The Nation Newspaper

Tag: sword

  • The pen and the sword

    The pen drips with words and more words just as the tip of the sword is stained with blood, pain and misery.  The year 2018 witnessed unusual level of violence across the country resulting in deaths and displacements from terrorists, herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists; just name it.   The strongest point and campaign issue in favour of the APC and its flag bearer during the 2015 Elections was security.   In the last three years, beyond mere sloganeering, the APC government has not demonstrated any well thought out strategy to combat insecurity in the country or take it beyond what it has always been.  The security forces and the police have not also shown any innovation in fighting crimes and criminality.

    One is therefore wont to perceive the call for media support in the fight against insurgency and insecurity by the Minister of Information as red herring.   However, when such call is coming from no less than the Chief of Army Staff, it conveys a message of despondency to the ordinary citizens who look up to the army and the military as the last line of defence.  Even though it is the argument of the pen pushers that the pen is mightier than the sword, it is not intended that in active conflict and warfare, the media should take over the battle. The pen is an instrument of search for the eternal truth while the sword remains a perpetual instrument of coercion; they may flow in the same river but their waters never meet.  Members of the fourth estate of the realm have ridden on the crest hill of this aphorism only to challenge despotic regimes and use of brute force by the state and its agencies to suppress citizens.  The pen and the sword only mirror the dialectics of the unity and struggle of the opposite.  In battle, we need automatic rifles and tanks with well trained and highly motivated troops; not the pen. The pen cannot shoot down terrorists and criminals but it can only expose their feeding ideologies and hideouts.

    In the Northeast, there is already a military campaign against the Boko Haram insurgents and in combat, decisive victory is not through media propaganda.   What we expect from the Minister of Information and the Chief of Army Staff is to prevail on the government to properly equip and motivate the troops for a decisive battle to neutralize the insurgents and vermin levying war against the state.   Battles are neither fought on the TV screen nor won on the pages of newspaper.

    No amount of media campaign can change the chilling killing in Zamfara State into a picnic or cultural festival.  We may only succeed in putting wool in the face of the public but the media narrative cannot change the casualty figures on the ground and sacking of troops’ location by the insurgents.  The military has to muster everything it can to face the reality of the situation rather than concern itself with propaganda campaign which does not translate to victory.   We are always reluctant to accept the fact that our major problem is with leadership including leadership of institutions of government.  If you get a herd of cattle led by a lion, they will do exploit but when you have a pack of lion led by a sheep, they will eat grass.  The fish as the saying goes starts to rotten from the head.  We need good leadership and good heads if we must make progress as a nation.  The present zoning formula maintained by the political parties would only produce mediocrity fed by the major ethnic groups who see the business of running the country as their birth rights.

    Nigeria is the only country that I know where government engages in deliberate policy of negotiation and trade-off with criminals and terrorists.  Often time, the criminals have been found to renege on agreements with the government after collecting a very huge and handsome ransom; Chibok and Dapchi remain glaring examples. When we do this, it cast serious doubt on the capability of our security and intelligence agencies to secure our homeland not to talk about territorial integrity.

    Insecurity has also become a very lucrative business to the emissaries engaged by both the government and the criminal underworld.  It is quite troubling while government will look the other way when victims and their families negotiate with kidnappers in the face of the ubiquitous security agencies and the huge chunk of budgetary allocation to security.  Even though the government suppresses its involvement or make outright denial in negotiation with the criminals, it is a common knowledge that indeed, such negotiations do take place.

    It is only countries with characteristics of a failed state with weak institutions that would engage in this practice of merchandizing in its citizens as articles of trade with criminals over security.   In the western world and Europe, hostage situations and mass killings are confronted with equal force and not negotiation and patronage.  The security forces in those countries are mobilized and the criminal elements are hunted down even to the gate of hell.  In most of the cases, the denouement of every hostage situation or abduction is that the terrorists and bandits were killed in a shootout either with the police or security forces.  A typical example was what happened during the Beslan School hostage situation in Russia even though it came with some collateral damages.  The media only come to praise the security forces to high heavens at the act of gallantry for despatching the terrorists and bandits to hell and not cover up in the name of misplaced patriotism.

