Opinion I On Danjuma's Intriguing Security Counsel

DISSECTING DANJUMA’S AVOWAL ON SECURITY

        

My recent written analysis on the state of the nation as regards security, which I titled ‘averting reprisals over herdsmen massacres’ as was published in this revered tabloid on Thursday 25^th January 2018, was actually informed by my panoramic view.

        

I truly foresaw that if apt measure wasn’t taken by the concerned authorities, Nigerians as a people might resort to self-defence or worse still, reprisal. Hence, I use the medium to decisively warn the governments at all levels on the dangers inherent in docility thereby urged them to expedite action towards putting the said societal menace to an obvious end.

       

Intriguingly, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma had in his capacity openly advocated for self-defence. The aforementioned retired security personnel, who had in different occasions served as the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, on Saturday 24^th March 2018, enjoined Nigerians to defend themselves from killers across the country instead of depending on the Armed Forces.

         

In the statement, which he made at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University in Jalingo, Gen. Danjuma frankly opined that the army and other security agencies “colluded with killers to attack Nigerians”. Having accused the army of being bias, saying it had failed in its responsibility of securing the country from attacks, he equally insinuated that there was an attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state as well as some rural localities in Nigeria. Hence, he further stated, “We must resist it. We must stop it. Every one of us must rise up.”

        

In the Nigeria’s extant laws, likewise other countries’, it is only in the course of self-defence one is permitted to commit murder. It suffices to assert that the former justifies the latter. It’s noteworthy that such form of killing can be classified as manslaughter.

       

The above constitutional clarification indicates that anyone could deploy any means towards defending him/herself in the course of any battle that befell them, even though no one is legally allowed to have arms or ammunition in his/her possession unless he is licensed to do so.

        

But going by Gen. Danjuma’s counsel, every Nigerian had been encouraged to possess arms and other forms of weapon. It’s more confusing that it took place at an era Nigerians were mandated by the police to return all firearms and ammunition in their custody or possession, as may be the case.

       

Besides, it’s mind-boggling that the advice came from no other person than a supposed security expert; from a retired security chief; from a Nigerian who is meant to know the nitty-gritty surrounding state policing; a man who ought to realize that illicit handling of arms is criminal, hence unacceptable; a man who should comprehend the best security tip-bits to tender in a public sphere.

       

If Gen. Danjuma was of the view that the President Buhari-led administration wasn’t doing enough towards ending crimes in the country, he should have realized that it is his duty as a renowned security figure to help in boosting the government’s capacity rather than inciting the people against the constituted authority.

       

As an erstwhile army boss, he has all it takes to demand for an explanation why things aren’t being done as expected. It’s his civic responsibility to assist the Armed Forces, and even the police, in carrying out their lawful obligations. Thus, conscientizing the people to take to arms was enough reason to assert that he has equally failed the country he vowed to protect many years ago; needless to say that he isn’t living up to expectations.

         

Even if such counsel was really consequential or unavoidable considering the current state of the Nigerian nation, it shouldn’t have been given by a citizen like Gen. Danjuma. If at all it ought to be tendered by his person, it never deserved a public hearing. And, if it must be made public, it shouldn’t have emanated from such an occasion comprising individuals of diverse backgrounds, or sense of reasoning.

         

Though he had claimed that he is not a politician, this statement of his person has made me to be of the notion that he’s an affiliate of a certain political party; that he belongs to one of those oppositions that are fond of employing sentiments while discussing issues of public concern. He has by that step communicated to me that he is not neutral, thus merely making effort to lure the electorate into his net.

        

I don’t really comprehend how we arrived at this point that a supposed patriotic Nigerian who had meritoriously served in one of the country’s reputable security outfits could publicly suggest to civilians that the best alternative way they could fight or repel crimes is to be fully armed as a people in their respective localities. If at this age, a full-fledged Nigerian could think in such direction, then I’m afraid, we are headed for doom.

         

Inasmuch as I own Gen. Danjuma’s gray hairs an explicit respect, I also want him to note that the Armed Forces are mostly in need of his wealth of experience at this time; hence, the need for him to think as an expert, and not like a mere dweller.

        

The leaders, on their part, must equally take into cognizance that securing the people’s lives and property is one of the prime constitutional responsibilities of the government, thus at all times remains non-negotiable. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

             

ShortStory I Smart Genius

SMART GENIUS

        “Mister Ken,” Adamu called. “Why were you not on seat yesterday?” He furiously queried.

           Mr. Adamu Danjuwa was the Human Resources Manager (HRM) of Capricon manufacturing company.

         Between late eighties (1980s) and early nineties (1990s), Capricon was undoubtedly a very notable firm across the federation that everyone, even an imbecile that existed within the stated period, could testify to the fact. Even beyond the period in question, Capricon Nigeria Limited as it was fondly called based on what was inscribed on its major signpost in line with its incorporation, never relented in making the general public and the society at large feel its impact to the extent that it was rated and widely recognized as the best among equals. To say the least, it never tolerated any excuses from its staff when it called for business right from when it was incorporated in 1985, June precisely.

