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Lake Chad: Buhari Seeks Tighter Border Security to Consolidate Gains against Terrorists
President Muhammadu Buhari has again called for tighter border security in the Lake Chad region to consolidate the gains of security agencies against terrorist activities in the Sahel region of West Africa.
The president made the call in his opening address at the 16th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), held at the Conference Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Buhari, who is Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, said the threat by terrorists in the region had been relatively brought under control, while the influx of weapons posed fresh challenges.
He said: “It must however be stated that in spite of the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the MNJTF and the various ongoing national operations in the region, terrorist threats still lurk in the region.
“Regrettably, the situation in the Sahel and the raging war in Ukraine serve as major sources of weapons and fighters that bolster the ranks of the terrorists in the Lake Chad Region.
”A substantial proportion of the arms and ammunition procured to execute the war in Libya continues to find its way to the Lake Chad Region and other parts of the Sahel.
“Weapons being used for the war in Ukraine and Russia are equally beginning to filter into the region.
“This illegal movement of arms into the region has heightened the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which continues to threaten our collective peace and security in the region.
Buhari said that there was the urgent need for expedited collaborative actions by border control agencies and other security services to stop the circulation of all illegal weapons in the region.
The Nigerian leader said Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deserved commendation for various operations that had brought measurable stability to the Lake Chad Basin.
“The threat of Boko Haram terrorism in the Lake Chad area no doubt brought to the fore, the imperative of enhanced collaboration among the defense forces of the region in the face of a common aggressor.
”I am pleased that through the Multinational Joint Task Force we responded to the challenge, proving beyond reasonable doubt that with the requisite commitment and determination, the region can solve its challenges in the best ways possible.
“The MNJTF has indeed become a model, breaking physical barriers, and affirming the workability of the common approach to conquer challenges in the area.
“Permit me, therefore, to pay tribute to the untiring efforts of the officers and men of the Multinational Joint Task Force and our various National Armed Forces who continue to make remarkable sacrifices in the fight against terrorism in the region.
”The efforts and memories of these gallant soldiers, some of whom have paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for the survival and restoration of stability to the region, will never be forgotten,” he said.
Buhari further reiterated that during the period under review and with the support of Heads of State, efforts and funding were sustained for the MNJTF to ensure that it delivers on its mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment in the region.
“You will recall that consequent on the deteriorating security situation in the region, the Extraordinary Summit of Dec. 15, 2018, held here in Abuja, directed the conduct of continuous operations to completely eradicate the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism from the region.
“I am glad to inform my dear brothers that in keeping with that decision, the MNJTF has since then, successfully conducted three major operations:
”Ops‘YANCIN TAFKI (I&II) and Ops Lake Sanity I, with, the fourth one, Ops Lake Sanity II, being planned.
”The next phase of the operation will take cognisance of lessons learned from previous exercises and effectively consolidate the gains attained by preceding Ops.
”I am glad to note that during the execution of Ops Lake Sanity I, regrouping terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands were effectively decimated,” the President added.
Buhari urged the leaders to complement the fight against terrorism with development.
Buhari said: “Although terrorist threats have been significantly decimated in the region, it is worthy of note that military actions alone cannot effectively win the war against terrorism.
”There is the overriding need to complement military operations with the provision of sustainable development projects that will ameliorate the living conditions of the affected people in the region.
“Government presence must be positively felt in the area to restore the confidence of citizens in the ability of the State to protect them and provide basic infrastructure for all.
“It is in view of the foregoing, that the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected Areas of the region must gain further traction without any delay.
“I am glad to note the development, costing, and validation of the territorial action plans for the eight Boko Haram most affected territories of the region.”
According to him, these action plans were the basic building blocks for the implementation of the strategy for the developmental needs of the people of the area.
”While we commend these initiatives, we must immediately commence efforts at their operationalization.
“In this regard, I urge our partners to continue to support us as we redouble the ongoing efforts at developing the region, to win the hearts and minds of the citizens in the area,’’ he urged.
