The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Never Again

  • Metele: Never again!

    The news of the November 18, attack by Boko Haram insurgents on 157 Task Force Battalion of the Nigeria Army, stationed in Metele, Borno State, was hard to swallow by all well-meaning Nigerians. The offensive by the terrorist group was devastating, not only for the frighteningly high number of casualties, but also for the implications of the audacious attack and its demoralising effect on troops who are fighting on that front.  The attack calls to question the entire military campaign against the insurgents and our preparedness for the changing nature of the fight in the Northeast.

    Despite public attitude towards the army in light of recent occurrences outside the Northeast, the death of a single Nigerian soldier in the defence of the country is a national tragedy. Although there is some controversy as to the actual number of troops lost in the bloody sacking of the military base in Metele, reported accounts of survivors  and other media sources suggest that the death toll may be close to a hundred. Military service is one of the highest commitments an individual can make to his/her country. This column salutes our fallen heroes in Metele and elsewhere who have paid the highest price to defend our country.

    At this time, it is clear that the best tribute to the fallen troops and honour for the ones still in the trenches, is for the government to ensure, to the utmost extent of its ability, that this occurrence is never repeated. Although the outrage of Metele in November has attracted international headlines, reports show that more than nine military positions had been attacked by a well-equipped Boko Haram in the preceding four months, with many military and civilian casualties. The bloody Sunday in Metele was followed by more fatalities when troops returned to retrieve the bodies of their slain colleagues. With military bases suffering repeated attacks, there is an urgent need to go back to the drawing board.

    No mistake should be made about it; the insurgency in the Northeast has since degenerated into full scale war. It is unbelievable to remember how it all began with misguided and over-zealous fundamentalists under the guidance of Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri. Today, the territorial integrity of Nigeria is under threat from fundamentalists, backed by fighters from across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, boasting a mysterious pipeline for funds and supplies that now rival the equipment of our military. The same mistake of mismanaging the evolution of the group that was made in 2009 must not be repeated.  The soft target terrorists have now grown into invaders of military bases and urgent action must be taken at this point.

    The age of massive military casualty from open fighting in warfare has come to an end. Modern warfare is heavy on intelligence and strategy, with the route of least casualty always the most tactical. This requires adequate funding, and more importantly, military spending, in areas that ensure the loss of the least number of men. According to Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, the $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account that was approved for military spending in the fight against Boko Haram is still tied up in red tape at the Central Bank. One expects quick resolution of this impasse, especially when the news media is littered with reports of troops lamenting the lack of weapons that can match Boko Haram fire-power.

    More investment needs to be made into equipment for aerial warfare. With an enemy like Boko Haram that feels safe in strongholds which are likely not easily accessible, the acquisition and deployment of more drones and fighter jets for reconnaissance and tactical missions will greatly reduce casualties. The strength of the formidable US Army today is in its aerial arsenal, and we have seen this being used with precision in its fight against terror across the world.

    The argument in military circles is that the army should engage the air force to drop bombs on suspected Boko Haram strongholds before the army advances on those places. Mention is still regularly made to the first attempt by the army to enter Sambisa Forest in the early days of the war, when the army had to beat a fast retreat under serious fire from the insurgents. Improved aerial power will also deflate the confidence of the insurgents in openly engaging any targets. It is reported that the insurgents arrived Metele in about 20 trucks. The trucks cannot hide from a military jet or drone, if quickly scrambled sometime after the attack began.

    Besides the issues surrounding the efficient use of funds in ensuring that proper equipment reaches those on the frontline, there are questions concerning the coordination of the war effort against the insurgents.  At least from the outside, it does not seem like there is enough synergy between the efforts of the different armed forces in the fight. There may be gaps in the command structure between the different armed forces of Nigeria and in their relations with regional partners in the fight, like the Chadians who may not be doing any better.

    On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, this column suggested the formation of a war cabinet to direct the efforts of the fight against Boko Haram. The call came after lives were lost in coordinated attacks on soft targets, including schools in Yobe and Adamawa, and a twin bomb explosion that tore through the heart of Maiduguri in Borno State. The call for a war cabinet is all the more necessary now that the soft targets are being exchanged for core military positions by the insurgents in offensive operations that leave the country stunned.

    Four days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in the United States, President George W. Bush held a meeting of a war cabinet that had been created in response to the attack. Part of the cabinet included the equivalent of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Director of the National Intelligence Agency, Director of the Department of State Services and others. The president himself and his vice president were members of the cabinet.

