. He can be reached by email <a href="mailto:jeromeutomi@yahoo.com" rel="noopener" style="color: #099bef; text-decoration-line: none !important;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</em></div>
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<strong>The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.</strong></div>

Opinion Obasanjo Intervention: Nigeria Needs A Restructured Mind Not A Third Force (READ)

T ruth, in the words of Thomas Aquinas, is the agreement of what is in the mind with what is on the lips. Considering this remark in relat...

This Man Called President Buhari is Evil - By Aroms Aigbehi

23:23 Staff 0

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He is a very bad news for Nigeria. He is neither good for the North, South, East, West or the center of Nigeria. Nothing will ever be right with President Muhammadu Buhari around. He is a hateful, sadistic and vengeful person.</div>
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President Buhari has come to divide Nigeria. Nigeria has never been this divided as it is today. Before Buhari, Fulanis, Yorubas, Edos and Igbos could live together peacefully with normal schemishes that people from different culture and background have. Northern people do business peacefully all over the country and are very reliable and dependable people. From the very first day I travelled out of Nigeria, I have always done my foreign currency exchange with Hausa men and was never cheated.</div>
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I have Hausa friends and Muslims friends from different parts of Nigeria. Never have I felt unsafe with these people because of religion and ethnic difference. Even now I still have northern and muslim friends. I like Aisha Buhari because she stands for justices, fairness and development. Besides, I used to like Buhari. So I have nothing against the north.</div>
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However, PMB is changing all this very rapidly. So the question is What has Buhari, a president of a country to gain from destabilising his own country while he is always shouting one Nigeria? This I cannot answer yet. Does he have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia? It is not only the Igbos or Edos and Benue people that are victims of this madness from the president. The killings and mayhem is everywhere. I see Hausa people from Southern Kaduna complaining and shouting about how they are marginalised and cornered in their own country. Their farms destroyed by Fulani herdsmen. How is that possible?</div>
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When we talk about an Agenda. It is not actually a Northern Agenda or even a Fulani Agenda. What is going on is Buhari clan’s Agenda which even Aisha Buhari is against. She is fighting a one women crusade inside the Aso Rock. Imagine how brave that is for a Muslim women that her husband have publicly humiliated. We should publicly love her for that.</div>
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Nigeria, being a country full of foolish people (lacking good sense or judgement; unwise) You will still have people who will tell you they would vote for Buhari again even when his own wife is against his performance and annihilation agenda. The typical Hausa man or women don’t want conflict with fellow Nigerians. The typical Fulani man also don’t want fight with other Nigerians. However, there are elements of evil, demonic, mischievous and severely corrupt Fulani men who are poisoning the minds of the people. Nigerians must see through this.</div>
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They have collaboration from other parts of the country from other evil minds, these evil people, mostly men are from all over the country with their own personal agenda. They includes Rochas Okorocha, Bola Tinubu, Yahaya Bello and many more. These men are a cause to this nation. Many northern leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II have warned Buhari to desist from his evil ways. I am paraphrasing here.</div>
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So who is really leading this Northern Agenda? Since Nigeria was formed and even before then, we always had two major religion and Nigeria didn’t have a civil war based on religion. However, the prospect of a brutal civil war based on religious and ethnic differences is getting very real since the coming of Buhari. Buhari plans to unleash the nation’s armed forces on the citizens full force one day. That is why all top men are being replaced with his own clan members.</div>