Buhari said the Lake Chad region was faced with a complex security situation that was highly dynamic, constantly changing, and increasingly influenced by the impact of climate change and other variables, including sadly, some external factors.
He added: “These factors have made it imperative for us to regularly review the development and counterterrorism strategies that are operational in the region.”
Buhari said the member-countries must continue together to proffer ingenious solutions to the challenges confronting them.
The president urged: “We must, through the commission, continue to make concerted efforts to provide the desired leadership, and ownership.
“We must also ensure that our experts and troops are adequately motivated and supported to achieve our objectives.
“We must strive to continue to view our region through the lens of equity, fairness, diversity, and inclusion.
“It is imperative that we all see ourselves reflected in the kind of leadership we provide for the region.
“We must continue to support and contribute to the success of the organization.”
Buhari called on the leaders to rise and face the challenges of the region headlong in order to deliver the bright future we envisage for our region.
The president said budgetary concerns remained a challenge for all member countries, considering the declining global inflows and increasing demands.
‘Buhari said: ”We must, however, never lose sight of the vision of the Founding Fathers of the commission.
”We must continue to strive and make collaborative efforts aimed at upholding the ideals for which the LCBC in its nearly 60 years of existence has continued to pursue.
“To our gallant troops in the field, ensuring the safety and stability of the region, we recommit ourselves to sustaining the ongoing counterterrorism efforts by providing you with the requisite needs to function optimally.”
The president assured that their welfare would continue to remain greater priority, and urged them to rededicate themselves ”as we take the final push towards eradicating terrorism from our Region.
Buhari said: ”Together, we shall restore and transform the Lake Chad Region to its former glory.
“As Chairman of the Summit of Heads of Government and State of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, I commend and thank you all for the vibrant solidarity, enhanced strong cooperation, and support we continue to share.
“I equally express sincere gratitude to our partners for the support they continue to offer us in our joint collaborative efforts to fight the challenges that have hampered the sustainable development of the region, particularly climate change and terrorism.
”Together, we have shown that with commitment and with the desired support, we can achieve success.’’
The president urged the leaders to remain committed to ensuring that the diversity in the region continued to be a source of strength and a positive cohesive force for the people of the Lake Chad Region.
Buhari said: “My dear brother-presidents, we must remain unrelenting in providing the needed political and material support for the LCBC/MNJTF in its efforts at delivering regional initiatives that will revamp Lake Chad and revitalise the socio-economic activities of the region.
”The fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminality in the region must remain issues on the front burner of discourse in the region.
“I thank you all for your support to me as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and call on you in the spirit of true African brotherhood, to extend the same support to my successor.
“I also wish to thank the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, and his team for their efforts at delivering on the mandate of the Commission.”
He urged them to keep the lofty ideals of ensuring that the people of the region optimally benefit from the resources of the region.
The president welcomed the State of Libya to active participation in the activities of the commission.
“This is a positive step in the quest of our sister nation to rise beyond its current travails and to return to active engagements in the comity of nations.
”Together, we shall collectively pursue our shared objectives of joint development of the Lake Chad region,’’ he said.
On his stewardship as Chairman of the LCBC, Buhari said the meeting provided a platform to holistically review collective efforts at sustainable management of shared heritage, Lake Chad, and to reinvigorate efforts at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Buhari added: ”It equally provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far since 2018 when my dear brothers bestowed on me, the task of steering this unique organization, an honour for which I am grateful.
“In the last four years, the commission and indeed the region witnessed several challenges. However, with your support, we rose to the task of addressing them.
“As my mandate as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission comes to an end, I am proud of the great strides we continue to collectively make to ensure that we ultimately restore the Lake Chad Region to its once enviable state as a hub of economic development.
“Our sustained sacrifices at restoring peace and stability to the region and enabling the people in the area to return to their normal lives and activities are highly commendable.