    In Nigeria, kidnapped victims are only rescued by the police after ransom has been negotiated and paid by the relations of the victim.   Government officials are always quick to tell the public that they were rescued without paying ransom, only for the victims and relations to come with different songs. The Nigeria Police force instead of looking for modern ways of policing the community is busy engaging in political distractions while the state security services and intelligence community are not able to zero in on the camps of the criminal elements and their sponsors.

    In the whole of the Southeast and South-south, kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists operate as if they form part of the arm of government collecting tax in form of ransom from victims.  In Zamfara and Adamawa states, farmers have been chased out of their farmlands by herdsmen and bandits.  Benue and Plateau states are under sustained siege and the active farming population now live in Internally Displaced Peoples’ camp.

    The active war in the Northeast against the Boko Haram insurgents cannot be fought by the media in the mistaken belief that the pen is mightier than the sword.  If you doubt me, take a stroll to the frontline and watch hot leads fly from the muscles of rifles. The Chief of Army Staff does not need any media to give the insurgents a bloody nose.  The campaign is his battle formation and the gut of the men behind his equipment and not on the pages of newspapers.  It would be treachery to cajole the media for positive reportage against the grim reality on ground in the fight against insurgency and insecurity.  The pen is mightier than the sword should therefore be taken with a caveat because it is not universal truth in conflict.

     

    • Kebonkwu Esq writes from Abuja.

  • Sheath your sword, youths urged

    Youths of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Lagos have been advised to shun violence.

    The council chairman, Adeniyi Saliu said this at the Second Peace and Security meeting held at the council secretariat, Eredo.

    He appealed to all warring factions to eschew violence and embrace peace.

    According to him, full wrath of the law would be brought to bear on anyone causing breach of peace irrespective of such person’s status in the area.

    Saliu praised the security agencies for being proactive in securing the communities in the council.

    He urged them to ignore partisan propaganda and unfounded rumours.

     

     

     

  • Shina Peller, Oritsefemi sheathe sword

    Like two exhausted boxers who have reached a stalemate after hours of a grueling contest, popular musician, Majemite Ekele aka Oritsefemi and Club Quilox owner, Shina Peller, have finally thrown down their gloves and called a truce. Three months on from the highly publicised row between the duo, the clouds of rancour have finally made way for the bright rays of amity.

    It will be recalled that Oritsefemi and Shina Peller were involved in a bitter war of words following an incident in November 2016, where the ‘Double Wahala’ crooner injured a Club Quilox bouncer on the head in the heat of a disagreement. The two parties released statements blaming each other for the episode and demanding reparations.

    Eventually, after a few days of hot-blooded vituperations, the MSN Gang Label artiste realised that he had bitten more than he could chew and swiftly released a statement on instagram apologising for his part in the sordid episode and asking for forgiveness and promising to compensate the injured bouncer. At the time, it wasn’t clear whether his apology had been accepted. But, going by what transpired at the Quilox Ultra Pool Party on February 26, 2017, Oritsefemi and Shina Peller have well and truly buried the hatchet. The duo was spotted laughing and joking with each other like longtime friends meeting for the first time in a while.

  • Peace returns to Ipetumodu, Ashipa as warring communities sheath sword

    Peace returns to Ipetumodu, Ashipa as warring communities sheath sword

    After nearly two weeks of hostilities, which left many people injured, the warring communities of Ipetumodi and Ashipa in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun  State have finally embraced peace, following the intervention of the state government. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports.

