Opinion

Insurgency:The Silence And Smokescreen Behind The Security Successes

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2022

President Muhammad Buhari

By Bala Ibrahim.

If there is one person that has been persistently critical of the performance of Gen. Monguno rtd, as the National security adviser, NSA, of President Muhammadu Buhari, then that person is me. I have accused him of everything that has to do with indolence and inaction. Yet, typical of PMB, he continued dealing with him like one that is most striking in content and operational style. As the Commander in Chief, and one that receives all the reports and intelligence, the President knows better than me, far better. To cap it all, yesterday, Gen. Monguno was conferred with the prestigious award of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Critics of the President have said many things, with some even describing the award as the reward of failure, because to them, with the ongoing lecturers’ strike, insecurity, poor economy, the President has no business conferring National honours on the NSA, and the ministers of Education, Defence, Finance and others. But as the Commander in Chief, and one that receives all the reports and intelligence, the President knows better than them all, far better.

The issue of space and time may not permit this article to delve in details, into the issues of the economy and the irritating strike of the lecturers, but it would touch, even if peripherally, on the insecurity, and see where lies the collective conspiracy of silence, on the successes recorded by the security operatives against the insurgents.

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For starters, let me do an overview on the recent activities of the military in the north west and north central axis of the country, where even the blind, dumb and deaf, would admit there are positive changes everywhere. This is in line with the promise of the President, that before he leaves office, as a matter fact, before the end of the year, insecurity would be pushed into the books of history.

Only few weeks ago, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, said, pursuant to the directives of the President, to annihilate the insurgents, the military and other security agencies have synergized and sprang to another gear, by adopting kinetic and non-kinetic measures, as a result of which, they are making steady progress in various theatres of operation, despite the challenges facing the country.

I don’t want to be seen as being too brutal on the critics of the government, I would have referred people to the social media pages of Ibrahim M.K Ahmed, an unapologetic, and celebrated supporter of the Buhari administration, where readers would be bewildered, by the volume and quantum of achievements made by PMB, with special attention to the progresses made on the insurgency. Yes, almost on daily basis, IBRO, as he is fondly called by friends, has an update to give on how the military is obliterating the bandits and their cohorts.

It is no longer news that the bandits, who were responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy and kidnapping of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Kaduna have been killed by the gallant troops of the military. It is also no longer news that countless number of armed bandits and terrorists have been eliminated by the Nigerian military Air Task Force, under the Operation Show No Mercy, in the same axis of the north central. Military sources say the raids are continuous, and that they are being done in collaboration with ground forces, in continuation of the intensive air and ground troop operations on the terrorists and their enclaves.

As I write this article, reports from Kaduna have confirmed that the notorious bandit, Boderi Isiya, has narrowly escaped being killed, while his deadly second in command and several other fighters were gunned down by the Nigerian Army troops. Other reports have confirmed that another notorious bandit leader in Kaduna State, Ali Dogo, and 30 of his fighters have been neutralized. Dogo, also known as Yellow, and his gang members, who fled from Niger State, were neutralized by airstrikes, while holding a meeting in the hideout of one Alhaji Gwarzo, at Yadi, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna.

The story is similar in Zamfara, where the military is on the chase of the notorious leader of the bandits, Bello Turji, just as a rivalry war between the bandits is also claiming casualties. A security source said to me, the rivalry war might have been engineered by the security operatives, in an effort to accelerate the annihilation process.

Last week, Nigeria was greeted with the good news from Usman Yusuf, Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee (CDSAC), that the remaining 23 kidnapped victims of the Abuja/Kaduna train have finally regained their freedom. Nothing can be more cheering than that particular news of relief.

Yet, as if there is something covert or clandestine, a smokescreen seems created, to underreport, or even silence the successes of the security agents. But when the bandits were haywire, evereywhere in the country was cacophonous against the government.

With hindsight, particularly on the recent security successes, I withdraw my criticism of non performance on Monguno and even tender a small apology, while to the critics of PMB, I refer them to the saying of Madame Patience Jonathan, viz: “Diaries God”.

Opinion

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

Published

5 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

1 week 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.