“During the period under review, we intensified our efforts at ensuring that the drive to revitalize the Lake Chad through the Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project attracted regional and international attention.”
The president acknowledged the concerted efforts of the commission, in consonance with its partners, towards giving life to this laudable and all-important project.
According to him, progress had been made towards procuring the services of a world-class firm to conduct in-depth feasibility study on the improvement of the hydraulic capacities of the major tributaries of the Lake and to improve the retention capacity of the Lake itself.
”This is the first and most important step towards ensuring that the project is executed in conformity with international best practices and that the solutions we seek today are sustainable,”he said.
Buhari said it was heartwarming to note the various interventions that had been carried out through the commission to complement the developmental initiatives of various governments in the region.
The president noted that through the Regional Stabilization Strategy and its implementing components, the people of the region affected by the scourge of Boko Haram had continued to receive the support they needed towards ensuring that they effectively returned to their normal homes.
“You will recall that following the demise of our dear brother, H.E. Idriss Deby ITNO of Chad, in April 2021, I, under the umbrella of the Commission, convened an Extraordinary and enlarged Summit of Heads of State and Government of the region on 25thMay 2021 to review and consider the situation in Chad,”Buhari said.
He said, this was aimed at ensuring stability and a peaceful transition in that nation.
“With your support, and in execution of the decisions of the Extraordinary Summit, I have taken several measures including, appointing an accomplished diplomat, Amb. Baba Gana KINGIBE, in June 2021, as the Special Envoy of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to facilitate the transition in Chad.
“Through his efforts, I have remained actively informed of the situation in Chad.
“Accordingly, I wish to reiterate to the government and people of the Republic of Chad, our collective commitment to actively work with them to navigate the processes of the transition in that country to a successful conclusion,’’ Buhari stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the LCBC, Amb. Mammam Nuhu, said two reports of the 68th session of the Council of Ministers would be presented, and a report by the Special Envoy for Chadian transition.
Those in attendance of the Summit included Prof. Faustine Archange TOUADERA, President of the Central African Republic; Mohamed BAZOUM, President and Head of State of Niger Republic and Patrice TALLON, President of the Republic of Benin.
Others were; Mahamat Idriss Itno, President of the Transition Military Council of Chad, and Mohamed AL-Menfi, Chairman, Presidential Council of Libya. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative, known as the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.
Tinubu also approved the appointment of Chief Ajuri Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action and will retain his role as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information & Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Sunday in Abuja.
Reports says that this is part of a strategic move of the President to ensure the advancement of his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives.
The committee will coordinate and oversee all the policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.
This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes and provide an efficient governance architecture.
It will ensure that all the relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.
The committee consists of President Bola Tinubu – Chairman; Balarabe Abbas Lawal (Minister of Environment) – Vice-Chairman; and Ajuri-Obari Ngelale (Special Adviser) – Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy.
The members are Lazarus Angbazo (CEO, InfraCorp); Salisu Dahiru (CEO, NCCC); Michael Ohiani (CEO, ICRC); Aisha Rimi (CEO, NIPC); and Aminu Umar-Sadiq (CEO, NSIA).
Others are Yusuf Maina-Bukar (CEO, NAGGW); Abdullahi Mustapha (CEO, ECN); Abba Abubakar Aliyu (CEO, REA); Uzoma Nwagba (CEO, CrediCorp) and Khalil Halilu (CEO, NASENI).
Fatima Shinkafi (CEO, SMDF); Bala Bello (Deputy Governor, CBN); Lolade Abiola (UN SE4ALL); Teni Majekodunmi (NCCC Adviser) and Representative, (Federal Ministry of FCT) as members.
Other representative members are Federal Ministries of Finance; Power; Industry, Trade & Investment; Water Resources; and Agriculture & Food Security.
The committee members also include representatives of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The committee shall, among other functions, identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil & non-gas climate action initiatives.
It will coordinate all the activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.
It will also collaborate with all the relevant government, sub-national governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.