    Peace has finally returned to the two warring communities of Ipetumodu and Ashipa in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State. The two communities have been at each other’s throats for sometimes now, following a dispute over their boundary. Though there is relative peace after the intervention of the Osun State Government, the residents are yet to recover from the losses they recorded during the clash that started penultimate Wednesday. Shops were still under lock and key and farmers not on their farms. It was gathered that some of those, who fled the sleepy town in the wake of the bloody clash are yet to return home.

    More than 20 people reportedly had various degrees of injuries with some of them suffering severe machete cuts. The warring communities were fighting following the location of a new market in Ipetumodu which the people of Ashipa were allegedly dissatisfied with because they said it was constructed on their land.

    During the fracas, an indigene of Ipetumodu was allegedly shot while one of the hostels built in between the two communities by the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adegoke Adedokun for students of a tertiary institution in the area was allegedly burnt by some angry people from Ashipa.

    Apart from the hostel, many houses were also burnt in the two communities while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed. It took the timely deployment of security agents drawn from the Mobile Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to prevent a further degeneration of the situation.

    When The Nation visited the two communities over the weekend, there were still relics of the bloody dispute. In Ipetumodu, an armoured personnel carrier (APC) was stationed in front of the Apetumodu Palace and there was still a heavy presence of mobile policemen to curb any disorder. Burnt shops and houses were in sight, while markets and some residential houses were under lock and keys. Broken bottles used freely during the fracas by the warring parties were still scattered by the road side.

    Ashipa town was deserted except for very few people who gathered in groups to review events of the past week and a half.ý

    Some residents of the two communities who spoke with The Nation were still bitter about what happened even as they traded accusations over who was at fault. For example, a leader in Ashipa town, ýOmotoso Oyewole , and the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Barr. Afolabi Adedeji, expressed regrets over the development but on behalf of their communities blamed the other party.

    Perhaps, the most painful part of the crisis was the burning of the student’s hostel by irate youths, as they knew nothing about the crisi over the disputed boundary.

    A student, ýAdeyemo Adetoro, who was a victim, lamented the loss of their personal belongings to the ugly incident. According to him “we all had to run for our dear lives, leaving all we had in the hostel. We only came back to see that the hostel had been burnt.” ý

    Mobile policemen are still positioned at every strategic point and everywhere was silent with no sight of residents around the communities, especially in Ashipa.

    Ipetumodu and Ashipa which are about 40 minutes drive from Osogbo, the state capitalý,ý ýbefore the clash had been in peaceful co-existence, intermarrying and engaging in commercial activities despite the existence of the age-long boundary problem.

    Though the police have arrested no fewer than 14 suspects from both sides of the clash, the state government seemed more concerned about settling the land dispute amicably between the two communities.

    Last week, the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola summoned the leaders of the two warring communities to a meeting, where after a long discussion with them, he made them to embrace one another to demonstrate they have agreed to sheath their swords. ýAt the meeting, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adegoke and the representative of the Alashipa of Ashipa, Ojediran Olaleke, other chiefs and leaders of the township associations of both communities made a pledge for a commitment to peace. ý

    Aregbesola charged the two warring communities to ensure promotion of communal peace and progress which is one of the cardinal programmes of his administration or face government sanction.

    The governor also urged the monarchs and leaders of the two communities to warn the youth in their areas not to further engage in acts that could further jeopardise the peace of the communities and the state at large. ýHe told them to always uphold the ethos of ‘Omoluabi’ which the state is known for, saying that development can only thrive in an atmosphere where there is peace and unity.

    However, Aregbesola called on security agencies to comb the nooks and crannies of the communities to recover arms that were not licenced in a house-to-house search to forestall further use of weapons in future. He also pointed out that a committee will be set up look into the remote cause(s) of the crisis and proffer solution to the problems identified by the leaders of the two communities.