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Buhari has giving new meaning to hatred. I believe this time if he is not stopped, this will be the hatred that will turn Nigeria into a playground of mayhem. Even the military cannot stop it because they are not even well equipped for the job and moral is low. The armed forces will fracture very quickly into segments that will be fighting each other just like Sudan. The current injustice in Nigeria is overwhelming. The injustice has come to an unbearable stage. if a controlled and civilized mind like me is feeling this rage then I can only imagine what some other people who have lost so much to these criminals are feeling right now.</div>
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I am not ashamed or afraid to say I have seek to acquire an AK47 myself. I actually know where to buy some but I resisted it because I didn’t want to kill anyone. Not even a Fulani herdsmen that commited mayhem. But that was because they didn’t kill my family yet. They only destroyed over N100 million of my property. No one was punished and no compensation from the government. The life of a Nigerian is worth NOTHING. Even a cow is worth more than a Nigeria. This is high level of injustice. A terrorist (freedom fighter) didn’t become a terrorist overnight. “Na condition” Fela.</div>
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Now, imagine, if they should have killed my family, what would be my next move? I have narrow my choices down to two when the battle line is drawn and I think everyone should make their own determination. Because a time is coming and you will have to make a decision or a decision will be taken for you.</div>
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1.) I will abandon the country for them and go away peacefully and permanently. My wife prefers this option.</div>
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2. I will lead the battle cry myself not as a cryer but with full gear. But I won’t have AK47 and will have more.</div>
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There is no other choice for me. I cannot stay and watch these evil men continue what they plan for 180 million people. I either go away or die fighting. The time will tell.</div>
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For all those still clapping for Buhari now. I want them to know Nigeria cannot take another 4 years of Buhari and his clansmen in addition to the one year plus he still have to go. Is there other Hausa or Fulani person outside the clan of Buhari that is as bad as Buhari out there?</div>
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Even at this trajectory Nigeria will deteriorate in chaos before the next election because the killing won’t stop and Buhari won’t do anything to stop it. Because there is actually only one solution and everybody from Audu Ogbeh and Lai Mohammed are avoiding it.</div>
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That is full JUSTICE for all.</div>
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1.) You don’t reward Terrorist with land. otherwise, anybody that want something will carry guns and start killing people knowing you will give it to them at the end. It is called TERRORISM.</div>
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2.) Cattle rearing is a business and it is the government’s duty to regulate it. We are not in the 13th century. Herdsmen should buy their own land and rear their cattle there.</div>
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3.) You cannot create colonies throughout the 36 states of the nation. Any governor that allows it is an enemy of his people and should be voted out in the next election or stoned.</div>
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One clap, two clap, three clap, forty?</div>
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By clapping more or less, you can signal to us which stories really stand out.</div>
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I am working to liberate the minds of Africans. To let people understand their destiny lies in their own hands. Stop begging for aids from the western world. Most Africans Are Not Ready To Take Basic Steps To Liberate Themselves.</div>
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Emeka, Egbon Saka and the rest of us</div>
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Let me say this before I start, Saka is not his true name, and the name Saka here can either be Hausa or Yoruba. I had to hide his identity…</div>