In the same vein, it will collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.
The committee wiil also monitor, evaluate and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.
Other functions include: ”Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.
”Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
”Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the Federal Government.”
Imohiosen said that Tinubu remained committed to achieving Nigeria’s green economy objectives on the path of a just energy transition while unlocking new investments in this critical sector.(NAN)
A few days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities gave the Federal Government an ultimatum over the failure to reconstitute the governing councils of universities across the country, the list of members of 111 tertiary institutions has been unveiled.
The 111 tertiary institutions include universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
This was as ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, said the Federal Government was expected to reinstate the “illegally” dissolved governing councils and not to constitute new ones.
Osodeke also stated that the demand from the union was not only about the dissolved governing councils of tertiary institutions, adding that the Federal Government should implement other requests of ASUU.
Notable among the members of the councils unveiled include former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega; two prominent Nigerian lawyers and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun and Yusuf Alli; former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Peter Okebukola, and labour activist, Issa Aremu.
ASUU had on Tuesday issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to address its key concerns including what it described as the illegal dissolution of governing councils of the universities, continued payment of its members’ salaries using the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, among other issues.
As released by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson-Jack, the list comprises five names each for 50 universities, 37 polytechnics, and 24 colleges of education.
While Jega will serve as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Messrs Olanipeku, Alli, Okubukola and Aremu will chair the councils for the University of Lagos, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Federal College of Education (Technical), Keana, Nasarawa State, respectively.
Others on the list include the former governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, who will chair the governing council of the National Open University of Nigeria, Joy Emordi, a former Senator, who will chair the council of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, who is appointed to lead the council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The immediate-past Executive Secretary of NUC, Adamu Rasheed, who resigned from office a few months into his second term in office, was also named to chair the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
According to the statement, the inauguration and retreat for the new governing council members will take place on Thursday and Friday, 30 and 31 May, at the National Universities Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
In June 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced the dissolution of the governing councils of major government agencies and institutions including those of the higher institutions of learning.
In an interview at the weekend, ASUU President Osodeke, said, “It is not just about the governing council alone, it is just one of them. Secondly, we said they should reinstate the illegally dissolved governing council. We didn’t say they should constitute a new one. As far as we are concerned, they have not met any.”
By Lawrence Onoja
It gives me great pleasure and | am truly honoured to be asked to serve as Guest Speaker in this memorable celebration on the occasion of the 58th birthday anniversary and one year in Office in honour of His Excellency, Rev Fr. Hyacinth lormem Alia PhD, the Executive Governor of Benue State who by the grace of God Almighty is the people’s father, a rare politician, gentleman, philanthropist, philosopher, and a dogged believer in Mr.
President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as it supports the development and liberation of the oppressed and less privileged people of Benue State and beyond.2. Today the good people of Benue State and their friends have gathered for a double’ celebration.
One is to thank God Almighty for His help in the last one year since His Excellency was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Benue State. The second Is also appreciating God for adding another year to our Sactificial Governor. Permit me to dwell on the sacrificial and selfless nature of His Excellency as you will all agree with me that His Excellency has indeed made a great sacrifice in my opinion to take up the mantle to serve as Governor of Benue State.Gaylord Nelson, an American Politician and environmentalist, emphasizes the importance of sacrificing for the benefit of future generations in this quote:
“The Ultimate test of a man’s conscience may be his willingness: to sacrifice something for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard” This suggests that true moral character is demonstrated by the willingness to make sacrifices today that will have a positive impact on the future, even if those future generations may never know or express gratitude. This clearly describes the decision His Excellency has taken and also encourages all of us gathered here today to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to prioritize the well-being of future generations over immediate gratification. By applying this we can collectively make choices that contributes to a sustainable and thriving future for the good people of Benue State and the nation at large.
