The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lt. General Tukur Buratai

  • Rivers election probe

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai, has ordered a probe into allegations of misconduct against the army during the recent elections.

    According to the Army spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, terms of reference include investigating activities of Nigerian Army personnel in all the States that have alleged wrong doing on the part of the army.

    Another focus is analysis of reports to determine truth of alleged assassination attempts on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and circumstances leading to the shooting death of Lieutenant Kurmi and injuries to other soldiers on deployment to Rivers State. The panel is expected to submit its report on March 31.

    To an army that has, since the exit of military dictatorship in 1999, pledged undivided loyalty to civil rule, allegations by citizens of army’s partisanship to political party members before and during elections should worry not only the military charged with securing all citizens and the entire country but also to all patriots that subscribe to the concept and practice of  separation of powers and impartiality of the country’s security forces on domestic political matters.

    The response of the Chief of Army Staff not to ignore allegations by civilians of military misconduct is proper and commendable for its timing. Leaving such serious allegations to float and fester without intervention from the military can be dangerous to the security and stability of the country.

    In most democracies, it is a taboo for the army to get involved in electoral activities. But the peculiar security situation of the country, particularly the ratio of law enforcement staff to citizens, moral reputation of the police among citizens, and the readiness of politicians to resort to violence through party thugs may call for deployment of military staff to enhance security during elections or other tension-inducing civic engagements.

    But calling on the army to reinforce security at a time of tension, such as is characteristic of elections in Nigeria, does not justify unethical involvement of the military in election matters—for or against any party or individual.

    As moments of national tension can induce errors of judgement, it is not impossible for individual soldiers to overreact, as citizens have noted in their assessment of military activities in some states. It is thus reassuring that the Army has deemed it fit to put the matter to rest by establishing a thorough probe of the serious allegations against the army.

    However, no effort should be made by any officer to water down the commitment of the investigators to objectivity and fairness in carrying out the assignments given to senior members of the Armed Forces. It would have been enough and professional for the spokesman of the army, Sagir Musa, to state that the army, “as a noble institution reassures members of the public of its determination to deal with any of its personnel whose actions fall foul of the law.”

    He did not have to demonise those who have made allegations, especially after his boss has found it necessary to build confidence in the citizenry by establishing a probe. Musa’s plea with the public: “The NA has also drawn the attention of the public to mischievous activities of some selfish individuals who recruited thugs dressed in military uniform and armed to harass and intimidate their opponents” is needless and a distraction from the matter at hand. A matter already under probe should not be undermined by the self-righteousness captured by this statement.

    The Army not only needs to be impartial in election matters, it has obligation to be seen to be impartial. Therefore, it should be worrisome if citizens complain about interference of the army in partisan politics. And the Army Chief’s authorization of a probe into citizens’ allegations is a rational response to doubts about the professionalism of the army.

    In addition, if those making allegations were sponsors of fake soldiers, the probe ought to be able to unearth this anomaly. We expect the investigators to do the special assignment diligently and name soldiers—genuine or fake—found culpable, if any, for possible sanctions. The authorities should also make findings of the probe public.

     

  • Guber polls: South South hails military over deployment of troops to protect voters

    The South-South Coalition for Credible Leadership has described as a welcome the deployment of military troops to the region ahead of the Saturday’s governorship and house of assembly elections.
    The coalition said the action would further boost the confidence of electorate during the polls.
    Briefing newsmen on Thursday, Success Timothy, the Coordinator General of the group, said the deployment is necessary following the success of the troops in some south-southern states during the national assembly and presidential election on February 23.
    According to him, the presence of troops during the elections proved to be the right decision in view of the fact that acts of politically motivated violence were limited to a few instances.
    Success said the he pockets of violence witnessed in some parts of Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers state would have been more widespread but for the presence of troops.
    According to him, “Interestingly, the Niger-Delta, where political leaders clamored most against military presence for the election, recorded more of the instances of violence and ballot snatching during the exercise. It is logical that soldiers should be withdrawn from areas that were largely peaceful during the polls of two weeks ago to allow for the deployment of higher number of troops to the places that recorded violence.
    “Meanwhile, we observed that the personnel of the Nigerian Army were able to maintain peace and prevent political brigandage while adhering to acceptable rules of engagement. They fear of abuse and intimidation of the civilian population, which opponents of military deployment had used to back up their argument, turned out to unjustified as law abiding citizens had nothing to be apprehensive about. Only attackers that had intended to deprive other people of their right to life were gunned down in exchange of gunfire with troops in Rivers state.
    “