Opinion This Man Called President Buhari is Evil - By Aroms Aigbehi

He is a very bad news for Nigeria. He is neither good for the North, South, East, West or the center of Nigeria. Nothing will ever be rig...

Remove fuel subsidy, create a million jobs

09:23 Staff 0

Price controls are regarded by economists as one of the worst forms of intervention in markets. Over the years, the history of governments implementing price controls has shown that it is a failed venture. If truth be told, no measure implemented to control prices can overcome the basic economic forces of supply and demand on a long-term basis. Government involvements in price control of any product always inevitably lead to scarcity, price gauging, rationing or black markets. Subsidy can be systematically exploited by those involved. Therefore, the price of a commodity or service should not be dictated by the government but by simple economic laws of supply and demand as well as competition. It is unfair to fix the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (commonly referred to as petrol or fuel) or any product or service across board. The cost of petroleum products should rise or fall depending on the crude oil price worldwide.<br />
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Lately, Nigerians have been buying petrol between ¦ 200 and ¦ 300 without serious negative consequences for the country. This clearly shows that if subsidy is removed and there is competition among importers, the pump price will inevitably crash to about ¦ 190 or less. There is no gainsaying that in a hundred years, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) would never have achieved the level of coverage now provided by MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel and 9mobile. Yes, NITEL may have been cheaper but then, purchasing a mobile Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) was an uphill task. Look at Nigerian Airways of old and compare with many local and carriers that we now have; also consider Aero and Arik Airlines airport terminals in Lagos. This in my opinion shows that, private sector intervention is the key for real development in Nigeria. These privately-owned companies have a reputation for better salaries, improved staff welfare packages, and they invest so that they can make good profits on a long term. The developed economies of the world are evidences of the roles entrepreneurship activities have played in economic development.<br />
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To achieve this economic development in Nigeria, oil marketers or business men or women should be able to import petroleum products and sell at whatever price. The government should not force them to sell at a loss to themselves. The simple economic theory of demand and supply will bring down the cost of petrol. In my view, it will be best for the government to stop interfering in commerce and focus on collecting taxes from the importers and distributors. In addition, if the federal government must give licenses; licenses should not be given to 20 or 100 importers but to 10,000 importers or more. Anyone who wants an import license should get it without much bureaucracy.<br />
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The present government must act swiftly to address the issue of subsidy honestly in the best interest of Nigerians. The government has no option than to do the needful in eliminating subsidy payment and servicing. The continuous payment of subsidy is a scare to the survival of the economy. Whilst subsidy removal will fully open up the sector for the needed investments and development it seriously requires, it should not be removed immediately or abruptly. All major marketers should be allowed to sell above ¦ 145. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) can continue to import petrol for one year while allowing any company to import petrol and sell at whatever price they want. I would suggest that NNPC maintains its price at ¦ 145 for the first three months and then remove ¦ 5 from the subsidy every three months until there is no subsidy. Nigerians will have been used to varying petrol price by then. Market economics will definitely bring the price to a stable average over time. While NNPC is divesting itself from fuel importation, it must have at least three months’ supply to cushion any shortage or price hike from crooked cabals. Such cartels will always seek to associate and set higher process, but NNPC can release hundreds of millions of litres from its supplies to counteract the monopolists.<br />
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Assuming Nigeria consumes 30 million litres of petrol and diesel per day, with the standard value added tax (VAT) rate at 5%, the Federal Government will reap a huge N100 billion in tax revenue from petrol sales. This is in addition to import duties that will also be collected. If we add this to more than N250 billion we are currently losing to subsidize petrol per year, we can construct roads in every village in Nigeria within three years from the more than one trillion naira saved. I believe this will be an enormous step to employment generation and boost infrastructural development instead of the payment of subsidy into the hands of a few hands.<br />
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The removal of subsidy will no doubt be an incentive for private refineries, job creation and national development. The State of Texas alone in the United States has 47 operating refineries. Crude oil is currently being piped to Kaduna Refinery, and with subsidy removal Kaduna State alone may have nothing less than four private refineries serving not only northern Nigeria and Cameroon, but also the landlocked countries of Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso. There will also be private refineries in neighbouring states to Kaduna since access to crude is assured. Tens of thousands of construction jobs will be created within few years subsequently leading to hundreds of thousands of jobs for refinery workers and truckers. Many allied companies and services will set up shops also leading to more jobs. The Dangote refinery currently being built in Lagos is expected to provide more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs according to widely circulated reports. The job opportunities and rapid infrastructural development that will occur in Kaduna and neighbouring states within 10 years of subsidy removal will shock naysayers.<br />
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On the other hand, the South-south region will also be a major beneficiary of subsidy removal. I can envisage Delta and Rivers states having two to three private refineries each. Hundreds of thousands of jobs will also be created as well as rapid infrastructural development. Refined products from the South-south can also be exported. It is my conviction and hopes that local shipping companies will thrive as well. This will also lead to private refineries springing up in several states.<br />
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It is time Nigerians begin to see and believe that Nigeria will ultimately become a petrol and diesel exporting country. Believe me it is going to happen and it will happen fast if we remove the subsidy. This pain of long queues and expensive petrol once in a while is not going away as long as subsidy remains. Subsidy failure has contributed to the nonexistence of local refineries and the curtailed developmental growth. Malaysia and several countries have since abandoned the subsidy policy, thereby boosting resources for employment generation and infrastructural development. The federal government should take the inevitable decision to do what other governments failed to do by partially deregulating the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Please join me in encouraging the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to be courageous enough to stop payment of subsidy on petroleum products so that millions of jobs can be created as well as economic growth.<br />
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<i>Prof. Tonukari teaches Biochemistry at the Delta State University, Abraka.</i>

Opinion Remove fuel subsidy, create a million jobs

Price controls are regarded by economists as one of the worst forms of intervention in markets. Over the years, the history of governments i...