3. I have observed with keen interest the unalloyed commitment of His Excellency Rev Fr Alia to good governance, transparency, openness, accountability, and fairness: Which are rare attributes in public servants of our time. It is not surprising that His Excellency places premium on the people as the centrepiece for the delivery of democratic governance in Benue State since the inauguration of his Administration on 29″ of May 2023. Thus, the unique understanding of the value of esteem public trust underlies Father’s political philosophy which has found expression in his governance style.
4. Sadly, His Excellency is experiencing unpleasantness in some political quaters to whom he has continued to show unreserved love with the expectations that those political misunderstanding and misrepresentation would be transformed into platforms for fostering political cooperation, understanding, confidence building, consensus building, and good governance. Our prayer for His Excellency is that by God’s Grace and Strength he will not relent on the path of love for the people, good governance, accountability, transparency, openness and accommodation. It is our prayer that the Lord God Almighty will continue to grant him victories for the consolidation of the Unity of Benue State. We are also convinced he has good intention for our people.
5. His Excellency is one of the few Nigerian Governors that brought in his personal convictions to bear on his leadership style, governance, and politics. Within his years of sojourn in politics, | have noticed that his humble, courageous and peaceful disposition has brought goodwill to Benue State. He has been able to selflessly deploy public resources towards equitable development of the State, especially with the renovation of township roads in all the senatorial zones of the state, and the improvement of the State’s Internally Generate Revenue (IGR) through discipline and blockage of leakages. This is because he is consciously working for the collective good of the people that he has heavily sacrificed for. Happily, the majority of Benue people have continued to value your humble and peaceful disposition in the area of security and welfare even in the face of challenges. Your Excellency has been a shoulder, a helping hand, a shelter in the storm, an anchor from life’s battle and a compass for our people that are displaced by terrorists. He is helping us to navigate our ways to safety and comfort. May God bless and reward you.
6. It is in view of the foregoing that | take the pleasure to appreciate His Excellency’s leadership style that have started yielding developmental strides to our agrarian communities in Benue State. I have had privileged encounters with eminent Nigerians who also recounted their admiration with the way and manner you are navigating the Ship of government away from turbulence, acrimony and aggrandisement. Indeed, the rural people in Benue have continued to express their joy with the support and care they have been receiving from His Excellency’s Administration, including both serving and retired civil and public servants, on account of the payment of the arrears of unpaid salaries, pension and gratuities. Although, you were not in government before your election, but you spontaneously went to work in addressing the fundamental concerns of civil and public servants in the State including the remodelling of the Benue State Secretariat to ensure that civil servants have a very conducive working environment for optimum productivity. Our prayer for you is for God to grant you the needed grace and wisdom to complete what you have started at the end of your second term in office by God’s grace,
7. Indeed, our compatriots have also recounted to us the testimonies of His Excellency’s love for the people in need of assiStance, especially the displaced and less privileged in the Society. This is a testament of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Little wonder, you help and provide succour to people effortlessly — without consideration of class, creed, sex, ethnicity and reward opportunities. Certainly, Your Excellency’s years of dedication to the service of the Lord has trained and equipped you with the requisite leadership skills, Knowledge and techniques to pilot the affairs of the State at this critical time. Little wonder, Your Excellency’s contributions to national discourse are unparallel in terms of the depth of wisdom, knowledge and_ pro-people suggestions. | urge you not to relent but be strong and courageous .as you hold on to the word of God in Joshua 1:9 that encourages you to be confident in God’s presence and protection. The LorD will be with you wherever you go.
8. As I join millions of Your Excellency’s admirers, well-wishers and supporters across the world to rejoice with you on this year’s birthday anniversary and one year in Office, I wish you long life, sound health, victories in life’s battles, and the Grace to continue to lead our people to the promised land.
9. Congratulations once more, Your Excellency
Thank you very much for listening and may God bless you.
Maj. Gen. (rtd.) Lawrence A. Onoja, Ph.D, CFR, mni Former Military Governor of Plateau and Katsina States delivered this lecture at the 58th Birthday of Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia, Governor of Benue State in Makurdi, May 18, 2024.
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