General Lagbaja, the Nigerian Army, and the myriads of unfinished businesses

By: Bodunrin Kayode

If there is any personnel in military uniform in Nigeria today who would be extremely devastated about the death of General Lagbaja, it is the Chief of the defense staff General Chris Musa. He obviously had a very smooth working relationship with the late Army Chief before his demise. General Musa is one of the few military Commanders who have swallowed the bitter taste of asymmetric warfare in the battle fields of “Hadin Kai” and the entire country. He is a warrior whose patriotism General Lagbaja emulated.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja would be sorely missed by all his colleagues and men whom he walked with through the valleys of torments and came out in one piece. They will never forget another fine General who often led his troops from the front following after the pattern of predecessors like Generals Tukur Buratai, Lamidi Adeosun, Chris Musa and many other warriors who have passed through this theatre. Even at the 7 division level we had warriors like General Abdulsalam Abubakar who have since left the theatre for another front of banditry torment at the 3, division of the Nigerian Army and Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna current General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 division who had served the city of Maiduguri as Garrison Commander before now. They have all crossed his path at one operation or the other as ordered by army headquarters(HQ).

Lagbaja’s battles against Boko Haram

For the one decade I have worked within the “Hadin Kai” war theatre, I have seen and reported the activities of many Army Generals coming and leaving their sector posts at close range. As a matter of fact, they are too many to mention who came and left at a time we needed them most like Major Generals Abdulkalifa Ibrahim who is now the infantry Chief of the Army and Ibrahim Ali holding fort at the Multinational joint task force (MNJTF) HQ. From the kinetic proactive Commanders, to those who spend more time in the non kinetic realms than in the battle field. All directed to end the insurgency with their strengths and weaknesses as we reporters hear from the interpretation of the residents who judge their respective fighting prowesses. In all these, I have only encountered Lagbaja as the Army Chief coming on operational visits which may not be regarded as close range but close enough to sense the signs of the tides and his body languages which was always that of a warrior screaming “end this war” to his troops. Military sources hinted this reporter that in all his command positions he held under the days of “Lafia Dole” interacting between sector one and three even around the brutal mine fields of Baga, he had always maintained the same pattern of motivation of his troops by leading from the front and not expecting anything special for doing the job. His style was obviously more of less talk and more action. I never had that close working relationship with lagbaja as I had with others like Generals Koko Isoni, Rogers Nicholas, Ibrahim Attahiru, Faruk Yahaya, Ibrahim Ali, Nura Mayirenso Saraso and many others but from a distance and judging from what my colleagues used to report about him at the Bernin Gwari front, he was indeed a warrior. He cared about his troops which is why immediately he assumed duty he started fighting for increased welfare for them. It is only a general who have had keen encounters with his troops that will know exactly what their challenges are. And Lagbaja knew their challenges.

Efforts by the military to maintain sanity in the war theatre

A lot of efforts have been channeled into the maintenance of peace and sanity in the Hadin Kai war theatre and history will remember Taoreed Lagbaja as one of the few Generals who faced fire at the frontline in this theatre before moving to others to fight for his country. From General’s Buratai to Lamidi Adeosun to Victor Ezegwu to many others like Chris Musa who got double promotion and today he is the Chief of the entire Nigerian military. They all tried their best to make their impacts before leaving. Most of them left as warriors except for Ibrahim Attahiru who had to contend with the shortest and bloodiest attacks here before leaving. On his movement to headquarters, he was later made the Army Chief but lost his life in a plane crash making his reign an equally short lived one. Attahiru it was who actually changed the name of “Lafia Dole” to Hadin Kai to suite the exigency of that time.

Lagbaja’s meteoric promotion from GOC to Army Chief

No General in recent times has being promoted to become Chief from outside “Hadin Kai” except Lagbaja who had passed through the theatre as an unsong warrior. Of course Hadin Kai had become a big bone in the throat of the military and it was obvious that only warriors from this theatre that could be made Chief of the Nigerian Army. If one did not understand the dynamics of the asymmetric warfare down here, one’s ability to review operational strategies and change tactics would be highly impaired. However, General Lagbaja’s case was unique which is why his own elevation never came from this theatre as the likes of General Faruk Yahaya who followed the footsteps of Attahiru. Rather he was busy leading from the front as General Officer Commanding GOC the one division of the Army at the Kaduna theatre axis when he was told to drop his weapons and prepare to propound and approve policies for tactical warfare at the Army headquarters as the first Army Chief for President Bola Tinubu. In other words, while troops were busy taking out the enemies in Sambisa and the Lake Chad region from this axis Lagbaja was leading from the front in the north west theatre where he was the GOC 1 division of the Nigerian Army. It is from this point that he rose to the rank of Army Chief. Even as army chief he still maintained his style of seeing things for himself. Feeling the pulse of his troops and impacting his style on them.