         The company, which was mainly into cosmetics production particularly soap, cream and perfume, understood that the consumers come first before any other person or thing. This was why their products which were popularly known as Danza soap, Danza Cream, Danza perfume as well as Danza body spray remained cosmetics that any rational being wanted to behold.

         To assert that Adamu was one of the brains behind the prospect of the company is an understatement; Adamu who was one of the pioneer members of the firm, was one of the best three personnel, if not the overall best, the company could reckon with owing to his outstanding and brilliant contributions toward its enviable growth.

         On his part, Mr. Ken Okafor who joined the firm barely a year back was a staff of the Marketing department. On that fateful day, he was being queried due to truancy; he couldn’t make it to the office the previous day as a result of circumstances beyond his control and Mr. Adamu Danjuma was really mad over the attitude. Ken was actually ill on that day, so he decided to take a rest without even making effort to notify the management.

        “I was sick, sir.” He responded apprehensively.

         He was standing directly opposite Adamu who was seated in his office.

        “Sick…?”Adamu ranted.

          Mr. Danjuma’s furious physiognomy was not really prompted by Mr.  Ken’s absence but owing to the fact that the management was kept in the dark by the man in question. He absorbed the nonchalant act as a letdown which was tantamount to dismissal based on the company’s rules.

         “Yes sir,” Ken replied, remained jittery. “I suddenly fell ill and there was no way I could reach the company.”

          Though there was nothing like GSM during the era but Ken was meant to send a message across through any available means, probably a relative or friend. The fact was that he took the consequence of the act for granted.

         “You amuse me, Ken.”

           Ken quickly adjusted himself, stood still.

         “To start with,” Adamu rode on. “Were you not supposed to be treated by the company’s clinic?”

         “Sir, I didn’t even have the strength to…”

         “Will you stop amusing me?” interrupted Adamu, kept mute. “If our staff don’t use the clinic, then what was the essence of establishing it?” he supplemented after a brief silence.

           Ken remained speechless and calm.

         “When you came into this company twelve months ago, February 1994 precisely if I am not mistaken,” Adamu rode on. “I painstakingly read the riot act to you.”

         Ken became jitterier.

       “And in that very act, you were categorically informed that this company doesn’t condone truancy or laxity.”

         Ken who was dressed in corporate attire felt like defecating in his boxers.

         “And as I speak to you right now,” Adamu proceeded fiercely. “I want you to know that you have abused that directive.”

           At this juncture, Ken needed not a seer to disclose the fate that awaited his person.

         “The most confusing part is that,” the boss said, paused. “You are yet to realize that you belong to one of the most sensitive departments in this highly reputable firm.”

           There was maximum silence.

         “It will interest you to know that,” he continued. “Since 1986 I joined this company till date, I have never for once missed my duty post.”

          Ken couldn’t believe his ears.

        “The records are there,” boasted the HRM. “You can check for yourself.”

        “I am very sorry, sir.” Ken hesitantly dished out, lowering his head.

        “There you go wrong,” Adamu chipped in. “In this company, you don’t rob Peter to pay Paul.”

        “Sir, it won’t repeat itself.” He assured fearfully.

        “Mister Ken Okafor,” Adamu called ruthlessly in a high tone, hitting his right hand on his table.

         Ken became extremely attentive and perturbed on hearing the mode of the call.

       “Give me one reason you shouldn’t be fired.”

          At this point, Ken was actually seeing a totally different creature, which implied that the HRM had been speaking in a friendly manner all those while he was revisiting the company’s Act.

         The unexpected oral query wasn’t just confusing and devastating but threatening; it was no doubt a rhetorical test no matter how clever the offender was. Hence, there was an undiluted tranquility.

        “You can leave.” the angered boss instructed, demonstrating with his left arm.

          Ken who was dumbfounded, stood still, appeared like an electrocuted gorilla.

        “I said, leave my office.” shouted Adamu who was also clad in corporate attire.

          Consequently, Ken complied, thus left for his office in the marketing department.

          First thing in the morning the following two days being 15^th February 1995 – barely one year after he received his employment letter, Ken got the sack having attended to the written query issued to him on the day he left Adamu’s office; he received the disengagement letter in his office from his Secretary.

           The scenario yielded a very painful mood, but all he could do was to move on with his life; after all, life continued.

            * * * * * *

         “What’s the name?” Mr. Steven verified as soon as one of the interviewees assumed his seat.

          Steven was a member of the 5-man committee set up by the Management of Capricon to conduct an oral interview for their prospective staff. The company’s HRM, Mr. Adamu Danjuma was one of the members of the committee and happened to be the head.

          That day being 2^nd of March 1995 marked the commencement of the assessment exercise.

        “My name is Olatunji Seun.” The interviewee replied.

