Opinion

Terrorists Video And The Presidency’s Truant Of Tact

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2022

President Muhammad Buhari

By Bala Ibrahim.

Whatever may be the intention of the terrorists that attacked the Abuja/Kaduna train in late March this year, that intention has been accomplished, to the torment and trauma of Nigerians. Yes, the terrorists have conquered and callously taken control of the hitherto, fathomed fearlessness and mightiness of the Government of Nigeria, Africa’s so called celebrated giant.

In what looks typical of terrorists’ propaganda tactics, the social media is awash with various videos, recently released by the abductors of the train passengers, showing them flogging and dreadfully dehumanizing the captives. To make matters worse, in the video, the terrorists threatened to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s number one citizen, and Commander in chief of the country’s Armed Forces.

Some people may call it ludicrous, but to me, it is not laughable. These people have tested the will power of Nigeria’s security forces, and can go to any length to embarrass the Government, particularly the President, whose modus operandi, or weak capacity for rapid response in an emergency, seems to have been sadly exposed.

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We are just weeks away from the twin attacks on the President. Yes, attacks on the President. The first was an attack on his convoy, in his home state of Katsina, in fact few kilometres from his home town of Daura. And the second, on the same day, was the attack on Kuje Prison, a medium prison with maximum security.

Kuje is in Abuja, and only few kilometres to the Aso Rock Villa, the President’s residence, and presumably the most fortified abode in Nigeria. Anyone with the pluck for such transgression, must be of temerarious disposition. One would be right to describe him as, perilous. And precisely that’s the name of these terrorists. Play down their pranks at your own peril.

But methinks the Presidency is playing down the pranks of these evildoers, because, contrary to popular opinion, that security forces should use intelligence and technology to smoke them out, the response of the Presidency to the latest threat is that, “we are not clueless, or helpless”.

According to Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidential spokesman, the security forces would not bomb the forest where these terrorists are holding the kidnapped victims, because, doing so will kill the innocent victims, whose only crime was boarding the train.

Aa! Terrorists, who have always carried out their threats with reckless abandon, have issued new threats, to the effect that, they would among other things, kill the captives, and even kidnap the President and the Governor of a state, if their demands are not met quickly, and you are saying there is no cause for concern.

Nothing, I repeat nothing, can be more lacking in sense or sound reasoning. Mallam Garba said the security forces have their plans and ways of doing things, which they will not display in the media.

But are we talking about another Government, or the very one, whose head passed a vote of no confidence on its machinery for security intelligence?

In the wake of the Kuje Prison attack early this month, PMB, while on a visit to the site, uttered in anger, his outright disappointment with the intelligence system in Kuje, and by extension, on Nigeria as a whole.

“I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it?”-PMB.

All the same, and as usual, the President summoned the service chiefs, along with the inert National Security Adviser, Gen. Monguno rtd, for a meeting at the Villa, at the end of which, the regular warning was given, with the special instruction that the captives must be rescued alive.

One needs not be in the military to know that with good network, that works in concert with covert Human intelligence sources or agents, and sensible surveillance, that follows or observe targets, intercepting the communications of criminals can not be too difficult a task.

From the statement of Mallam Garba Shehu, one can imply that the location of these criminals is known. Why must it take ages to track their movement and annihilate them? More so, when the President has said time without number, that he had provided whatever is needed to execute the job. And the terrorists are wrecking havoc on the country on daily basis.

Is it to say they are more equipped, or have a more improved intelligence system? The Government must tell another tale, to convince the pubic court, that it is not truant in tact.

Nigeria has been bragging of being a key partner with America, in furthering regional security and stability, which is why it purchased over 12 super Tucano fighter jets from the US, and all are supposed to have been deployed for the fight against terrorism.

But while America had used same technology and credible intelligence to rescue its citizens from the hands of these criminals, in the same Nigeria, Nigeria seems to be relying on voodoo, or some African magical rites for the actualization of similar results.

Our memories are fresh of how, on Saturday, October 31, 2020, the US carried out a military operation in Nigeria, rescuing and flying home one of it’s citizens. According to reports, the mission was carried out by the US Navy’s elite SEAL Team 6, which was conveyed to the action spot by the US Air Force Special Operations. The lucky victim, Philipe Nathan Walton, was abducted from his farm in Massalata village in Southern Niger Republic, by six men armed with guns and taken to northern Nigeria.

America did not say the rescue attempt may endanger the life of victim Philipe Nathan Walton. In fact, on its part, Nigeria announced that it gave full cooperation in ensuring the success of the mission.

Yet, hundreds of it’s citizens are in the hands of such terrorists since March.

Abeg, the Government must tell another tale, or else the pubic court would convict it of being truant in tact.

Related Topics:Act Buhari Nigeria Truant

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Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

7 days ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.