    Read Also:Gunmen attack warehouse, kill policeman in Aba

    The South- South Coalition for Credible Leadership therefore passes a vote of confidence on the Nigerian Army and its personnel. They have the capacity to support security operations in the regions towards ensuring that elections hold without citizens being afraid for their lives or worrying that their votes will not count because ballot box snatchers. Their presence in the entire Niger-Delta region will ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order by any group of persons.
    “We passed this vote of confidence cognizant of the campaign of calumny being waged against the deployment of the military for the elections. It does not take long to decipher the intent of those opposed to troops being in the Niger-Delta during this period. These people comprise of opposition political parties that lost in the presidential and National Assembly elections because they were unable to use thugs to snatch and stuff ballot boxes just as they were unable to intimidate voters.
    “The other sets of people opposed to seeing troops in the Niger-Delta are the militants and sabotage economic infrastructure in the region as well as those that have their sight set on kidnap for ransom. These are backed up by separatist elements, including those that belong to groups that the courts have outlawed. They are apparently scared that the presence of the military in the area will yield credible intelligence that can be used to dismantle their non-election related criminality.
    “It is most unfortunate that the criminal intentions of the aforementioned groups are being hidden behind the façade of ‘the opposition’ and for marshalling weak arguments against the deployment of troops to secure the country during the elections. The fake news they are peddling is that the Army is the region to favour particular candidates. This must rank among the greatest lies told so far in 2019.
    “We note the charge by the Chief if Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, to troops and commanders to do better during their deployment for Saturday’s election. Such decisive and responsive leadership has contributed to the sterling performance that the Nigerian Army displayed during the previous elections. His acknowledgement of the few instances of violence and a commitment to correct these errors is laudable for this gives the assurance that there will be improved voters’ turn out once the electorate are reassured that they are safe.”

  • Nigerian Army re-strategizing to end insecurity – Buratai

    The Nigerian Army is re-strategizing to deal decisively with problems of kidnapping, cattle rustling and other conflicts in the North Central and North Western regions of the country, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has said.

    General Buratai also said the army would continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustainance of democracy.

    General Buratai in Message to Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2018 Eid El Fitr celebrations said the army has performed well in the past few months especially in the various operations assigned to them across the country.

    The Army Chief said Boko Haram has effectively been tackled, but called on officers and men to redouble their efforts in the collective discharge of their constitutional roles.

    Said General Buratai: “I wish to use this medium to felicitate with all officers, soldiers of the NA and their families on this occasion of 2018 Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations. This Celebration which climax the Holy month of Ramadan offers an opportunity for spiritual upliftment and renewal of our collective commitment to the NA and the Nation at large.

    “I want to use this occasion to commend personnel for their tireless contribution in the sustenance of peace and security across the Country and I urge all to remain professionally focused to this end.

    “The achievements recorded by the NA in the various activities conducted in last few months is worthy of mention. These activities include the successful conduct of Op DEEP PUNCH II, Ex AYEM AKPATUMA (Ex CAT RACE) Op LAST HOLD which is ongoing and the hosting of the African Land Forces Summit in Abuja to mention but few.

    Read Also:Boko Haram: Coalition salutes Nigerian Army’s efforts in Northern Borno

    “Furthermore, we have effectively tackled the Boko Haram Insurgency.  However, in the areas of kidnapping, cattle rustling in the North Central and North Western Regions; we are re-strategizing to decisively deal with the situation.