Nigeria: Between Obasanjo And The Rest Of Us, BY JOHN UCHE MADU

07:57 Staff 0

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Former President Chief Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, (OBJ) thinks his greatest treasure and legacy to bequeath to Nigerians is the prowess of letter-writing. Maybe, his admirers are impressed by it. But as a person, it does not make sense to me, because, at least in recent times, his motivation for open epistles is usually ego. <br />
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 I may be wrong or correct, depending on which side of the coin you wish to place your bet.  But for me, I insist to always reject any side of the coin with OBJ’s fragrance. Anyway, I still somewhat admire him for his delight in enlivening his name in the psyche of Nigerians.<br />
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OBJ is lettered and so, his ability to write open letters on national issues is unbeatable. He does it freely. But before I proceed, let me congratulate him for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree acquired recently from NOUN.<br />
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The issue now is his advisory epistle to President Muhammadu Buhari. He was clear and emphatic that President Buhari should step aside the “leadership horse” of Nigeria. Stepping aside from the leadership of Nigeria is a problem in itself. Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida stepped aside and it sprouted leadership anarchy. <br />
But OBJ is insisting that  Buhari should handover the reins of power to a more energetic Nigerian in 2019, who can work 25/7, instead of the normal 24/7 per day; while he  relapses into the bench of former leaders of Nigeria to render counseling on the sidelines. So, he reeled out President Buhari’s “shortcomings” in a manner that would magnate every soul to his gospel. OBJ flaunts the tag of an opportunist and does not miss any chance of exploring it to his advantage.   <br />
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Had OBJ as President worked 25/7 as he is proposing now, Nigeria would have experienced milestones in development and progress long before the advent of the Buhari Presidency. He wants someone to do what he could not do as Leader of Nigeria.<br />
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 OBJ feels a perfect President of Nigeria must not only be a personality who works beyond the  natural rounding hours of the clock, but someone who must necessarily go the extra mile in leading Nigeria. Failure to do this, means he is unfit to govern Nigeria. <br />
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Perhaps, it could pass as good  advice, except that he harped so much on President Buhari’s  ill-health and failing strength. It’s like he is tacitly exploiting the President’s  health as it were as a condition for political bargain.<br />
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  In OBJ’s crooked senses, he thinks a Nigerian leader must be traversing the world, gyrating on the dance stage,   in every state in Nigeria, while donating artificial praises to his hosts like he did in Benue and Ebonyi  states last year.  The failure of President Buhari to behave in like manner is enough reason   to scoff at him.  It is the spirit behind the  “advice” to Buhari to “unmount  the leadership  horse” and operate from the sidelines.<br />
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But such advice coming from a personality like OBJ has failed to impress the masses of Nigeria. Like his Christian name Matthew, the first gospel in the New Testament, suggests,  he is  usually the first to see any “evil” in every government. And he is always the first to speak out against it.  But he is always despised and detested, just like the symbolism of  tax collectors associated with the name “Matthew, ” of the ancient times,   OBJ rather inspires  hatred  against himself, each time he vomits his balderdash. <br />
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So, Nigerians have held him suspect even in the open to President Buhari. They heard his message, but have not trusted him. They believe his anger is not genuine and possibly, he must have been stabbed at the back by President Buhari to wail this loudly. So, the loud wailings and discontentment are about himself and how much personal capital he can pull from any leader of Nigeria.<br />
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This suspicion may not be far from the truth. Former President Umaru Yar’Adua  (of blessed memory)did not live long enough to taste OBJ’s bile temperament. But his successor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, OBJ’s political godson failed to decode OBJ’s mindset.  He failed to respect the self-acclaimed oracular myth around OBJ and so, incurred his wrath very carelessly.<br />
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Jonathan bruised OBJ’s ego by failing to consult him before making pronouncements on major national policy issues.  OBJ’s was incensed that Jonathan, a naiveté in leadership,   could make certain sensitive federal appointments without seeking his inputs.<br />
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 I still remember the brawl Jonathan stirred with OBJ when he independently appointed Professor Attahiru  Jega as INEC chairman.   But the climax was when Jonathan in an obvious innuendo to OBJ, berated so-called elder statesmen who behave like garage touts. It was the last bombshell that severed the cord between the political godson and the godfather.<br />
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 The dumping of PDP and public tearing of  party membership card and  the verbal vows of quitting partisan politics , the stiff opposition campaigns against Jonathan stemmed from this act of commission.   <br />
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President Buhari has palpably courted the anger of OBJ. Informed sources are claiming Buhari has refused to respect the oracular prowess and counseling of OBJ. I am not aware that President Buhari has for once visited Otta Farm to consult with OBJ, since he mounted the horse of leadership in 2015. OBJ is sad that the APC national leader, Senator Ahmed Tinubu is still the voice consulted by Buhari in the Southwest.<br />
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Furthermore, OBJ is aggrieved that Tinubu is deciding all the appointments from the Southwest. OBJ is piqued that President Buhari  is not ready to respect his status as former Nigerian President to accord him the respect of conceding appointment slots to him so that he could dash to characters like Femi Fani Kayode (FFK) and the likes.  <br />
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It is giggled in public domain that OBJ is extremely pained that his nominee for the position of the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) was rejected by President Buhari . OBJ’s grudge is also fired by the unwillingness of President Buhari to send Vice President Yemi Osinbajo packing for a fresh choice of a running mate in 2019 to be proposed by him from the array of his political godsons.<br />
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The game is quite complex and intricate.  OBJ’s demonic castigation of  the administration of President Buhari and the  eventual “advice” not to contest in 2019 is also linked to  his desire to crown former Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido President of Nigeria at all cost. He has been passionate about a Lamido Presidency of Nigeria, since the days of Jonathan.<br />
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 OBJ has hurled the leadership war against President Buhari  on several fronts and he is prodding many interests to rise up for the 2019 combat. The sudden indication of interest in Nigeria’s Presidency by former Senate President David Mark is also linked to OBJ’s prodding.<br />
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The former President is already making spirited efforts to market their candidatures to some external forces. He believes they can provide the needed fillip to oust President Buhari in 2019. The open epistle conveyed all in connotations.<br />
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So, President Buhari has sinned; he is a sinner and an inept leader who cannot continue beyond 2019 for daring OBJ. It is the reason OBJ strongly exploited President Buhari’s minor loopholes in the open epistle to instigate public anger and resentment against the Buhari Presidency to hoodwink the rest of us.

