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Misunderstanding insecurity: Hold Sobowale Responsible
Misunderstanding insecurity: Hold Sobowale Responsible
By Dauda Iliya
Dr. Dele Sobowale has been every reader’s delight for decades now. His Sunday columns fill up our weekends.
Dr. Sobowale writes in his own style: persuasive, lucid and witty. He has carved his own niche with his style of reaching out and pulling along, his readers to whichever directions he desires, well-intentioned or otherwise.
Sometimes he can be reckless and controversial. For some, this is what draws them to his weekly offerings.
He freely dabbles into issues he doesn’t fully understand. This was the case in his last column. He ventured into an unknown terrain, and lost all control.
To everyone possessing passion for, and genuinely committed to, justice and fairness with regard to issues affecting our dear country, most especially the seemingly intractable insecurity incinerating majority of its sections, the column vividly portrayed Sobowale as having sight, but lacking vision.
He has sight to see the things that inspire him to write, but completely lacks the vision to see beyond what have often turned to be his faulty sights about those things, and fathom them well enough to guarantee credibility for his writings, for the sustenance of the tradition of justice and fairness on issues affecting humanity.
It is a pity. Dr. Sobowale started mixing up things from his first sentence. He said Borno—perhaps he meant Nigeria—was under the PDP between 2011 and 2015.
This glaringly portrayed him as laughably very hasty to castigate Governor Babagana Zulum incontrovertibly unjustly on the resurgence of insecurity.
We wish to proudly report to Sobowale that not only the majority of the Nigerian public, but even the entire globe, represented by the United Nations, have hailed the governor over the non-kinetic-approach projects and programmes to solve the massive humanitarian crisis concomitant to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terror.
Sobowale the columnist continued on his free-fall until he was lost in the debris. He tried to turn the whole Boko Haram crisis on its head. It is weird. He was looking for who to blame. In his obviously now failing judgment, he visited it on Gov. Zulum. It is time for some education.
It is inconceivable how Sobowale failed to get the details of the ongoing reintegration program. First of all, it is not a program of the state government. It was initiated by the Federal Government. The state government is only a partner because most of the rehabilitation centers are located in the state.
In fact, until recently, the program was run in Gombe State. As such, Gov. Zulum has never claimed to have singlehandedly run the program, let alone order the reintegration of surrendered fighters. We do not seriously know where he got his facts, but the official position which the governor has mentioned several times is the receipt of over 300, 000 surrendered members of the group. It is often mistaken. Of this number, a lot were captives or conscripts who fled and turned themselves over to authorities when they saw an opportunity.
Without any labor, Sobowale should have known that no governor in Nigeria can unilaterally receive terrorists, run a de-radicalization program and reintegrate them. That act is itself terrorism. In this case, these surrendered fighters surrender to the Nigerian military under the Operation Safe Corridor.
OSC was launched in 2016 by the federal government. It was also one of the recommendations of the 2013 Boko Haram dialogue committee set up by President Jonathan. It was a platform for repented terrorists or those who wanted to give up arms to turn themselves over.
They go through preliminary investigations in military facilities before they are finally handed over to the state government, on behalf of the FG. Again, they go through another round of profiling before their exact de-radicalization and rehabilitation programs are prescribed.
A lot of these people were only associated to the terrorist groups. As such, they require different rehabilitation programs and approaches. There is a case of forcefully recruited young men and women; who, even when armed and deployed to fight, did it more under duress than ideology. Others were recruited as cooks, errand boys and menial laborers. They also share neither ideology nor creed.
Some of them were seized from their communities and herded into forced marriages. From these forced marriages, a lot have given birth. These boys and girls are now aged between five and fourteen—growing up to join the ranks of their fathers, if not rescued. These unsuspecting children need to be rescued—for their good and the country. They are victims.
The profiling process separates between combatant and noncombatant. Most of the latter do not require de-radicalization, they are only traumatized.
They need psychological therapy and support. Somewhere in his piece, Sobowale alluded that the governor carried out the reintegration unilaterally; and even worse, without any knowledge or research on security. Unfortunately, he failed his own test. Apart from mixing up basic facts, he also failed to carry out any research or inquiry about the subject he wrote about.