    He held that the two communities got it wrong by resorting to violence instead of dialogue, adding that it was regrettable that they were fighting when the state is going through massive development of infrastructure. ýThe governor disclosed that it will be a bad signal for investors who are thronging Osun on a daily basis to be faced with the issue of communal clashes, warning that the state government will not hesitate to come down heavily on erring communities. ý

    According to him, “It is so sad that this is happening at a point that investors are coming in into the state on a daily basis and your communities have decided to solve your differences through fight which we have all seen here as unnecessary. ýWith the on-going clash in your domains commercial activities have been brought to a halt and property destroyed, student who have nothing in your dispute are made to bear the brunt by the burning of their hostel. Why should students be given the opportunity to have a bad impression about your communities? ýI am not happy that this is happening in our land, it doesn’t send a good signal, shooting of gun doesn’t do us any good; we should find a lasting solution to these happenings. ýThings like a market day should not cause problem. ýI want to use this opportunity to beg the two communities to allow peace to reign from now on, we should maintain status quo till the committee we are going to set up comes out with its recommendations. ýHenceforth, any of the two communities found wanting will be seriously dealt with, because we will not allow anything short of peace and security in the state.” Aregbesola said

  • Chime, Ekweremadu imbroglio: Time to sheathe the sword

    Chime, Ekweremadu imbroglio: Time to sheathe the sword

    Over the months, with the approach of the conduct of party primaries slated for October this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, there seems, unfortunately, concerted efforts by surrogates falling over themselves to please the Enugu State Government, by mounting ceaseless campaigns of calumny, against the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, through fictitious Advertorials.

    Churning out falsehood, these groups and their collaborators are carrying it to a dizzying height which bewilders. There must be truce now and all those fanning the embers of chauvinism and trying to heat up the polity of a hitherto peaceful Enugu State, must be called to order.

    Any keen follower of the political events in the Coal City, ought to have deduced that the out-going Governor Sullivan Chime is believed to be eyeing the Enugu West Senatorial seat being occupied at present by Senator Ekweremadu, who has performed creditably well not only as Senator representing the area, but has with candour, simplicity, courage and non pugnacious stance , steered honourably the Senate sessions of the 7th National Assembly, as Deputy Senate President.

    His colleagues are won’t to marvel at his proper grasp of legislative duties, his articulate views and how he marshals his points with such ease not incurring the wrath of any Senator even those holding alternate views. It is to his credit that he continues to pilot the affairs of the Red Chamber with such dexterity each time he is presiding that hardly had there been any rancourous situation.

    His warmth are infectious hence having friends that cut across party affiliations and he is at home with all his  colleague Senators at first name basis.

    The pride of any nation and state, is to treasure and hold dearly their best ‘first eleven’ so to say. He remains a phenomenon in the Senate and National Assembly as a whole and the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Parliamentary Body, to therefore contemplate asking Senator Ekweremadu not to rerun, come February 2015 General Elections, is not only a disservice to Enugu State but indeed Nigerians.

    To coerce and torpedo this achiever despite his phenomenal legislative  accomplishments in both fashioning good laws for the nation and attracting several developmental projects to his Constituency and empowering lots of people across board, no doubt goes against the grains of continuity and institutionalising functional senatorial duties as a bedrock of sound democratic tenets.

    No one throws away a baby and the bathwater. There is no wisdom in changing a winning team. One matures with time and experience cannot be bought with money. United Sates of America, where we adopted the Presidential System of Government, never risked removing or uprooting a deserving and performing Senator. As a matter of fact, a peep into the history of serving American Senators, there is a long list of revered longest serving senators, who are still serving.

    The list runs thus: Senators Robert C.Byrd (Democrat Western Virginia)-  was in the Senate for 51 years from January 3, 1959- January 28, 2010; Dan K. Inouye from January 3, 1963 to present day over 50 years; Storm Thurmond, Republican South Carolina, spent 47 years from November 7 1956- January 2002; Edward M. Kennedy Democrat Massachusetts ,had 47 years of meritorious service November 7, 1962 – August 25, 2009. As champion of higher education, direct loans to students and a lifelong crusader of equal rights, Senator Kennedy perhaps would have still been in the Senate, but for his unfortunate demise as a result of brain tumour.