Opinion Nigeria: Between Obasanjo And The Rest Of Us, BY JOHN UCHE MADU

Former President Chief Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, (OBJ) thinks his greatest treasure and legacy to bequeath to Nigerians i...

Obasanjo: One Meddling Too Many, PHILIP AGBESE

23:36 Staff 0

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There is only one instance when the messenger can be shot and trash the message trashed – consigned to the dustbin of history, which is when the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo is the messenger. For a man who is addicted to being the centre of attraction, even when it entails being odiously notorious, the former president must be ululating in his private space given the applause his recent statement got from an embittered vocal minority and those who considers him as a sort of deity, whose every pronouncement carries the force of life.<br />
Sadly, the reality is that Obasanjo's statement, letter or whatever other forms he chooses to meddle in national affairs usually amount to huffing and puffing, a childish attempt to massage his own ego and akin to high fiving himself. If memory serves us well we would realize that the only time that the author of 'This Animal Called Man' has not written or meddle to irk a serving leader was the short term of Abdulsalam Abubakar as Head of State and that was possibly because he was still reeling from incarceration for his indiscretion of attempting to subtly unseat a then dictator.<br />
Before his most recent work, he had written to the then President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he accused of driving the country to the precipice and allowing corruption to reign supreme. This letter was written at a time when Obasanjo was still a card-carrying member of the People's Democratic Party, PDP and he was yet to shred his card at the time. He defended his choice of letter with the excuse that he was denied access to Jonathan. That letter savaged Jonathan to no end even though he was merely continuing the legacy of misrule first set in motion by Obasanjo. It was later credited as being a factor in Jonathan's failure in his re-election bid.<br />
This attribution must have inflated Obasanjo's ego to a point where he sees himself as the oracle that would decide the direction for the 2019 General Election hence his decision to issue the 13-page statement that have further confirmed him as a certified patient of messiah complex – he believes Nigeria will crumble and collapse without his intervention even at a point in his life when he should be coming to terms with his mortality. His sick attempt at securing himself a third term in office should have thought him that there is a limit to his overbearing disposition and that Nigerians must chose for themselves the leadership they desire without perpetrating an Obasanjo dictatorship in any guise.<br />
The selfishness that propels Obasanjo as a political animal is best understood by his decision to issue a public statement when a face-to-face meeting with President Buhari would have yielded better results with lesser drama and without distractions. But that would not jell with the Obasanjo way. He went public with his half-thought ideas even when he cannot – like in the Jonathan scenario – prove that he starved of audience with President Buhari. He did with the knowledge that the many arm chair critics in the country will cheer him without a deep analysis of the issues raised so the one-eyed king leads on his posse of the blind, chanting for the country to be destroyed because they can neither see the new Nigeria rising from the ashes of their destruction and they do not even know the point at which they took the wrong turning at the fork.<br />
Take farmers-herders' crisis for an instance, Obasanjo is suggesting complacency in dealing with the matter whereas the issue is more complex than that. And by the way, we have Obasanjo to thank in part for the menace of herdsmen because it was he that accelerated the regional integration intended for the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) without first ensuring that Nigeria is on the right footing for relating with her neighbors on that scale. Obasanjo and his cheerleaders have never admitted that ECOWAS Transhumance Protocols makes it near impossible for Nigeria to keep violent herders from Futa-Jalon and other places out of Nigeria since that would be in violation.<br />
The trade integration he helped accelerated similarly played roles in helping countries fold up in Nigeria and relocate to other ECOWAS member states from where they haul their products into Nigeria. This has killed our industries. Add to that the fact that Obasanjo never took diversification of the economy serious so over a decade after he left office the current administration is working on diversifying, which has been disruptive as would be expected. Not to be left out are the leftover of the 'brood of vipers' that were Obasanjo's party men, who till date have committed themselves to sabotaging the economy so long as they are not allowed to pilfer from the public till or allowed to enjoy scandalous waivers. And the 'Ebora Owu' is talking about someone not having a grasp on the economy.<br />
Meddling might have worked for Obasanjo in the past but to the extent that he has refused to appreciate when to say enough, "Ó má tó tẹ́" (he would soon be ridiculed). The 2019 General Elections will come and go and the people's position will ridicule Obasanjo and confirm him a mere mortal whose serial fallibility would prove to be no oracle but a diminishing old man afraid to face his final days alone.