“He led from the front and was always ready to take the bullet for his troops.” Said Chiroma a private soldier who fought along side him in the Lafia Dole theatre. One thing I have learnt inside the Hadin Kai war theatre as a defacto defense correspondent is that troops always celebrate their Generals or Commanders who led from the front. Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja was a highly celebrated officer who had many dreams for a modern Nigerian Army. His humility never allowed him to adorn himself with all his medals of a true warrior because they were so many.
His introduction of the first air platform components for the Army was a huge success for the administration of President Bola Tinubu who wanted to prove his mettle at the management of the security sector. Lagbaja had received two Bell UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters registered as NA 010 and NA 011 in June this year. With that introduction the Army has stepped up its operational efficiency especially in dangerous sections of the fight against terrorism in the North East and Western flanks of the country. Too many times the air force had delayed in giving them the spontaneous service they used to require. With the development of the aviation component of the Army, troops will now be well protected whenever they need to break through short range barriers. This new development will equally reduce the prevalence of erroneous mistakes sometimes on own troops in any of the troublesome theatres.

Motivational speaker and press ups exercises

The passage of General Lagbaja to the great beyond is not only a huge loss to the Nigerian army, it is also a loss to the entire country. He was a great motivator to his troops wherever he went to.
Seeing that his troops lacked motivation in certain instances, he had personally gingered them up in press up exercises while observing their faces and body languages. Breaking protocols at times to discuss with troops over their challenges. He was not heavily built and kept an average tummy which spoke volumes to those officers who had massive tummies hindering them in their movements. He was an obviously big time dreamer with lots of thoughts for his people.

Goodbye General Lagbaja

Sadly for me I only had one instance to say hello to this great General who some of us felt was a bit media shy and may not like any sudden form of interaction with us especially our electronics colleagues who sometimes are unable to read body languages to know when not to cross some lines. He was shy initially but as he kept coming to the theatre, his countenance improved. His case was a bit better than General Faruk Yahaya who kept journalists at arms length like some dangerous irritants while in the theatre but adjusting when he became the Chief. All thanks to the Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, they always fall in line to accept the media as Co-fighters against evil when they become chiefs. Nwachukwu is also an acknowledged pen warrior who did so much in moulding these Generals to understand that the army is not part of the secret service so they always opened up after they hit the ground running.

Ambushing Lagbaja

Lagbaja had arrived Maiduguri with his defense Chief General Chris Musa and they had done their usual operational reviews inside the hall of Hadin Kai HQ while we milled around pinging our phones or snacking as we wait for them to tell us why the war still lingers. They came out for group pictures and interactions with the media which is the style of General Musa before they took off to see wounded troops in the hospital. Then I cornered him as he ruminated over what may have happened inside the hall. Some of them had loosened up but not Lagbaja. He was always at red alert. As a matter of fact, while the interaction continued he had a cold stare common with the ogas when their boys have not met the yard stick they had given them. As if he should come down and lead them through the valleys of the shadow of death. That “I fear no evil” sight of a warrior. I was taking aback a bit and hesitated slightly. But I then introduced my experience to engage him looking straight into his eyes and retorted: “Good day General” I said to him. He looked at me with that windless stare that would not allow you to construct his mind from his face. I later learnt that is his trade mark as a toughie when on duty. He gave me a nod. Clear sign don’t ask further questions. I smiled in my mind and said this one is really a tough one. And went further, “I wish you the best General and be sure that we will continue to fight with our pens along side your troops at this side of the theatre”. He gave a second nod of approval and walked off like one of his mentors in the American war college where he trained. It was time to go so his ADC who had kept a distance went tugging along with the General into the air conditioned bus waiting for the entourage to embark and finish the tour. It was a chanced meeting and I enjoyed it though. Later that month, I would hear him in another theatre commending the gentlemen of the pen for fighting along with his troops. He obviously have done his best being the Chief of a badly overstretched Army. It’s up to his predecessor to keep the flag flying by clearing all the terrorists bragging around the country and increasing the army alone to at least 100,000 men and officers before the end of the first term of the Commander in Chief President Tinubu. The Army, Airforce and Navy should not be less than 500,000 officers and men by 2034. It’s practicable if the new Chief in conjunction with defense and the National Youth Service Corp creates a corp of reservists which can always supply the main stream as it is done in Israel and many other countries. We cannot continue to allow terrorists to be embarrassing and humiliating the biggest economy on the African continent except if it is for a purpose.
Smoking these people out once and for all does not mean that there would not be theatres for troops to practice their trades. There are many theatres of war they can be shipped to outside the country when our borders are cleared and sealed. These are the tasks before the new Army chief. Nigerians expect better deals in terms of security and Lagbaja understood that and was deliberately going after the well-being of the nation.

