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SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.By:A.G.Abubakar
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SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar
The Ubuntu which is a Zulu philosophy of unity of purpose doesn’t seem to hold among the ethnic nationalities of Southern Borno. The philosophy is rendered as “Umuntu, Ngumuntu, Ngabuntu” which literally translates as “i am because we are”, or put differently to mean ” a person is a person through other people “. The import of both underscore the importace of unity of purpose among people in forging progress. This spirit of togetherness has but vanished among the people, as they pull in different directions, at a time they needed to turn the socioeconomic and political fortunes of the region around. No thanks, to ethno-religious factors and the inequitable manner succussive state governments treated the zone.
The present version of Borno State was created in 1991 after Yobe was curved out. Before then it was part of the defunct North Eastern State, comprising today’s Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states. The North East State was highly diverse in terms of faiths and ethnicnationalities. Maiduguri, the then state capital was a laid back and accomodating metropolis. Non of the ethnic groups namely; Fulani, Hausa, Bachama, Mumuye, Tera, Mandara, Tangale, Marghi, Bolewa, Babur, Bura Chibok ,etc tried to lord it on each other.
The Kanuri power was diluted. Across the state too Muslims, Christians and the various ethnic groups that made up the state (NE) lived in peace with minimal distrust. People like Minso Gadzama, Azi Nyako, Bello Kirfi, Abubakar Umar, Maina Waziri, Ibrahim Biu, Gujbawu, Yerima Balla, Shehu Awak, etc were collectively united in moving the NE state forward.
A spirit that resonated with Borno state’s current mantra thus becoming the “Home of Peace and Hospitality”; a mantra, now turned on it’s head, so it seems. Three decades down the line Borno State had turned out to be one of the most inequitable in the Nigerian federation. The state as configured in 1991 gave the muslim Kanuri absolute dominance that literally made smaller ethnic groups and the Christian religion punching bags. With a reduced surface area the Kanuri is able to exert absolute political and economic control over the rest with impunity. This, they do through both tacit and overt policies including divide and rule along fault lines such as ethnic, religious differences and cultural affinity.
The overt discriminatory policies started with the late Musa Dagash’s circulars nos.CSC/2/89, Ref: BO/CSC/459/5.2/1 of 17th April 1989 and CSC/3/89, Ref:BO/CSC/459/S.15/5 of 21st April 1989 respectively. The import of the circulars was to place embargo on the recruitment and promotion of Southern Borno indigenes in the the Borno State service. Their crime was that they came from the wrong region, besides they were considered “too many” in the civil service which called for decimation. Dagash then was incharge of the State’s Civil Service Commission.
The discriminatory practice didn’t stop there, as successive governments in the state found it difficult to equitably include Southern Borno people in state nominations for Federal appointments. People from the zone have to struggle on their own or through friends to secure places. Nominations for appointments as ambassadors, Chairmen and/or board memberships are exclusive preserve of the Kanuri.The attrition or the blocking tactics didn’t end with appointive opportunities; this has been extended to religion especially the non Muslim folks. Government’s posture towards the non Muslim community in state has become a source of concern for lovers of the state and her future. Today, the state would find it expidient to train Arabic teachers but not CRK.
Government too could provide state resources in support of mosques/Islamiyya but did so minimally for non Muslim worship centers. And in matters of career progression, non Muslim folks in the state civil service are not having it easy, compared to their Muslim counterparts from the same South. These and many more are sure recipes for instability, given the centrality of religion and ethnic identity in the lives of our people. Unfortunately in their quest for redress the Christian faithfuls tend to elienate the very southern Borno Muslim brothers, they should ordinarily join hands with, through omissions or commissions. First they overlook historical realities. Realities of inter and intra ethnic interactions across Southern Borno and indeed the Kanuri nation. Second, Islamic values have a binding characteristics that shape perception among the faithfuls. They see themselves as one Ummah. Thus it becomes naive to expect equal levels of reaction or despair among the Muslim and Christian groups in Southern Borno regarding the government’s widespread inequalities.