    “These feats no doubt are calls for officers and soldiers to redouble our efforts in the collective discharge of our constitutional roles.  In the pursuit of this, I charge you all to maintain disciplined, be committed, dedicated, resilient and courageous in the discharge of your duties.

    “May I at this point reiterate my total commitment towards achieving my vision for the NA. It is my desire to transform the NA into a more potent and professional responsive force that will effectively curtail contemporary security challenges.

    “To this end, I want to reassure you all that issues bothering on training and welfare will continue to receive my utmost attention. We shall continue to do our best to ensure the wellbeing of our officers and soldiers as well as their families.

    “Finally, on this great occasion, I want to on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The NA will continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustenance of democracy.”

  • Biafra: Groups fault US lawyer’s calls to investigate Buhari, Buratai

    Biafra: Groups fault US lawyer’s calls to investigate Buhari, Buratai

    The National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY), the Southeast Professionals in Diaspora and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria, has berated a United States constitutional lawyer, Bruce Fein, over his calls that the United Nations should refer President Muhamadu Buhari and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation in the on-going military operation against the Indegenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East.

    In an article published in HuffPost on Sunday, and other various insidious videos, Fein accused the military of carrying out a genocide against the Igbo people, He also made an unfounded and highly preposterous allegations of persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

    The groups, at a Press Conference in Lagos on Wednesday, described Fein’s call, as an attempt to blackmail President Buhari, and prevent the Nigerian Army, from carrying out its constitutionally guaranteed responsibility, of protecting Nigeria and Nigerians, against any form of Internal and external aggression, many of which Nigerians have been subjected to, as a result of the terrorist activities, of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.

    Speaking on behalf of the groups, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, wondered “why Mr. Fein and some foreign collaborators like the Amnesty International,  who have clearly shown bias towards  the Nigerian Nation,  most especially the Nigerian Army should been seen as encouraging the secessionist agitations of the IPOB.

    “They have even pretended not to understand the basic responsibilities of President Buhari and Nigerian Army, towards defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, that we are.

    “We believe every society would do what it needs to do to prevent individuals or a small group of people from creating scenarios that would endanger the rights of the majority. If the government finds it necessary to declare a group actively seeking and practising violence and terrorism while threatening the existence of the Country a ‘a Terrorist Group’ and proscribe it’s activities,  it is ingenious for some characters and their foreign collaborators to see a way to arm twist the government with legalese not to act when the security of the Country is what is at stake,” the group said, adding that every government must act in a manner that protects the majority.

    “We wonder if Fein and his collaborators wanted the Nigerian government to fold it’s arm and allow IPOB  and other terrorist organisational just to take over Nigeria. If that happens, God Forbid, this same characters would be the ones saying the Nigerian government has lost control,” it noted.

  • Army did not declare IPOB terrorist organisation- Buratai

    Army did not declare IPOB terrorist organisation- Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Monday evening stated that the Defence Headquarters did not declare the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB a terrorist organization in the country.

    Speaking during the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki, the Army Chief who argued that what the Defence Headquarters did was a pronouncement on IPOB added that the statement of the military gave room for the right steps to be taken on the matter.

    According to Buratai, the action of the Federal government concerning IPOB was right and that the military did not over step its bound towards the protection of lives and properties in the country.

    You have to get it very clear. First of all, what the Defence Headquarters did was to make pronouncement. It wasn’t a declaration per se. But this has given room for the right step to be taken. I think the government is doing the right thing.

    “It is not that we are overstepping our bounds. We are still within the limits. And I ensure you that what the military said was to set the ball rolling and to bring the awareness to the public that this is what this organization is all about. I’m happy that the government has done the right thing right now.”

    Related: Army declares IPOB a terrorist organisation

    General Tukur Buratai further assured the people of the Southeast that the Army will abide by the rule of law and rules of engagement in carrying out the Exercise Egwu Eke II which kicked off on Saturday in the region.