He will be enjoying his peaceful sleep till we meet to part no more. May the Lord console the entire family of the Lagbaja’s especially his uncle who is going to live the rest of his old age in regrets that his nephew was buried before him which to him is a deep stab in his fragile heart. My condolence too goes to the Commander in chief of the armed forces of Nigeria President Bola Tinubu.

General Lagbaja, the Nigerian Army, and the myriads of unfinished businesses

“Freedom of the Press and the Portrayal of Women in the Media”

By : Atifete Jahjaga

Dear Mr. Orav,
Dear Mr. Fontana,
Dear journalists and media professionals from all over the world present here today,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear all,

Freedom of the media and the safety of journalists are essential in societies that want to prosper, aspire to be just and to be guided by accountability. Their work is essential. It has been such in Kosovo’s not so short tradition of media pluralism that has defined our republic’s making and even now when we find ourselves as the only country in Europe that no longer has a printed newspaper.

We are well aware and we should be reminded every day that Democracy has no chance to survive and no ability to thrive in information darkness. We have lived in one and we will never go back there again. A free and thriving press is a value – one of the greatest values I may argue – and we need strong willed, responsible journalists and editors in the newsrooms as we forge Kosovo’s way forward. They need to remind us of who we are and who we are committed to be and hold us to account every single day of how we are measuring up to our goal of being a free and fair country to all that call Kosovo their home. They need to inform the public of promises kept and promised unkept.

Media not only creates social and national cohesion by helping build a sense of community, as Benedict Anderson so diligently described in The Imagined Communities, but it also sets an agenda of priorities, big and small, that come to construct our public engagement mosaic and define our roles and responsibilities.

And here in lies the challenge. Given this enormous expectation that the public vests on media and journalists, this enormous power to keep institutions and all entities honest, it is just as essential for media to live up to their duty to serve the public’s right to know and to foster a fact-based conversation that keeps the institutions and the citizens at the receiving end of the decision-making engaged and responsible.

While this may have been a more straightforward matter in times of national tormet, during the Kosovo war, since its liberation Kosovo, like many democracies, has struggled to define these roles and responsibilities. We have seen institutions, both local and international, limit media’s access to information. We have seen them use and misuse national interest as a way to limit transparency, accountability and the public’s right to know. And we have seen that it has damaged all parties involved – it has weakened the political processes that are key to Kosovo’s future, it has shaken the trust in media and it has undermined the democratic progress.

In my public engagement, I too have stumbled upon challenges and I have had my share of frustrations, especially with the ways media characterized my presidency and how my gender became a target. Sometimes it felt personal, but most times I worried about the repercussions it will have on the general portrayal of women in public office and the discouragement that comes with it.

We need to do our outmost ro ensure the freedom of the media for it is essential, so that the information it disseminates is fact-based and reliable, so no hand or power should affect or try to affect the dignity of this institution. When I talk about the pressfreedom, I also emphasize their moral, professional and legal obligation to provide reliable news, deep and qualitative analysis, and especially the immediate avoidance and elimination of gender and sexist prejudices against all women who are part of public life.
The portrayal of women belonging to public professions by the media is an area that requires our attention but also our criticism, focused on big and significant changes, despite the positive changes in some aspects of the functioning of the media, this area we can say that still leaves a lot to be desired for further improvements.
As the first female president of Kosovo, I faced unique challenges in how the media portrayed my leadership. Local media coverage often focused more on my gender, my appearance, my private life than my policies. When I stop and reflect on my tenure, I cannot ignore the unfair and unprofessional treatment I have received from the media, and all of this treatment has come as a result of my gender identity, being a woman, and the President, for someone it was too much. Despite my dedication and raising the state of Kosovo to high pedestals, the country’s media focused on other aspects, such as my appearance or wardrobe.