For a fact, Muslims from the South may not be faring any better but the religion and cultural affinity have numbing effect, especially when they stretch far back in history. The relationships among some of the groups predate the 19th century Islam (in action) and Christianity in parts of Borno during the 1920s. Early Churches include the CBM established in Garkida and then Waka in 1927 under the defunct Borno province. was in 1923 and came to Waka in 1927.
It is therefore obvious that the feeling may not be the same in terms of intensity. In specific terms, the Marghi (Damboa), the Mandara, the Babur enclave of Babur-Bura, the Tera, and the Fulani (in their midst) may feel less grudge towards the Kanuri. Not so good a development but that is the reality. Realities that should be born in mind in building a united front in the South in checkmating the powers that be, from the continued exploitation of this fault lines. The reality of Southern Borno is not a black and white issue which calls for contextual appreciation of the challenges. Internal wrangling, name calling and aggression as a strategy can only be counterproductive. Referring to each other as being slaves to the status quo, sycophants, sell outs, ignorant, enemies of progress for not sharing a stand amounts to shooting oneself in the foot. Worse still, the defeatist attempt by some elite Christians to railroad Borno South into the Middle Belt region.
The frustrations may be justified or even palpable, but it’s a defective strategy. For, it will solve one problem especially the Christian faithfuls but constitute a new challenge for their Muslim brothers (the unwilling co-travellers) in the new environment in all its complexities. The way forward is for the christian South to appreciate its relative size which is about 15 to 20 percent of the state population. It can not therefore force its way through.
The faithfuls should engage and educate/ engage the ethnic minority and Muslim brothers to collectively rise against marginalisation and uneven development in Borno State. Building such a consensus however requires being realistic and open, away from wishful thinking and blackmail. The current posture by some to the effect that ” you are either with us or against us” doesn’t help much. Peculiar problems born out of injustice should be presented and treated as such; and brought into sharper focus and context.
The battle requires numbers and a critical mass as such everyone counts.The Muslim and the Christian, the informed and the uninformed, the wise and the foolish, the enlightened and the unenlightened, the educated and the uneducated, all have a place. The reality is, they are not only in the same boat but are facing the same storm! They will have to depend on each other to prevail. Let’s all come clean. agbarewa@gmail.com
SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar
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Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
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Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Chairman of Jakusko local government area of Yobe state, Hon. Umaru Aguwa, has said that about 10 people died in Jakusko local government area as a result of the floods this year.
Aguwa disclosed this to newsmen in his office at Jakusko, the headquarters of the council. He said the council has constructed over 15 canoes and distributed them to the towns that were worst affected by the floods in the local government area.
“We thank God for what is happening because the disaster triggered by heavy rainfall in the area and Dan Takunne village was worst affected by the flood, but no lives were lost but many properties were destroyed.
He revealed that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, sent us officials of SEMA under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje. We want to go to Dan Takunne village and go round and access the damage because Dan Takunne were swept away by the floodwaters.
“The council also purchased empty sacks and distributed them to all affected areas with a view to controlling the water. Adding that, God, in his mercy, our lucky River Yobe is not overflooding enough this year unlike before, but the floods are almost touching everywhere in Jakusko local government,” he said.
According to him, this disaster triggered is from God, and since the rain fell this year, they didn’t spend good three days without getting water, and everybody knows that this is from Almighty Allah (SWT); therefore, let us pray to God to reward us abondant in his mercy.
The Chairman commends His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, for his efforts towards assisting the local government councils in the state.
He urges the people to be patient; there is an alternative for irrigation farming, and if people engage fully in this irrigation farming, Inshallah, God will reward us with what we lost at the back.
Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of any possible overflow of water due to the unprecedented high volume of rainfall this year, to avert any flood disaster in Maiduguri, it’s environs and other parts of the state.
Zulum’s directive, released in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, became imperative due to rising concerns about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s water treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.
The Governor noted with concern that the high volume of rain across parts of the state may possibly lead to flooding.
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Zulum consequently instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to dutifully discharge their responsibilities by continuously assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns across all communities in their domains.