    Carl T.Hayden Democrat Arizona spent about 42 years March 4, 1927- January 3, 1969; John Stemis Democrat Mississippi, did 42 years November 5, 1947- January 1989; Ted Steven Republican Arkansas, was at the senate for 44 years Dec 24, 1965- January 2009; Ernest F Hollings Democrat spent 39 years Nov 9, 1966- January 3, 2005; Richard D. Russel Democrat  was at that distinguished American senate for 38 years January 3, 1933- January 21, 1971. Bringing to a close the list of 10 longest serving American senators is Russel Long Democrat Los Angeles, was in the senate for 38 years December 31, 1948- January 3, 1987.

    The issue of who represents the Constituents in the American system, is not based on sentiments or emotions but the system works for perfection. It is not at the whims and caprices of President Barack Obama, or any American serving Governor. They hold on tenaciously to their men of honour and valour as they go into elections.

    It is becoming a past time for most Governors leaving governance to go headlong in pursuit of uprooting whoever is in the senate so that they may replace them. It shouldn’t really be a dumping ground for past Governors, especially when the incumbent senators are remarkably doing well in all ramifications. There could be other areas these former Governors could participate instead of upturning the apple cart.

    The scenario in Enugu makes a good case for study. Although the Governor has not publicly declared he would be contesting the seat occupied by Senator Ekweremadu, but even in my village in Enugu State, it is no longer a news hidden in a bushel. Objectively, both sons of Enugu have done well and are equally qualified to run. The Governor has laid solid foundation for development in the state with the construction of major roads within the capital city and also at the rural areas. He had restored a serene and peaceful atmosphere for business and social life to thrive.

    On his part, Senator Ekweremadu’s status has soared with local and an international clout. He is a consummate legislator whose master of legislative process to the advantage of the nation we cannot afford to toy with and miss. He has postulated and sponsored several bills that impact on the common man, promoting legislation that would provide support systems for small and medium scale enterprises, especially reviewing laws that could encourage local technology, local management skills and access to cheap and long term loans.

    He had worked tirelessly in getting through legislation that would make for funding for a limited free health care system especially for expectant mothers, children and all those unable to benefit in the health insurance scheme, amongst others. His horizon is people-oriented, hence the infrastructural provision for his Enugu West Constituents so staggering in new school blocks, desks, books, equipping libraries, transformers, rural electrification, water boreholes, roads , building of town halls and places of recreation, adult literacy and micro finance.

    He has a Football Championship on-going being competed for by Local Governments that make up his Senatorial Zone. Perhaps it is in the area of philanthropic gestures that Senator Ekweramadu has written his name in Platinum. As at the last count, his Ikeoha Foundation Scholarship Bursary Award is sponsoring the education of over 300 students including bursary awards in higher institutions including universities both at home and overseas.

    No tinkering of the Constitution would be complete without mentioning his name since as Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in the National Assembly, he has brought to bear on the exercise, respectability and a high sense of purpose.

    Given his pedigree and purposeful leadership as Deputy Senate President and for the magnificent upliftment  and empowerment of people from his area, one can say without any fear of contradiction that his name placed on the Ritchard’s Scale, it would weigh down the gold bars.

    Is it therefore desirable that he should return, Yes. Would he add more values and strengthen the Senate in the forthcoming 8th National Assembly? The answers are in the positive. Will the people of Enugu West be better of with his coming back? Yes and Yes!

    We must grow this democracy and appreciate excellence and performance. We must not abort a dream so sweet still in the honey comb. All men and women of decent upbringing in Enugu, must intervene to checkmate the unnecessary flexing of muscles.

    The party in Enugu is One Big Family. We must shut the door to muckrakers and mischief makers cum sycophants. Howbeit Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor Sullivan locking themselves up in one room, no interference and as brothers sort out what ordinarily should be a simple family affair.