The media’s portrayal of women often reinforces stereotypes, affecting public perception and limiting women’s roles in politics and society. This not only undermines women’s contributions but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination. It’s crucial to address these biases to foster an inclusive society.

For my part, I learned to engage with the media strategically, using interviews and press conferences to amplify my message while advocating for more balanced coverage of women in leadership, something that I try to do to this day.

Dear all,

To understand better this current state of affairs, we need to identify the challenges that the media face, and their struggles are many. Not only have media faced unprecedented challenges with the rise of social media and lately AI, which require them to constantly change and adapt to an ever shifting environment of wants and needs, but they are often a function of a market competition that is outside of their control.
Yes, indeed, we often think of media as a public service, a right and a good which ensures that every citizen is informed if she or he chooses to, but in a free and open market, media are dependent on business models that could make them susceptible to influences that in the long-term undermine their objectivity, their impartiality and eventually the public’s trust.

Some of these forces don’t have immediate fixes. They are part of a longer chain of events interlinked and interdependent that are tied to our ability to create stable economies and strong democracies that withstand the earthquakes of today’s rapidly changing world.
But what we can do is to ensure that we – institutions, civil society and the public – do our outmost to ensure the freedom of the media, for it is essential, so that the information it disseminates is fact-based and reliable, so no hand or power should affect or try to affect the dignity of this powerful and key estate.
When I talk about the pressfreedom, I also emphasize their moral, professional and legal obligation to provide reliable news, deep and qualitative analysis, and especially the immediate avoidance and elimination of gender and sexist prejudices against all women who are part of public life.
Dear,

We are living in the time of clicks, everything revolves around the number of clicks a news story gets, without worrying about its authenticity or analysis, it is enough to publish it quickly, with a bombastic headline and a picture that will attract readers to click on the news, but what that text contains is not important at all.

There are many reasons why such a thing happens, but the most important is the financing. Many media have serious economic problems, so they compete with each other as to who will publish the news first, without worrying about its content as well as professional and human ethics.
Disinformation, hyperbolization of events, and the apparent decline in the quality of work are unfortunately characterizing journalism in Kosovo and beyond, and this is quite worrying.

Yet I am optimistic for the fact that Kosovo enjoys a media pluralism with a variety of voices and figures heard on television, radio and other online platforms, which are owned by different entities, allowing room for independent reporting and a diversity of viewpoints.

But unfortunately the political polarization and politicization has affected every field, profession, and person, so even the media have not been immune to this challenge.

But there is one essential element to anchor us through all this. In a democracy, it is essential that every power be independent of each other, no one should try to extend force or influence in any sphere that falls outside its responsibility.
In order to preserve their educational and sensitizing role, the media should be allowed to exercise their profession and their role unhindered. For its part, the media should also be committed to an ethical standard so that the dignity of each and everyone is preserved.
We all need to better ourselves – Institutions need to become more transparent and let media do their job. Media executives should do some soul-searching about their impact on the fabric of the society and perhaps rethink how they themselves could agree to hold themselves to an account through stronger self-regulation to ensure equitable representation and to challenge harmful narratives. In an increasingly globalized world, Kosovo faces significant challenges from foreign entities attempting to manipulate public opinion and destabilize its young democracy. It is essential to educate the public about recognizing misinformation and understanding the sources of their information. Supporting independent journalism and promoting fact-based reporting is vital in building resilience against external narratives that threaten our democratic values.
It’s crucial for all stakeholders-government, civil society, and the media-to work together to safeguard our democratic institutions. Encouraging transparency in media ownership and funding sources can help combat the influence of foreign actors seeking to disrupt our democracy. Engaging citizens in dialogue about their rights and the importance of informed decision-making is essential for a robust democratic process. I remain committed to advocating for gender equality in media and politics while ensuring that Kosovo’s democracy is safeguarded against external threats. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society.
Dear,
I am more than aware of the fast flow of time and life nowadays, everything is commercialized, but I am also convinced that we still have people who do their work with dignity and do not allow anything to touch the sanctity of their work, as every work is valuable. There are many issues that must be raised, many things that must be eliminated so that we all feel safe to speak, work and act freely in our country, without fear of who and what will write about us. Truths are always welcome, but blackmail, fake news and infringement of privacy are a line we should pledge not to cross.