          Seun who walked in with a plastic file in his left hand happened to be the third applicant to be assessed by the team. The team was already with a copy of his Curriculum Vitae prior to his entrance, and they were perusing it right before him.

           Something remarkable transpired on that very day; the moment Seun walked into the complex room, he observed that Mr. Danjuma’s face was very familiar, but on the contrary, the latter never recognized the former.

          Adamu happened to be Seun’s course mate in the University of Ibadan (U.I) nine years back but the fascinating part was that Adamu was a dropout. He quit his studentship during his first year (100 Level), which was 1986, due to financial challenges.

           He secured his job same year with a forged degree certificate but since his engagement with the company, he had never been found wanting in any way because of his natural brilliance.

          While the interview lasted, Seun continued to look at Adamu who alongside his junior colleagues was dressed in the company’s white T-shirt, black jeans and black plain shoes, with a view that the man in question would reciprocate to the gesture, all to no avail. Hence, it became obvious to him that the boss didn’t recognize his face even a bit.

         To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

______________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I Police Orderlies, VIPs And The IGP's Order

POLICE ORDERLIES, VIPs AND THE IGP’s ORDER

       

It’s not anymore news that sustenance of adequate security in any given country remains a major responsibility the government owns the governed. This is the reason the various security outfits in such a society including the police, among others, are invariably charged to stop at nothing towards doing the needful in their respective jurisdictions.

         

Penultimate week, precisely on Monday, 18^th March 2018, during his meeting with Police Commissioners and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Ibrahim Idris ordered immediate withdrawal of all police orderlies attached to “Very Important Persons” (VIPs) and firms – particularly private individuals and companies – with exception of financial institutions like banks.

        

The order was following what the boss described as the “effects of the current security challenges in the country”. He stated that the need for streamlining the deployment of orderlies to VIPs was aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing across the length and breadth of the nation.

        

Mr. Idris however disclosed that business entrepreneurs, multi-national organizations, corporate individuals and entities that require such services and are found to be worthy, will be considered from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on application for re-validation through states’ commissioners.

        

In view of this, according to him, a memorandum would be forwarded to the President for approval, and that would henceforth “serve as a guideline or template for deployment of police officers to VIPs, political office holders” and public officers in general.

        

The IGP, who recently ordered that all prohibited arms and ammunition should be returned to the police within twenty one days, equally used the occasion to frown at the ongoing proliferation of the police Spy Number plates, covering of Plate numbers as well as illicit use of siren among highly placed Nigerians. Hence, urged his men to take maximum control of the anomaly.

       

Though the order seems to be the first of its kind under the reign of Mr. Idris, it bears essentially the same content as similar directives issued by his predecessors such as Ogbonna Onovo, Hafiz Ringim and Solomon Arase but failed to hold water in the long run. It suffices to assert that it is almost as often as the instruction for officers to desist from mounting roadblocks on our major roads, yet as days unfold, the ugly practice takes a different dimension. This is exactly where my utmost worry lies. 

         

It is gathered that about 150,000 police personnel out of a total workforce of about 400,000 across the country are attached to private individuals and companies, leaving only about 250,000 to take charge of state and community policing. The given statistics is a clear indication that these police officers are more used in the quarters they were not primarily meant for, hence the compelling need to have a review of the Force’s deployment policy.

         

I cannot agree less with any Nigeria who opines that the country is at the moment strongly in need of more hands as regards community policing. This is why Mr. Idris needs to expedite action towards ensuring that this directive of his does not fall on deaf ears as we have always witnessed in the past.

         

It’s even mind-boggling when noted that some of these police orderlies are safeguarding alleged culpable individuals. The system has become so bad that any influential person can walk up to the police quarters and demand for any number of orderlies, and such request can never be turned down. This is arguably a worrisome situation that deserves a keen and drastic attention.

        

It can’t be untrue that after several weeks of urging prohibited arms and ammunition to be returned to the police, many civilians are still illicitly in possession of the said devices. Does such behaviour not signify that most individuals are mightier than the institutions, or more powerful than the extant laws?  

        

As IGP Idris has also lamented over the lingering proliferation of the Spy Number Plates, covering of Plate Numbers and illegal use of siren, he ought to equally take into cognizance of the ongoing unauthorized use of tilted glasses that has abruptly become the order of the day in various nooks and crannies of the Nigerian society.

         

More so, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the NPF needs to be boosted with additional manpower and working incentives to help in cushioning the excruciating effects of insecurity ravaging virtually every facet of the country. Each day, we are reminded that unemployment remains one of the greatest socio-economic bedbugs living in our midst, yet the workforce of most of our institutions are nothing to write home about.

          

As the IGP has later instructed that the implementation of the new order ought to fully take effect from April 20, 2018 rather than the earlier directive that bore ‘immediate effect’ to enable the various Commissioners of Police (CPs) aptly carryout the consignment , I enjoin them to ensure that the past mistakes aren’t repeated in this era. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador