ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff who passed on Tuesday 5th November 2024 after a brief illness. Gen Oluyede paid the condolence on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.

Paying tribute to the late COAS, Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.

In a succinct message penned in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army commiserate with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, the children and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant and extremely dedicated leader Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal) the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed. “

It would be recalled that the Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was on 19 June 2023 appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fully assumed command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023.

A seasoned Infantry officer, the late General Lagbaja, was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He distinguished himself as a Special Forces Commander and a military leader per excellence who held several appointments in the course of his exemplary military career. Late General Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Enugu and Kaduna, respectively. He also commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo as well as 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty. Prior to his assumption of command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated all the operational activities of the Nigerian Army. As the then Chief of Army Staff, he worked assiduously to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges experienced across the nation.

ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

President Tinubu, Executive Clemency, And The Other Side of Empathetic Leadership

By Stanley Nkwocha

President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the case of pardoned suspects arrested during the August 1, 2024 protests exemplifies empathetic and compassionate leadership. Invoking his constitutional power of executive clemency, commonly known in our clime as presidential pardon, the president ordered their immediate release.

His act of mercy extended beyond ordering their release; the president hosted them at the presidential villa. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who received the pardoned suspects on Tuesday on President Tinubu’s instructions, asked them not to sin again and to be responsible citizens.

The Vice President’s message, which reverberated through the magnificent edifice of the State House Auditorium, demonstrated the president’s commitment to addressing concerns surrounding the suspects’ arrest and ensuring their welfare. Senator Shettima emphasised that the release of those arrested during the August 1 protests was based on humanitarian grounds. He told them that despite overwhelming evidence against them, President Tinubu chose to give them another chance, urging them to become responsible citizens contributing positively to Nigeria’s growth.

As the Vice President acknowledged, the devastating impact of the protests resulted in over N300 billion in losses, primarily affecting private property through looting and business disruptions. He cautioned the suspects against involvement in violence and destruction, instead encouraging them to seize the opportunity to reform and contribute to societal growth. VP Shettima tasked state governors with ensuring the rehabilitation of the pardoned suspects and facilitating their reintegration into their respective communities.

However, some legal experts have contended that discharging and acquitting suspects charged with treason through a mere presidential pardon, without considering the weight of the offense, would send the wrong signal to the public.

The president’s prerogative of mercy, these lawyers argued, could be interpreted to mean that in Nigeria, one can commit a very grievous criminal offense such as treason and get away with it, even receiving a pat on the back.

But it is clear from VP Shettima’s address at the reception for the released suspects that the president’s move is not only a positive step toward promoting justice but also reflects an unquenchable desire to protect citizens’ rights, particularly those of vulnerable populations. It aims to address the root causes of social unrest and promote national cohesion.

Shettima’s address also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, improve public welfare, and prevent violence. The president has consistently emphasized the importance of dialogue, urging protesters to suspend further action and engage in constructive conversation.

As part of the government’s comprehensive reform agenda, President Tinubu’s administration has initiated several key programmes to address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. The implementation of Tax and Fiscal Reforms has streamlined revenue collection while ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The strategic removal of petrol subsidy, though initially challenging, has freed up substantial funds for critical development projects.

The administration has also launched social welfare initiatives, including an innovative Student Loan Programme to enhance access to higher education and a Consumer Credit Scheme to boost purchasing power and stimulate economic activity. The unification of the foreign exchange market represents a bold step toward creating a more transparent and efficient monetary system.

In the agricultural sector, significant investments in commercial agriculture aim to boost food security and create employment opportunities. The Expanded National MSME Clinics provide crucial support to small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth across the nation.

Healthcare infrastructure has received particular attention, with major upgrades going on in key tertiary hospitals across all six geo-political zones. This initiative aims to reduce medical tourism and improve access to quality healthcare services nationwide.

The administration has also embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways. These transformative projects will enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth across different regions of the country.

These initiatives, among many others, demonstrate the government’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms that address both immediate challenges and long-term development goals, while promoting inclusive growth and national prosperity.

For those whipping up political, ethnic, and religious sentiments against the government, let it be known that no nation thrives when politicians and statesmen politicise every issue. Unfortunately, this trend threatens Nigeria’s progress. Unequivocally, hoisting Russian flags and advocating a military takeover constitutes a treasonable offense.

The issue raises concerns about the country’s future and the need for responsible public commentary. The politicisation of sensitive issues undermines national unity and security. Statesmen should prioritise the nation’s well-being over partisan interests.

Nigeria requires constructive dialogue, addressing grievances, and fostering patriotism. Politicising sensitive matters only exacerbates division and hinders progress. Leaders must prioritise national interests, ensure accountability, and promote a unified Nigeria.

Effective governance demands statesmanship, not opportunism. Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who prioritise the nation’s well-being over political expediency. President Tinubu’s decision to release the suspects arrested during the August 1 protests was an exercise of the prerogative of mercy. This power, granted by Section 175 of the Nigerian Constitution, allows the president to grant pardons, respite, or substitute less severe punishments for individuals convicted of offenses.

In this case, Tinubu’s executive clemency demonstrates his commitment to mercy and justice, particularly for vulnerable populations. President Tinubu’s decision serves as an example of responsible leadership, balancing justice with compassion.

The protests, which began as a call for better governance, took a worrying turn when the suspected protesters were seen waving Russian flags and advocating military intervention. This raises questions about who’s really behind these actions and what their true motives are. Are these young people truly aware of the implications of their actions, or are they being manipulated by external forces?

Some experts suggest that opposition and civil society elements are exploiting these situations to gain power, rather than working toward the betterment of the nation. This approach is not only harmful but also undermines the democratic process. Attempting to acquire political power through the backdoor is, indeed, shameful and undermines the legitimacy of the protests’ claims.

The focus should be on addressing the root causes of social unrest rather than politicising the situation. Nigeria is not alone in this. Genuine reforms take time. President Tinubu’s administration has initiated policies aimed at improving the economy and reducing corruption.

Nigerians must prioritise national interests over individual or party agendas. By working together, we can address the challenges facing our nation and build a better future for all.

• Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
  (Office of The Vice President)
  November 6, 2024

Zulum Pledges Enhanced Trade and Business Cooperation with Chad

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Republic of Chad in a bid to revive trade and socio-economic activities disrupted by the more than a decade-long Boko Haram insurgency.

The governor made the announcement while hosting a Chadian delegation led by General Abdulkarim Idris Derby Itno, who visited to express sympathy over the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri.

During the visit, Zulum announced plans for a reciprocal visit to Chad to meet with President Mahamat Idris Derby Itno to discuss regional economic and trade issues.

“I will soon pay a visit to Chad to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly the restoration of waterway transport between Baga town and Chad to facilitate commerce,” Zulum stated.

In addition to trade, Zulum said he would coordinate with the chambers of commerce in Chad and northeastern Nigeria to bolster economic partnership between the two countries.

He also announced a planned repatriation of Nigerian citizens currently taking refuge in Baga Sola, Chad.

Governor Zulum commended President Derby’s leadership in the fight against Boko Haram and extended condolences for the recent loss of Chadian military officers killed in action.

Responding, General Abdelkarim Idris Derby Itno conveyed President Derby’s sympathy to the people of Borno following the recent flooding.

He described people of Borno and Chad as one who share similar cultures and traditions.

According to him, the president is personally leading the war against Boko Haram following the brutal killing of over 40 soldiers by insurgents.

Zulum Pledges Enhanced Trade and Business Cooperation with Chad