    A war cabinet is an age-long approach adopted in statecraft during times of national security distress, like we are currently facing, and its goals are usually clear and unambiguous. The government does not have to adopt verbatim the example given above, but some concerted effort through apportioning primary responsibility for the coordination of all efforts in the fight against Boko Haram is urgently needed. For one, it lets us all know where blame should be lodged, and it puts the presiding authority on its toes, be it a dedicated cabinet level minister or a dedicated mini-cabinet for the purpose.

    With such an introduction, the service chiefs can have the rallying point of a dedicated supervisory authority, like a war cabinet, where issues like funding, purchase and distribution of equipment can always be ironed out seamlessly and accountably. It is high time we started getting our strategy right against the Boko Haram insurgents by giving a response commensurate to the threat posed by the group. The political interference that seems to have plagued the efforts against Boko Haram can also be minimized through the creation of this authority, with the understanding of what lies at stake in terms of the lives of valiant troops and the innocent people of the Northeast.

    Attacks on military bases may be indicative of a shift in the strategy of the insurgents. Actively engaging the military in offensive attacks, rather than defending a position may suggest an expansionist drive aimed at regaining lost grounds or even widening the fight past the Northeast. When our ordinarily brave troops routinely take to their heels at the sight of the insurgents, the signs are not encouraging, not for our sovereignty nor for our dedication to the efforts against the insurgents. It is time for a shift in our strategy too, one that honours our men on the frontlines.

  • Never again

    •Fighter jets: FG should never incur such expense without approval of the National Assembly again

    WHAT propelled the President Muhammadu Buhari-led executive arm of the Federal Government to spend a whopping $496, 374,470, without the approval of the National Assembly, as clearly provided by the 1999 constitution (as amended)? Even more intriguing is that few weeks ago, various spokespersons for the president had vehemently denied any extra-constitutional measure when the news filtered out that the government had approved $1billion for arms purchase, without recourse to the legislature.

    In his subsequent communication to the National Assembly, the president said: “In the expectation that the National Assembly will have no objection to the purchase of these highly specialised aircraft, which is critical to national security, I granted anticipatory approval for the release of $496,374,470.” The president claimed that the disbursement was to meet a target set by the United States of America government, claiming that the money has been paid into that country’s treasury for 12 super Tucano Aircraft.

    In the letter to the Senate, the president further said: “I am therefore writing, seeking approval of the Senate for the sum of $496,374,470 (equivalent to N151,394, 421,035) to be included in the 2018 Appropriation Bill which the National Assembly is currently finalising.”This procedure is strange to the constitution, and expectedly, the National Assembly has been up in arms for the constitutional aberration. Indeed in the House of Representatives, some members went as far as asking that an impeachment process be commenced against the president, for the infraction.

    Without doubt, the 1999 constitution is unequivocal about the spheres of influence and distribution of power between the legislature and the executive arm of government. In section 80(1), it provides: “all revenues or other moneys raised or received by the Federation (not being revenues or other moneys payable under this constitution or act of the National Assembly into other public fund of the federation established for a specific purpose) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation.”

    While the constitutionality of the so-called Excess Crude Account, from which the money was withdrawn still awaits the determination of the Supreme Court, the constitution is clear as to the authorisation needed for any public expenditure. Section 80(3) provides: “No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation, unless the issue of those moneys has been authorised by an act of the National Assembly.”

    From the foregoing, it seems clear that the executive clearly contravened the provision of the constitution in expending the huge sum without the approval of the National Assembly. Of course, we are mindful of the provision of section 82 of the constitution which authorises: “the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation for the purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the government of the federation for a period not exceeding six months or until the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act, whichever is the earlier.”

    It will be stretching the above provision too far to include the controversial expenditure as one necessary to carry on the services of government. While we shall not pre-empt the sanctions open to the National Assembly for the infraction, we wish to caution the executive against such reckless disregard of the grundnorm upon which the entire democratic enterprise rests. A government not hinged on the rule of law, tends to dictatorship, and dictatorial acts have no place in a constitutional democracy.

    In an emergency, the executive must take the leadership of the National Assembly into confidence before any expenditure. We demand that such recklessness never happens again.

  • Never again!!!