    Also during a courtesy to Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, the Chief of Army Staff noted that the exercise was targeted at improving the security situation of the zone which according to him, was very strategic to the security of the country.

    According to him the exercise will help to bring about the much needed peace and security and also be used to train the Military in basic internal security.

    “They army have taken into cognizance the security of the people in deployment of it’s personnel for the operation”.

    He said the army in carrying out the operation will liaise and work with other security agencies in the region.

    “The army is very sensitive to the cultural norms of the people and will abide by all the rules of engagement and code of conduct that have been laid down which is quite in tandem with the Constitution,” he said.

    According to him, some of the activities of the exercise will include Patrols, indoor battle exercises, Civil-Military cooperation activities like medical outreach, sanitation, donation of books to schools etc.

    He therefore appealed for understanding as it is just an exercise to help improve security of lives and property within the zone.

    Governor Umahi promised that the people of the state will cooperate with the army throughout the duration of the exercise.

    He noted that the first edition of the operation last year was peaceful and successful and urged the military to carry out the exercise with high sense of discipline that the Nigerian Military is known for.

    He urged the Military to pay more attention to the state’s border with Cross River while carrying out the exercise which he said have been decimated by boundary clashes.

  • IPOB: Army not under Political Pressure – Buratai

    IPOB: Army not under Political Pressure – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai Monday said the army was not under any form of political pressure on the position it took regarding the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB).

    The Arm Chief, however, maintained that only the Federal Government would take a decision on the proscription of IPOB.

    General Buratai asserted that military had the duty and constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties in the face of internal and external threats to the territorial integrity of the country, stressing that its actions against IPOB were necessitated by the provisions of the constitution.

    He made the remarks on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after addressing Principal Staff Officers, Corps, Formations and Operations Commanders, Commandants of Nigerian Army and Corps Schools at the 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference 2017 of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the Army Headquarters’ Officers Mess, Abuja.

    He said: “Training is a continuous exercise apart from the obvious exercises that you see but there are lot of other exercises that…from different force of the Nigerian Army and even from skills. So it is not a new thing, we have been training, we have been exercising on a regular basis.
    “But once in a while we come and carry out a large scale exercise to harmonize all the aspects of training that have been thought in training institutions and unit formations.

    “Since we came on board in 2015, we have been having series of exercises and we did same set of exercise in 2016 and we are repeating the same thing this year and you are aware of Habin Kunama II, the on-going Egwu Eke II in the South and very soon at the end of Operation Python Dance we move into Crocodile Smile II which will take a lot

    “This is just to reassure Nigerians, law abiding citizens that the Nigerian Army and indeed other security agencies are really concerned with the safety and security of their lives and property. You are very much aware of the security challenges in the country”.

    On the proscription of IPOB he said: “You see, you said political pressure. You should understand the context by which the Nigerian Army is operating. Nigerian Army is part of the political consideration in the democratic system.

    “It is part of the democratic process, is a product of the democratic governance, you know the military. We are not receiving any pressure; we are given what the constitution has provided for us. Constitutionally what our responsibilities are for us, so we are not under any pressure whatsoever.

    “Whatever anyone is saying, we will refer him back to the constitution. There are several provisions that give us those responsibilities and also to carry out such task as duly assigned by the government or by the constituted authority.

    “Be rest assured that we don’t have any other role that is outside the constitution.

    “As regards the proscription, this is what I want to give; the federal government will take a final decision on that. There are guidelines as provided in the Act on the Terrorism Act and am sure the relevant government agencies am talking about will take appropriate steps whether to arrest or whether to do any other actions and we will receive the appropriate directives from the authorities,” General Buratai asserted

  • Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai on friday warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other groups and individuals in the Southeast against any action capable of breaching the peace of the region.

    Addressing a press conference at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Army Chief said the warning has become necessary as the military commenced the second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) by September 15.