Opinion Obasanjo: One Meddling Too Many, PHILIP AGBESE

There is only one instance when the messenger can be shot and trash the message trashed – consigned to the dustbin of history, which is wh...

The Evil Mission Of Pastor Adeboye In Akwa Ibom State By Inibehe Effiong

13:30 Staff 0

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Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is part of the problems we have in Nigeria. If Jesus Christ was like Adeboye, only the rich and influential would be qualified to be a Christian.</div>
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Any religious leader that aids and abets the criminality of political leaders is part of the criminality.</div>
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Pastor Adeboye went to Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, January 21st, 2018 to lay the foundation of a senseless project called the "International Worship Centre" which we are told by state officials will cost a whopping N10 billion.</div>
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One year ago, a Church collapsed in Akwa Ibom State killing worshippers because the lawless founder of the Church, Akan Weeks, was not ready to comply with basic building regulations in his desperate bid to be consecrated a bishop by all means.</div>
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Till date, the Akwa Ibom State Government has not compensated the families of the bereaved. The medical bill for the victims is yet to be fully paid. We understand that the government is unable to raise N100m to offset the medical expenses of those who were treated. Nobody has been prosecuted for the collapsed Church building. The report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry empanelled by the governor to divert attention has been buried. The governor who escaped death during the ill-fated bishopric consecration of his friend, Akan Weeks, is still dancing on the graves of the dead.</div>
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<span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded  centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0px auto 28px; max-width: 500px; width: 500px;"><span class="block-story-object-asset" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Adeboye-In-Akwa-Ibom2.jpg?itok=6HpsyLVP" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 500px;" typeof="foaf:Image" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content" style="background: rgb(34, 35, 35); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; padding: 14px;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #898c8d; display: block; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-shadow: none;">Pastor EA Adeboye</span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin-top: 7px;"><span class="block-story-object-content-footer-item block-story-object-content-footer-item-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #66696a; display: block; float: left; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px; text-shadow: none;">Inibehe Effiong</span></span></span></span>That is the man that wants to bribe God with an international worship centre. That is the type of heartless governor that Pastor Adeboye is proud to be associated with, the same governor who rode to power in 2015 on the blood of Akwa Ibom people.</div>
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The latest publication by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) places the unemployment rate in Akwa Ibom State as the second highest in Nigeria. This is a state that received over N2 trillion from 2007 to 2015 in federal allocations; the same state that is still receiving the larger percentage of monthly federal allocations.</div>
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In Akwa Ibom State today, there is no single industry where 500 people can be gainfully employed. Majority of the youths have been turned to beggars who depend on politicians for survival. The poverty rate in Akwa Ibom State is scandalous. Uncompleted white elephant projects are littered across the state because of the alleged paucity of funds; yet, the government is constructing a multi-billion Naira sepulchre in the name of a state worship centre.</div>
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The black man is in need of redemption. Our leaders have gone mad again.</div>
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The state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is presently building a multi-billion Naira lodge for himself in Lagos State. Despite street protests in Uyo and Lagos by hundreds of Akwa Ibom people against the new Lagos lodge which I was privileged to have led and spearheaded, the governor has chosen to listen to his animalistic instinct rather than the voice of the people by going ahead to construct the new lodge in Lagos State.</div>
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The same Udom Emmanuel completed a state-of-the-art edifice for himself in his hometown, Awa, in Onna Local Government Area, within the first six months of his clueless administration. This is a man who publicly boasted about his attainment of a Business School.</div>
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Churches are scattered and littered across the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom State. Yet, iniquity is thriving in the state. Politicians are stealing with impunity. The true gospel of salvation and holiness has been replaced with prosperity preaching by many of the so-called pastors in the state. Most politicians see Churches as an extension of the state government.</div>