    There comes a time when people who desire to leave their footprints in the sands of history must sit down to reflect on how far they have come in life, how they got to where they are, where they intend to get to, and how they plan to get there. It is during this stock-taking that pitfalls are discovered, when attitudes, actions, and behaviours that can abort the dream are laid bare. Decisions are then reached on what attitudes, actions, and behaviours to be retained, the ones that need adjustment, and those to be classified as NEVER AGAIN.

    As the nation transits from one administration to another, it is good that we take a pause and do a little stock-taking after fifty-five years of independence and unbroken sixteen years of civilian administration, and ask ourselves some soul-searching questions and undertake a honest self-appraisal. We must look back as a nation to where we started and how we got here, decide where we want to be and plan how we will get there. We must ask ourselves if this is where we should be after fifty-years of independence and if we are satisfied with where we are.

    If we are where we should be after fifty-five years of independence, the question then is if we want to remain here forever. If we are not where we should be, where did we get it wrong, where did we derail, where did we fail, or did we even start right now? This is where self-appraisal and evaluation come in. We must ask ourselves what attitudes, actions, and behaviours are of benefit to us, the ones we need to adjust or modify, the ones we need to uphold and continue, and the ones must classify as NEVER AGAIN!

     As a people, we have our weaknesses and shortcomings that are common with every human species, but the immediate past administration exposed some base instincts that most do not know are inherent in us. We simply descended to the level we never thought we could get and became an object of scorn to the civilized world. Standards were not only lowered, they were eventually wiped out. We became a nation that had no standards. All that we had hitherto held sacrosanct were thoroughly desecrated and the word “sacrilege” made no meaning to us. If this nation is to make any progress and be an object of pride to the citizens, we must do a soul-searching on some issues, look ourselves in the eyes, and say NEVER AGAIN!

    Never again should mediocrity be made a template of governance. Nigerians are among the most brilliant, intelligent, and resourceful people in the world. Why then should charlatans and mediocre be the ones “gifted” the responsibility of leadership? Why should Nigeria be led by men and women to whom failure is not an anathema? Why should Nigeria be led by men and women who cannot distinguish between failure and success? Never again should public officials and officers see and carry themselves as the lords of the manor. People in leadership positions, elected and appointed, must render service to the citizens, not as a favour but as a duty.

     Never again should we have in government men and women who celebrate locomotive train as achievement in the twenty-first century. With such men and women in leadership positions, the country will be permanently resident in the past. Never again should we have in leadership positions men and women who celebrate the sinking of borehole when the rest of humanity is planning on going to the moon to spend holidays. Never again should public funds be used to breed and sustain executive thugs and other dregs of humanity. Never again should those who derive their livelihood from sycophancy be given any reception or welcomed anywhere close to the corridor of power. They are cancerous to the society and serve no useful purpose. Never again should men and women who compete with the Devil for the trophy of lies be the spokespersons of government, Nigerians must be abreast per time of information concerning their country. This new administration should look for and engage the very best that Nigeria has to offer, they abound everywhere.

    Never again should impunity be turned to a tool of administering the state. Agents of state, no matter the position they occupy, must also subject themselves to the laws of the land.   Never again should the country be run as an enlarged version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, when leaders are law-abiding, the followers are left with no other choice but to follow. Anarchy begins when some see themselves and begin to act as though they are above the law. Never again should the looting of the nation’s treasury be turned into a bazaar where every officer of the state is in competition to out-steal the other. If corruption in the last administration is thoroughly investigated, I have no doubt that Abacha’s administration will smell like roses. Let it be clear to the uninitiated that Buhari did not contest against Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he contested against one of the most entrenched corrupt systems the world has ever known. News has it that some military officers are richer than some politicians, proceeds from several trillions of naira in defence budgets over the years. This administration must replace the gate to the nation’s treasury that was completely unhinged.

    Never again should the military and other agents of state be shamelessly deployed for partisan purposes. The military, besides serving as a national institution that symbolizes sovereignty, is also a symbol of unity and strength of the nation. Deploying them for partisan purposes de-robes them of the garment of confidence and honour that the people have willingly and gladly clothe them with. A nation that loses confidence in its military is just a step away from disintegration and loss of sovereignty. This administration must move decisively to restore the honour of the military and repair its image in the eyes of the citizens.