    General Buratai whose address was presented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu, said no stone would be left unturned to tackle the problems of kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which had become a daily phenomenon in the southeast of the country.

    He warned would-be trouble-makers that there would be no hiding place for them in the southeastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo as the operations would be carried out by the military, the Department of State Security, DSS, the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    The Army Chief said the operations which he tagged a show of force would last between September 15 and October 14, 2017 and enjoined the people of the southeast not to panic as a result of the exercise.

    General Buratai said: “As you are all aware, the Nigerian Army is constantly carrying out training activities for its personnel in line with its constitutional role in aid of civil authority. More so, Exercise EGWU EKE II has become more expedient due to the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.

    “The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise. Also, in actualising the COAS vision, which is “To have a Professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, accentuates the call for the conduct of this exercise in conjunction with other security agencies.

    “This operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. It will also afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the despicable activities of the marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environs.

    “Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon. As precursor to a peaceful ember period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the operation.

    “Operation EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    “It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country.

    ” In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.

    “The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.”

    While General Buratai urged the people to go about their normal businesses without fear, he enjoined the media as partners in progress to educate and enlighten the people about the operation.

  • ‘Fellow Nigerians’? Not again!

    ‘Fellow Nigerians’? Not again!

    No soldier worth his uniform will try that now.

    It was certain that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Tukur Buratai’s statement on May 16 to the effect that some soldiers in the Nigerian Army were hobnobbing with politicians, with the ultimate intention of staging a coup d’etat  would elicit the kind of reactions it has generated since the statement was made. Two weeks after, like the proverbial pounded yam, it is still sizzling hot. Neither the citizens nor the army had rested ever since. As a matter of fact, even as at Wednesday last week, the Nigerian Army was still trying to calm frayed nerves over the statement.

    Buratai, who spoke through the army spokesperson, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, had said that: “This is to inform the public that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, has received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons. On the basis of that, he has warned such persons to desist from these acts”. He added, for effect: “Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.”

    The first question that should agitate our minds on hearing this was: where were the soldiers who might be thinking coup is the next thing now when Nigeria was being raped left, right and centre by unconscionable and self-serving politicians and their cronies in the past? Where were they when our treasury was emptied in the desperate bid to return Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to power in 2015? Where were they when billions were being frittered or stolen from crude oil sales? Where? Any soldier who stages a coup now will only be wasting his time. Indeed, he is an enemy of the people and the country.

    Hardly had Buratai spoken than Nigerians took him up. Many were of the opinion that instead of making such a ‘wild allegation’, the COAS should have named names, not only of the soldiers involved in such unholy collaborations with politicians, but those of the latter as well. They said if he was not ready to do that, he should not have come public with such statement. Maybe they were right; maybe not. But that is not my focus.

    While I agree that the statement was weighty and pregnant with meanings, what for me should concern us is whether we still have some elements who think coup is fashionable these days in the Nigerian Army. Yes, the military has continued to deny that there was ever a coup bid against the Muhammadu Buhari administration, but should we swallow that hook, line and sinker? I do not think so.

    Yes, today, coup has become anachronistic; but it still happened in some African countries, where some of the soldiers involved had been forced to return power to the ousted civilians. Some of Nigeria’s prominent generals, some of them coup majors in their own right, have affirmed that coup is no longer fashionable. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and a host of others have said we have gone beyond the stage of bringing about change of government by force. But one thing that bothers me about our country is that when some of these things happen elsewhere, we dismiss them as improbable fiction here. But then, some things had happened in this country too that one would almost think or swear they could not happen.

    Coming barely a few weeks after Chief Bisi Akande raised the alarm that Nigeria of today is not the same as that of 1993; such a coup can only throw the country into chaos. Although, as usual, some people have said whatever Chief Akande meant was no longer likely to happen again, no one can put anything beyond our elite crooks. You cannot put anything beyond them. We have been hearing all manner of stories about President Buhari’s health and that should he be unable to continue as president as a result, there is some scheming to prevent Vice President (now Acting President) Yemi Osinbajo from taking over as stipulated in the constitution. It is only if we had not seen this happen before that we can ask: what does that mean? It happened before and it took the ingenuity of the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to make Dr Goodluck Jonathan Acting President then.