For, if he had done that, he would have come across the Borno Model, the elaborate manual used for the de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration program.
Let’s serve Sobowale a little of the education he has failed to acquire justly and fairly to sustain whatever he sees as as his reputation among his blinded readers: The Borno Model template, developed by experts from various sectors, government institutions, communities, CSOs and development partners, is a product of months of rigorous research and exhaustive case studies of several instances worldwide.
It is disturbing that Sobowale is still, despite decades of exposure, at a point where he thinks a government is simply a one man’s enterprise.
To assume that, as a professor of Engineering, Gov. Zulum is not qualified to take policy decisions on security is truly shallow. This being the logic, why should he be allowed to make one on health, as he is not a medical doctor?
Beyond being an alumnus of the country’s leading institute of policy and strategic studies—the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS—Gov. Zulum, as every other governor, has in his services seasoned civil servants, aides and consultants. He has the state executive council.
In fact, even in dictatorships, leaders always have a body of advisors who advise them. Let me also remind Mr. Sobowale that the federal government has also outlined the surrender of Boko Haram insurgents as gains recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribado at the recently held APC summit in Abuja said “In the North East, 13,543 terrorists were neutralised, 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters surrendered, and 11,118 weapons were recovered”.
This is a most-authoritative testament to the excellent stewardships of Zulum and his other governors of the subregion on the concrete accomplishments, not abstract statistics, with regard to the management of the terror- orchestrated humanitarian crisis that has rubbled the North-East economy.
It is, therefore, devastating that Mr. Dele Sobowale would, on the basis of inaccurate premises, visit such heavy allegations—of being responsible for the resurgence of terrorist attacks—on the governor.
One has to visit and sufficiently traverse an entity before one can credibly understand it’s complexities. However, Sobowale simply thinks he can understand the complexities of Boko Haram from the pages of newspapers or search engine results.
People who truly understand it are raining encomiums on the governor and marveling at how he is midwifing massive infrastructural projects, rebuilding of damaged communities, resettling of displaced persons and refugees, with provision of basic amenities to his people, including those in remote settlements.
He must have seen the hero’s welcome Prof. Zulum received from his people upon return from a one-week tour of several remote villages. It was a bravery that ends every bravery.
Sobowale’s utter ignorance of the true nature of things extends beyond Boko Haram. He doesn’t have even an elementary understanding of the demography he was talking about. For him, it was ludicrous that the governor called for prayers and a one day fasting.
He said, given the level of hunger in the country, the call was an attempt to cause massive deaths in the state. In this case, it is a wonder that Dr. Sobowale hasn’t yet launched a campaign or protest against the 30-day Ramadan fasting and 40 days of lent every year.
Across faith, people heeded the governor’s call. Some of these demographic nuances are obviously beyond the understanding of Dr. Sobowale. And it is a pity that this undermines his judgment of basic things.
So, last Sunday’s Vanguard column should have analysed ‘holding Sobowale responsible’ for worsening the misunderstanding of his readers on the true state of insecurity in Borno, which tantamount to misleading them on the complexities of their dear country, instead of ‘holding Zulum responsible’ for the resurgence of insecurity in Borno, which is in complete contrast to his exemplary accomplishments in the management of the terror crisis, accomplishments hailed by the entire globe, represented by the United Nations.
Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser to Borno State Governor on Media/Spokesperson
NSCDC Boss Charges Personnel on Professionalism, Integrityin VIP Protection
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi has issued a stern mandate to officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment in the protection of Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The CG gave this charge during his keynote address at a three-day VIP leadership and management workshop held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
The intensive training brought together state commandants, VIP commanders, and armorers from across the country.
Audi emphasized that the mandate for VIP protection as conferred by President Bola Tinubu is a sacred trust that must not be compromised. He warned that his administration maintains a zero tolerance policy for any form of misconduct.
He said: “This administration will sanction any personnel found sabotaging the Corps’ efforts in implementing the VIP mandate,” adding that: “This responsibility must be carried out to the admiration of the government and Nigerians to justify the confidence reposed in us.”
The workshop, organized under the Directorate of Training and Manpower Development, serves as a strategic intervention to sharpen the tactical and administrative skills of the Corps’ leadership.