The Governor also cautioned the public to be conscious about the possible risks, be vigilant and abide by all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.
The Governor directed that all local government councils should mobilise all relevant officials and units to conduct site assessments in at-risk neighbourhoods and collaborate with relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), community and religious leaders, and other opinion leaders and institutions.
He said that government has identified high-risk locations that are prone to flooding, and is implementing solutions such as constructing temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.
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“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge”, Zulum was quoted as saying. “It is imperative that we should mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.”
“We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which, has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Agency for the Great Green Wall.”
“We have also desilted, dredged and constructed concrete retaining walls around River Ngada to avert erosion that could possibly lead to flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.”
“As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and desilting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water.”
… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood emergency responses to ensure the Governor’s directives are fully implemented to ensure the safety of all residents.
The SSG has visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations within the metropolis and environs to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance to avert collosal damage from any possible flooding.
Many Nigerian states, including in the North-east have experienced flood disasters this year, which have been attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season.
Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
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COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
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COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has embarked on a working tour of 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility in a deliberate effort to access and reinvigorate ongoing counter-terrorism counter-insurgency operations in North West Nigeria.
The COAS, who arrived at the Headquarters 17 Brigade in Katsina with a team of principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters on Friday 6 September 2024, immediately received a brief on the security situation and operational disposition of the Brigade by the Commander, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola.
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Addressing the troops, the COAS stated that in pursuit of his Command Philosophy to provide efficient leadership, sound administration, and operational effectiveness, the Nigerian Army (NA)has initiated several welfare schemes to shore up the morale of troops by progressively improving the living standard and condition of personnel and their families.
He clarified that the attainment of these goals have been tenaciously pursued by commencing the payment of the backlog of Group Life Assurance scheme that had accumulated since 2017, as well as the Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme to NA beneficiaries.
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Gen Lagbaja also pointed out that the NA has introduced the Affordable Housing Options for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) post service Housing scheme to provide highly subsidized post service residential accommodation for personnel alongside ongoing massive rehabilitation of medical facilities, Barracks and infrastructure across NA formations and units in the country.
He added that the NA has initiated COAS Loan Schemes to economically empower personnel and their families. These he maintained are aside provision of several combat enablers to troops to enhance operations against the terrorists. He charged the troops to rise up to the security challenges in the region and go after the insurgents in their hideouts.
Gen Lagbaja also took time out to visit sick soldiers and their families at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he gave immediate directive for installation of some essential medical equipment in the center. He later laid a wreath in honour of troops who paid the supreme price in the fight against terrorists and bandits at the 17 Brigade Headquarters Cenotaph.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Katsina State Dr Dikko Umar Radda has stated that security has progressively improved in the state with the return of farmers to their farmlands.
The Governor made this known when he received the COAS in the Katsina state Government house during a courtesy cum condolence visit to the Governor. The Governor noted further that the state has witnessed a reduction in the menace and farmers are returning to their farms.
He attributed the development to the synergy and joint effort of all the security agencies. Governor Dikko appealed to the communities not to relent in supporting the troops with credible information, stressing that without the cooperation of the communities, the ongoing operations will not succeed.
The COAS had earlier in his remarks pointed out that he was on an assessment tour of ongoing operations, state of infrastructure and Civil-Military Cooperation activities in the Brigade.
He expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Katsina state for their support to the NA and particularly to troops of 17 Brigade. The COAS equally paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina, where he acknowledged the critical role of the traditional institution in mobilizing the people to support the troops in order to completely stamp out security threats and challenges.
Also in Katsina, the COAS has described the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar Adua as a loss of one of the legendary and virtous matriarchs of the Nigerian Army family.
Gen Lagbaja made this known when he paid a condolence visit to the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazeez Yar Adua and other members of the bereaved family during his working tour of 17 Brigade.
The Army Chief noted that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army share in the grief and pains of the Yar Aduas as a family that gave two illustrous sons to the Nigerian Army.
He prayed for God to grant the family and the people of Katsina the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
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