    Moreover, coups in the past, the military have always told us, were usually at the instance of civilians. So, if the army chief said this was beginning to happen again, we should be sufficiently worried.

    With these at the back of our minds, we can see why not a few Nigerians are concerned about the coup scare. Without doubt, the elite, particularly in the north, do not feel comfortable with Buhari’s presidency. The point is; there is nothing they can do about it. But we should also realise that it is possible that some people who cannot stand an Osinbajo taking over should the president not be able to continue in office, could be having their own plan and this may come in any form. The idea is not necessarily to oust the Buhari presidency but to ensure his deputy does not assume the office should there be the need for that. It is in this context that a coup may not be entirely ruled out. It then becomes a question of different folks, different strokes.

    It happened in this country before. The statement through which the June 12, 1993 election was annulled was unsigned. If such had happened in some other places then, we would have said it can never happen in Nigeria. But it happened, and the idea was to stop Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola from becoming president. The election would not have been annulled if Abiola’s rival, Bashir Tofa, had won. If there is a coup, it could just be to stop Osinbajo from taking over. Once that is achieved, those behind it might be satisfied.

    But it has become clear that even if there is no basis for the COAS’s alert, whoever might be contemplating a coup in the country would now think twice. Any coup now will fall flat on the faces of its planners and executors. Without doubt, mere contemplation of a coup in Nigeria at this point in time is the height of recklessness and misadventure that any soldier worth his uniform would dream of, not to talk of executing. We will no longer welcome the once familiar ‘Fellow Nigerians’.

    Meanwhile, I wish the president speedy recovery.

     

    Fatai Atere Way: still in darkness

    When the Lagos State government started the Light Up Lagos Initiative, it was a thing many Lagosians applauded. Although some careless motorists have damaged some of the street lights in parts of the state, the lights have continued to serve as a reminder of what Lagos was like three/four decades back. On the night of April 30 when this material was first published, a journalist with this newspaper narrowly escaped death when his car almost ran under a truck at the MTN area of the road. We do not have to wait to record casualties before doing the rightful.
    It is against this backdrop that the Lagos State agency responsible for the street lights should ensure that the stretch of Fatai Atere Way, including the Iseyin Garage up to Ojekunle Street in Papa Ajao area is illuminated again.
    The place has been in darkness in the past few weeks. Fixing the lights will enhance security generally on the stretch, and save many young boys and girls on casual duties in the companies on Fatai Atere Way from hoodlums who might want to exploit the darkness for their nefarious activities. Some improvement is being noticed as some of the lights are coming on, but it could be better. Thanks for that.

  • Nigeria, Brazil to partner on defence industries

    The authorities of the Nigerian Army may seek assistance from the Brazilian Army to resuscitate the Defence Industry Corporation.

    The discussion came up on Monday when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, received a delegation of the Brazilian Army in his office.

    Gen. Buratai and the Brazilian delegation, led by the country’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff for International and Special Affairs, Major Gen. JoarezAlves Pereira Jnr explored the possibilities.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said Gen. Buratai acknowledged the Brazilian example as a typical area of interest in the defense industries.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had few weeks ago charged the military authorities to explore ways of resuscitating the Nigerian Defence Industry Corporation, with the view to local production of light military equipment.

    Gen. Buratai assured the visitors of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to cooperate with Brazil and the country’s determination to end the Boko Haram terrorism soon.

    The Nigerian Army Chief described the existing cooperation between the two countries as a good step in the right direction, stressing that there were a lot of things for the two countries to learn from each other.

    He also used the opportunity to request the Brazilian Army’s assistance in the facilitation of training billets for Nigerian Army personnel, particularly in jungle warfare due to the present security challenges in the country.​