    Never again should people have access to power except by the express permission of the citizens through legitimate votes. Until political leaders know that they are answerable to the electorate, there’s no guarantee that they will genuinely serve the people and deliver on their electoral promises. The last election process was commendable, but it is still a work in progress, we’re not yet at the destination. This administration must see to it that electoral officers found to have abused public trust are not only dismissed, they must be brought before the law to answer for their misdeeds. The most fundamental dividend of democracy is the power and ability of the people to decide who their leaders should be.

    Never again should religion be employed as a tool to gain political advantage. This administration has a duty and responsibility to take concrete and deliberate steps to steer this nation away from the path of religious politics. People should be considered for leadership positions not on account of their religion, but on account of their character, integrity, and competence. The most despicable people are those who use religion to manipulate people to gain political advantage. This administration must ensure that every Nigerian is free to practice whatever religion they subscribe to in any part of the country without fear of molestation, intimidation, or persecution. This administration must be deliberate in its resolve not to be clothed with the toga of religion.

    Never again should we have a First Lady who will be remembered more for her nuisance value instead of whatever quality she added to the presidency. Never again should we have a First Lady who appropriated presidential powers and in the process presented our president as the one who wears the bra. The president should know that some of the votes he garnered are gifts from the former First Lady. Some decent Nigerians were simply tired of having her around even though they would have voted for her husband. It is important that our First Lady know her limits because how she comports herself in the public will give us an idea of who she is at home as a housewife.

    The slogan of the ruling party is “Change.”  We sincerely hope to see positive change in the way we think, act, and behave. Change in the way the country is run, change in how leaders see and carry themselves, change in the way the citizens are treated, change in the direction the nation is heading, and change in our belief system. In the final analysis, the people clamouring for “change” are simply saying “NEVER AGAIN”

    Oladapo wrote in from Ogbomoso, Oyo State

  • Chibok: As we say Never Again!

    SIR: The abduction of about 200 Government Girls Secondary School students last month by the Boko Haram insurgents has shown that our problem is not in religion, nor in ethnic leaning but on the leadership and management of this country. There is no part, religious group in this country that is not praying, wishing the return of these young girls to their family members. Many persons, groups, within and outside Nigeria have shown deep concern, organized protests demanding from the Nigerian government and their home countries to do more in the rescue of these little children. Nigerians, the world are worried, disturbed at what could be happening to these girls in the thick forest of Sambisa?

    Nigerians are very loving, caring and kindhearted people, we are ever patriotic and loyal to Nigeria but our leaders are the biggest problem we have. It was late Chinua Achebe, who put it very succinctly that, ‘the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.’ Sometimes, I wonder what, why it is so difficult for our leaders to fix Nigeria. Many have submitted that corruption is the canker worm destroying the fabric called Nigeria while the government would deny such. But, a close look would reveal that truly corruption is it. With all the available resources to the security agencies since 1999 till date, the trainings and re-trainings, equipments requested for, bought and made available, array of senior officers, we still have not tamed the Boko Haram militants. Certainly, government is made up of human beings, Nigerians from all nooks and crannies are likely to be aware of the problems bedeviling their communities. One then ponders why our elected representatives would continue to provide us with borehole water and be advertising it as an achievement or dividend of good governance in this 21st century. In this country, those we elected into government office will buy wrapper, ram, and rice, ground-nut oil to share amongst citizens and claim they are performing wonderfully in government.

    The government must use this Chibok girls abduction as an eye opener. It has come to the point our leaders must be firm and resolute in pursuing the transformation of Nigeria. We need to learn from the Singapore experience, leaders who are patriotic and loyal to Nigeria would be dedicated at its genuine transformation. Our institutions must be allowed to get stronger than individuals for optimum result. Virtually no institution in Nigeria works with its rules and regulations except the few individuals in power at the centre and in the states give orders which in most cases runs contrary to laid down principles.

    Our leaders can really re-build Nigeria the moment they attach seriousness to governance, remove corrupt tendencies and persons.

    We must say it loud and clear, there is a great lapse on our security at the moment, not because we do not have the men, cannot acquire the facilities to aid our security but, because misappropriation of funds and corruption has made nonsense of its leadership. It is time we de-politicize our police and military to allow them work professionally, no country survives any external aggression while politicizing its security. The world is watching and is interested in seeing how we manage this security crisis at our hands. Yes, we want the girls back and alive but, the process at getting them back, how we curb the often attacks by the insurgents appears very important also.

    • Uzodinma Nwaogbe

    Community Defence Law Foundation, Ikeja, Lagos.