Strongly advocating for the freedom of the media, their protection by law, as well as not violating the identity of the media and all professionals in this field, as well as for a quality, educational and informative work of the media, I also want to convey this message:
Dear Media,
You have the opportunity to bring the whole world together, you are one of the fastest and most important connectors today, you have the power to do great things, so please use this opportunity with honesty and dignity, with dedication and work tireless. There is nothing more important than being the eyes, ears and voice of the people, and you are, you have been given and have earned this opportunity, so that there is as little hesitation, threats and interference in your work as possible, let law, work ethic and professionalism be your guide.

Let me repeat it again: we should be reminded every day that Democracy has no chance to survive and no ability to thrive in darkness. We need a free and thriving press and we need strong willed, responsible journalists and editors in the newsrooms as we forge Kosovo’s way forward. They need to remind us of who we are and who we are committed to be.
Atifete Jahjaga, is the first Kosovo’s Female President.

“Freedom of the Press and the Portrayal of Women in the Media”

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, GCON At 58: A Birthday Wish And A Call For Attention

By: A G Abubakar

I wish to join the millions of people of Nigeria , Borno State and especially those from Borno South in wishing His Excellency a happy birthday. We pray to Allah swt to grant him a long, long life in good health and wisdom in the service of the motherland and humanity. This birthday, coming after the first anniversary of the current Administration, is significant in more ways than one. First, the take-off challenges associated with a new Administration, would have been reasonably addressed. Second, the government vision should have been gotten clearer. We wish you and the President, C in C, well.

The onerous task of leading a huge and diverse nation like Nigeria, can not be taken for granted. But for sure, you and your principal, Mr. President C-in-C is more than capable. History, experience, and the prayers of patriots are with you. May you keep doing His will, especially when it comes to justice and fair play for all Nigerians.

This humble birthday wish, Your Excellency, is also intended to draw your attention to the challenges of infrastructure deficits in your backyard; the Southern flank of Borno State. A state you superintended its affairs for 8 years in executive capacity and much more as a member of the State’s Executive Council (Exco). As the number two man in nation, you are in a good state to enhance your home base and also leave an enduring legacy behind if you could pay attention to the physical and social infrastructure decay across Southern Borno. A region whose electoral value cannot be taken for granted. Most astute politicians take pride in flaunting their complete electoral safety on the “home front.”
Southern Borno had been veritable part of the Borno political experience. Whether as a “one party” state since the GNPP era in the 80s through to the current APC or as a victim of the decade and a half Boko Haram insurgency.

However, Your Excellency, while Southern Borno has shared the pains of the State, the opportunities that acrue to the polity has been less reflective of this fact. The Gwoza IDPs in Cameroon are still there. The majority of the Chibok girls are yet to come home and the issue seemingly getting relegated.

Biu town believed to be the defector political centre of Southern Borno has its roads and water infrastructure in complete state of ruins. Your Excellency may be in a position to attest to this fact since information has it that you had a stint in one of the post primary institutions at Biu in the 80s. And might even be conversant with the popular “gauta da yaji” (spiced garden egg) delicacy, or take a few steps of what looks like the Ethiopian eskista-themed Waksha-Waksha dance!

The Biu Dam conceived about 40 years ago is yet to deliver a drop of water to Biu Town and environs. The vision of irrigation in the circumstance doesn’t arise as the domestic needs could not be met as a matter of priority. If the Dam had come on line twenty years ago, it would have been ripe for desilting/dredging. In fact President Obasanjo as far back as 9th, July, 2000. communicated the willingness of his government to partner with the Borno State Government to complete the Biu Dam, but to no avail. The state government has not been able to prioritise it with all seriousness.

There have been symbolic concerns in the recent past, Your Excellency, but be rest assured that it could only go as far. The supply system which is one of the critical aspects of potable water delivery, hasn’t been articulated. Your government shouldn’t allow the Biu Dam to become another white elephant project in the North East. So much hope and resources shall be at stake, needlessly.