Acting Deputy Commandant General Muktar Lawal, explained that the curriculum focuses on: strengthening leadership capacity and management skills.
Improving interdepartmental coordination.
Reinforcing professionalism in armory management and decision-making.
The CG underscored the importance of excellence by commending the VIP National Commander, Deputy Commandant of Corps Anyor Donald, for his professionalism and loyalty, urging others to embrace similar qualities.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Corps’ top brass, including Deputy Commandants General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc; Nnamdi Nwinyi; Pedro Awili Ideba; and Professor Tyoor Frederick Terhemba, all echoing the need for heightened accountability in the field.
NSCDC Boss Charges Personnel on Professionalism, Integrityin VIP Protection
VP Shettima Launches Vision 2050 Blueprint For South-East’s Economic Development
Says new investment company, diaspora partnerships will drive infrastructure, industrial transformation
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched a 25-year development blueprint for the South-East region, saying the region is a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.
He also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited, designed to mobilise resources from the diaspora, capital markets, and development finance institutions for the region’s development.
Speaking on Wednesday during the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholders’ Forum in Enugu, the Vice President said the gathering was a decisive break from short-term governance cycles toward a structured, multi-decade development framework.
“This forum reflects foresight, responsibility, and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design.
“In recognition of the distinctive character of the South-East, its entrepreneurial spirit, its global diaspora, and its long-standing relationship with international capital, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited,” VP Shettima said.
He said the company will work in synergy with the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to address postwar infrastructure gaps and drive long-term regional competitiveness.
Senator Shettima reaffirmed that the SEDC was conceived to focus on structural transformation rather than routine administrative activity, insisting that Nigeria is strongest when its regions thrive.
“Let me be clear. This is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a delivery institution, focused on tangible outcomes that translate into jobs, productivity, and growth,” he stated, noting that the South-East carries a unique historical burden, which makes deliberate regional planning both urgent and necessary.
The VP praised the inclusive nature of the forum, which brought together federal and state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
He also acknowledged the presence of Umu Igbo Unite, a United States–based network of over 10,000 young professionals, saying, “The future of the South-East will be built both at home and abroad, together.”
Addressing the youth directly, the Vice President insisted that development must produce concrete results.
“To the young people of the South-East and of Nigeria as a whole, let me speak plainly. You are not spectators in our national journey. You are central to it. Your energy, creativity, and ambition are essential to the Nigeria we are working to build. Development must not remain an abstract promise. It must be felt in the daily lives of our people.
Earlier, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State joined his colleagues in the region in endorsing the vision 2050, explaining that the vision is an opportunity for the South East region to tap into the national agenda tagged vision 2060.
He applauded the unity of purpose among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the birthing of a South East common market, describing the moment as the awakening of an economic giant.
On reimagining the South East as an economic bloc, Governor Mbah said the focus on the unity and synergy of ideas and resources and the decision to change the thinking of leaders and the people about their development trajectory, must remain paramount.
He urged a paradigm shift in the planning and execution of projects across the region while calling on the people of the area to complement the renewed drive by the Federal Government to improve the security of lives and livelihoods as well as integrate all parts of the region’s plan for inclusive development.
He thanked the Vice President for his show of dedication and substance to the cause of the South East region, noting that his presence reinforced the principle that sustainable regional development does not thrive in isolation but on dedicated national leadership as exemplified by the presence of the Vice President.
In his remarks, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, pledged the support of the state government for the implementation of a development plan for the region, noting that the plan will close unemployment and poverty gaps, while unlocking potentials across different sectors of the region’s economy.
He said Ebonyi State, under his administration, is building on the foundation of past administration in agriculture and agribusiness, education, solid mineral development, and a roadmap for the transformation of Ebonyi state as a hub of rural development in the South East.
In the same vein, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, expressed happiness and satisfaction over the unanimous adoption and support for the South East Vision 2050 by critical stakeholders across the private and public sectors, saying the summit is connected to revolution of the region and its economic transformation.
Citing examples of transparent leadership in Abia State and abundance of solid minerals and other natural resources across the South East, Governor Otti said the task of economic transformation and industrialisation of the region was feasible and possible with committed and transparent execution of development agenda.
For his part, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, thanked President Tinubu for the creation of the SEDC, describing it as a gift to the region that has been clamoured for by stakeholders for a long time.
