Opinion I Dissecting Buhari's Fascinating Amnesty Proposal

DISSECTING BUHARI’S FASCINATING AMNESTY PROPOSAL

        

History could be made at anytime and by anyone irrespective of status or background. But it’s only brought to the public sphere when made by a remarkable figure. Notwithstanding, it’s noteworthy that a historic event could be commendable or condemnable.

        

On Friday, 23^rd March 2018, the Nigeria’s sitting President, Muhammadu Buhari made an obvious history. In the period in review, the number one citizen disclosed his plan to grant amnesty to members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who were ready to drop their arms and embrace peace. By that avowal, he has become the first political leader across the globe to consider granting amnesty to a terrorist confraternity.

         

President Buhari, who revealed the plan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja while receiving the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls released on Wednesday 21^st March 2018, stated that his administration had thought it wise to extend pardon to the members of the Boko Haram who were truly willing to repent of their evil deeds.

       

Our inability to aptly define the Boko Haram’s activity is unequivocally the reason we could react wrongly. Years back when the sect was noted as an insurgent group, I personally decried the description. In consequence to the outcry, I categorically did a piece informing that the said sect was rather a terrorist group.

        

Perhaps our actual plight is inability to contrast between insurgency and terrorism. The former is the act of carrying out a just cause, though might involve the use of firearms or any form of weapon; whilst, the latter is simply the activity of brutally fighting against a certain government or the citizenry without any justifiable purpose.

        

The rudimentary difference between insurgency and terrorism is that the former is often necessitated by a just motive whereas the latter isn’t. Something that is ‘just’ is rational and fair. Hence, if you are into a fierce physical battle that isn’t justifiable, it is simply terrorism; it suffices to say that you are a terrorist, because you are unleashing terror unto the people’s existence for no just reason.

       

For instance, the Niger-Delta militancy could best be described as insurgency. The militants are insurgents owing to the fact that they are fighting because they felt maltreated or marginalized by the government. You would notice that each time they stage any combat, they only concentrate on properties or establishments owned by the Nigerian state, rather than directly unleashing violence on the people as it is done by the Boko Haram.

         

In a nutshell, terrorism and insurgency are two parallel lines that possess no meeting point. The persons involved in either cause have no similar ideology with those carrying out the other. So, making effort to equate the Boko Haram’s activity with that of militancy is uncalled for. War should on no account be equated with rebellion. Read my lips.

         

Since inception, the Boko Haram have murdered millions of Nigerians, maimed thousands as well as displaced countless of dwellers. On their part, the militants have mainly succeeded in vandalizing our common patrimony; nevertheless, this equally negatively affects the lives of the citizenry but it is on record that no direct mayhem is usually cast on them. Although no sane and rational being is expected to advocate for the prevalence of militancy, it’s worthy of note that the prime purpose of the cause is arguably just.

        

Besides, we are not unaware that the Boko Haram is a faceless group. No one knows the real identities of the individuals involved in the cause, or where actually they are coming from. Thus far, whatever identity they have been crowned with remains a mere speculation. In other words, no one could authoritatively state what or who they represent.

       

Hence, thinking of granting amnesty to the Boko Haram members isn’t unlike treading without caution, which is apparently unwholesome for the country at large. Amnesty, according to BBC English Dictionary, is a “period of time during which people can confess to a crime or give up weapons without being punished”. One may ask; which real terrorist would be willing to confess to crimes committed by him/her, or truly accept defeat?

        

Someone might claim to have repented of his or her sins but in the real sense, is up to something more deadly. This is the reason the Presidency must have an urgent rethink as regards the proposed move. We can’t consider having a talk over repentance with a group whose actual identity is yet to be revealed. Unless there’s something we aren’t being told.

        

It’s, however, mind-boggling to realize that this is coming from a government that vowed, on its assumption to duty, that all forms of terrorism would be tactically crushed headlong. It becomes more disturbing and saddening when acknowledged that it came just a few weeks after the army boasted that the Boko Haram had been completely defeated. How do we reconcile these?

        

With all due respect, as Mr. President thinks in this weird direction, I deem it fit as an activist to disabuse him of the impression that the Boko Haram is an insurgent sect, and not terrorist. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

      

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