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Many pastors in Akwa Ibom State are engaged in partisan politics. The likes of Archbishop Elijah Mboho, Bishop Cletus Bassey and other pro-government preachers are using religion to give legitimacy to the criminality of the corrupt politicians in Akwa Ibom State.</div>
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<span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded  centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0px auto 28px; max-width: 500px; width: 500px;"><span class="block-story-object-asset" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Church-Akwa-Ibom.JPG?itok=3lnXM-BW" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 500px;" typeof="foaf:Image" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content" style="background: rgb(34, 35, 35); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; padding: 14px;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #898c8d; display: block; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-shadow: none;">Prototype of Church to be built in Akwa Ibom state by the state government</span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin-top: 7px;"><span class="block-story-object-content-footer-item block-story-object-content-footer-item-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #66696a; display: block; float: left; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px; text-shadow: none;">Inibehe Effiong</span></span></span></span></div>
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Pastor Adeboye shamelessly went to lay the foundation of a project that is totally useless to the long-suffering people of Akwa Ibom State without introspection. Why has our so-called religiosity not translated into a better country? Nigerians are the modern day Pharisees.</div>
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Akwa Ibom State is not a Christian state. We have Muslims, Atheists, Traditionalists and people of other religious persuasions in the state. It is not the business of the government to build a Church. Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states that ‘’The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion". Therefore, Mr. Emmanuel has no business dissipating public funds in building "an international worship centre".</div>
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<span class="ds-1col file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-embedded  centered clearfix block-story-object block-story-object-resource block-story-object-resource-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0px auto 28px; max-width: 500px; width: 500px;"><span class="block-story-object-asset" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><img alt="" class="media-element file-embedded" src="http://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Adeboye-In-Akwa-Ibom1.jpg?itok=pcTYtVw8" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 500px;" typeof="foaf:Image" /></span><span class="block-story-object-content" style="background: rgb(34, 35, 35); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; padding: 14px;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;"><span class="block-story-object-content-header-description" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #898c8d; display: block; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-shadow: none;">Pastor EA Adeboye during the foundation laying ceremony</span></span><span class="block-story-object-content-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin-top: 7px;"></span></span></span>The suggestion by the state government that some yet to be named Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will contribute the larger percentage of the cost of the 'state Church' is an irresponsible lie. Sensible NGOs do not engage in frivolous religious adventures. They work towards alleviating poverty and improving the standard of life of the people. Nobody is deceived except the gullible.</div>
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Did Papa Adeboye ask his host whether pensioners and civil servants have been paid in the state? Did he bother to query Udom Emmanuel on why a government that is running under a secular Constitution should be building a religious centre with public funds and tax payer’s money? Did Adeboye ask Udom Emmanuel why his state is rated the second highest in the country in unemployment despite the stupendous allocations accruing to it?</div>
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What exactly is the interest of Adeboye in Akwa Ibom State? Is Jesus Christ proud of Adeboye's collusion with failed political leaders? I am disgusted by the reprehensible complicity of Pastor Adeboye in the looting and destruction of Akwa Ibom State. Adeboye may have forgotten that judgment will start from the Church.</div>
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Let it be known that God is not mocked. The manipulation of religion in Nigeria by corrupt politicians in connivance with commercial pastors will not go unpunished.</div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Email: inibehe.effiong@gmail.com</em></div>

Opinion The Evil Mission Of Pastor Adeboye In Akwa Ibom State By Inibehe Effiong

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is part of the problems we have in Nigeria. If Jesus Christ wa...