He said the conversation around the SEDC Vision 2050 was historic, as it was the first time the governors and other leaders across the region were united in the adoption of a framework that will guide the transformation of the area.
In a keynote address, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Mrs Elsie Attafuah, spoke on global lessons in long-term regional planning through institutional capacity for sustainable implementation of development plans in complex contexts.
She said for genuine industrialisation to be achieved, policymakers and stakeholders must ensure that infrastructure built across the region serve domestic production.
She urged cutting edge execution of Vision 2050 by stakeholders across the region and noted the importance of catalysing the comparative advantages of southeastern states in ensuring sustainability of the gains recorded in the years to come.
In his remarks, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, said the event was a crowning moment in the development of the South East region, especially in fostering a united and prosperous future.
He said the creation of the SEDC by the administration of President Tinubu reflects an institutional commitment to the coordinated and targeted transformation of the region through the revitalisation of critical infrastructure such as the rail sector and the commodity ecosystem, among others.
For her part, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, underscored the significance of aligning resources and efforts, which she said had been prioritized through the South East Vision 2050 programme.
Dr Oduwole pledged the support of her ministry and announced the ministry’s launch of a nationwide trade facilitation tour to boost the export potentials across the country, describing the South East region as the springboard for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
In a goodwill message, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide, Sen. Azuta Mbata, commended the Federal Government for its efforts in prioritizing regional integration and development through the summit.
He said the integration of the South East in the broader national development agenda is key, and pledged the support of the people of the region for the aspirations of the vision 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda of administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On his part, Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the progress and development of the South East region and its people.
He said the South East vision 2050 is unique and designed to ensure continuity in the execution of development agenda for the region and the synergy of efforts by the respective state governments.
For his part, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye, thanked President Tinubu for the creation of the commission as a special purpose vehicle to champion the economic transformation of the region.
He said the SEDC will seek the partnership of state governments, diaspora community and the organised private sector in implementing the 2050 vision aimed at charting a shared path to sustainable prosperity for South East Nigeria focusing on infrastructure, power, peace building and connectivity, among others.
There were also goodwill messages from representatives of corporate bodies, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), faith-based organisations, youth groups, diaspora community and development partners, among others.
The Vice President, accompanied by governors of the southeast region and other dignitaries, toured the exhibition gallery mounted by the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture.
VP Shettima Launches Vision 2050 Blueprint For South-East’s Economic Development
Zulum Receives Seven Ambassadors, UN Officials on Humanitarian Visit to Maiduguri
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has received ambassadors from seven countries alongside senior United Nations and federal government officials during a high-level humanitarian visit to Maiduguri.
The visiting diplomats represented India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia and Qatar. They were accompanied by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.
The visit was organised to give the international partners an opportunity to directly assess the humanitarian situation in Borno State and observe ongoing recovery and development efforts following years of conflict.
During the visit on Tuesday, the delegation was taken on a tour of key projects implemented by the Zulum administration in the areas of education, healthcare and human capital development. The tour was led by the Acting Governor of the state, Umar Usman Kadafur.
Addressing journalists after the tour, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator praised Governor Zulum for what he described as visible and impactful infrastructure development across the state. He noted that the projects showcased a different narrative from the usual focus on security challenges in the region.
According to Fall, initiatives in education, vocational skills training, girl-child education and malnutrition treatment demonstrate deliberate efforts to improve the lives of residents and address the underlying causes of the humanitarian crisis. He stressed that sustained investment in education remains critical to long-term peace and development in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded in Borno despite more than a decade of conflict. He commended the governor’s leadership, describing the facilities visited as practical tools for empowering residents and lifting them out of poverty.
The minister added that the vocational centres, comprehensive schools and other social infrastructure reflect a strong commitment to recovery, resilience and inclusive development in the state.
Zulum Receives Seven Ambassadors, UN Officials on Humanitarian Visit to Maiduguri
NSCDC Boss Charges Personnel on Professionalism, Integrityin VIP Protection
VP Shettima Launches Vision 2050 Blueprint For South-East’s Economic Development
Zulum Receives Seven Ambassadors, UN Officials on Humanitarian Visit to Maiduguri
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