As regards roads linking Biu, the town has literally and metaphorically been at a serious crossroads. Litera, ly Biu town sits on the intersection of two major highways. One, from North to South and the other East to West. The North-South highway links Damaturu the Yobe State capital via Biu to Gombi in Adamawa state over a distance of about 225 kms. Those old enough could vividly recall with nostalgia, the project signboards at Biu and Damaturu, reading: “Damaturu-Biu-Little Gombi” as the project and the FGN, its client. The defunct “Stirling Astaldi Nig Ltd” as the contractor.

The East-West connects Maiduguri via Damboa and Biu to Gombe town in Gombe state .It covers a distance of 202 kms. Biu is 117 kms to Gombe. A feeder road also branches of the Damaturu-Biu highway to Gunda, a border town near the Southern tip of Yobe state and some parts of Gombe state.

Your Excellency, these network of roads were constructed about half a century ago. Precisely, in the twilight of the 60s and early 70s. Eras that could be less demanding than now after the population and human-to-human interaction had doubled. Unfortunately, and regardless of the positive role infrastructure plays in regional and national development, successive governments left the network to go into a total state of dilapidation.

The one hour journey from Damaturu to Biu now takes more than three. The extension to Garkida-Gombi, the same thing. The Gombe to Biu, too, which should be two hours now takes more than three . The road from Biu to Maiduguri has been closed since 2016. Attempt to open it in 2018, couldn’t endure because of Boko Haram challenges and government’s half-hearted attempt to keep it accessible. A situation that emboldened the insurgents operating in the ungoverned space.

The national government’s vision that informed the Biu network of highways was to facilitate economic activities especially agriculture and livestock, plus general commerce. The South-North highway was meant to evacuate livestock and farm produce from the Mambila-Adamawa enclave to the Railway Station at Buni-Yadi and from there to the Southern parts of the Country.

There was also a cotton ginary in Biu, which, together with the ones in Gombe, fed the textiles in Kaduna and Kano. The link between Biu in Maiduguri was meant to shorten the travel time for local commuters and Eastern Nigeria-bound (through Jos) haulage of goods, especially from the Lake Chad zone. Your Excellency, all these, have but gone.

The people of Biu and most of the communities along the corridors of the now dilapidated highways have since become economically challenged over time. Widespread poverty has taken over. And the little so produced by necessity are traded with next door neighbours at ridiculous terms. The Biu area and parts of Southern Borno have been the natural food basket of Borno and other neighbouring states given its rich soil and abundant rainfall. The dearth of the physical infrastructure like roads have, however, denied the state the full benefit of the same. Especially in revenue and food self-sufficiency.

In Gunda, Your Excellency, people are forced to trade with enclaves like Ashaka and Ngalda in Gombe and Yobe states, respectively. Tons of maize and beans are taken to these markets before finding their way to Dawanau Market in Kano. Farmers in the South West part of Biu like Kwaya Kusar, Ɓayo etc depend on Gombe while those in the North East (Gwoza, Uba) go to Mubi and other markets in Adamawa.

Your Excellency, in view of this ugly socioeconomic development and also the need to relief the terrible hardships of the communities in Biu alongside with those along the affected highway corridors, you may wish to;

get the Biu Dam completed
reconstruct, (not patch) the Damaturu-Biu-Garkida highway
do all it takes to open and keep open the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road
construct the Biu/Miringa-Garubula-Gunda-Tattaba link road
put more effort in bringing back the remaining Chibok girls and
evacuate the willing Gwoza and other IDPs from neighbouring Cameroon and Chad to their ancestral homes. These are few among the numerous excruciating pains of the people.

Mr. Vice President, Sir, without doubt, you are in a good stead to address the humble challenges aforementioned and more. The capacity and support system are there to leverage. Your Excellency, you have a very capable and hard working governor at the home front. Borno State hosts the headquarters of the North East Development Commission (NEDC). You also have the NSA from the brotherly neighbouring Adamawa state

The Borno State team, comprising the VP, the Governor, Senate Chief Whip, the Senate Appropriations Chair, and other loyal legislators in the federal and state assembly, could not be more formidable. The team is also too privileged to fail. All that is needed is the political will and the compassion to do the right thing. A legacy mark is required.

Your Excellency, please, accept my assurances of highest regard.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, GCON At 58: A Birthday Wish And A Call For Attention