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Peace is not the opposite of War: What options for the Niger Republic?  By Jimoh  Ibrahim  PhD (War), CFR

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Opinion: Is social science a science or some conjecture? By Jimoh Ibrahim

Peace is not the opposite of War: What options for the Niger Republic? 

By Jimoh  Ibrahim  PhD (War), CFR

Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Part One: Introduction 

Peace and war are matters of insecurity. Living with insecurity is the only security, perhaps for those who studied War! Even in the most hospitable circumstances, the human condition is precarious because we are all unavoidably exposed. Human nature is flawed, and perfect security cannot exist in any human society. Yet to be forgotten even when you may not like him is Hobbes’ ‘state of nature,’ every human being is a potential threat because the struggle for survival in a world of limited resources is a ‘war of all against all,’ Hobbes thought that putting a government in place is an excellent way of guaranteeing security!
In a world without a government to enforce order – a condition that Hobbes calls the state of nature – every human must be vigilant against threats to survival. A world without Government, he claims, forces humanity into a constant state of war because there is no way to trust in the excellent or peaceful intentions of others. We must always be on our guard lest we be attacked. This condition – in which no ruler or judge can resolve disputes and establish security – is anarchy. In an anarchic world, Hobbes argues that our lives must revolve around survival, leaving no time for agriculture, the arts, or sciences conditions of anarchy; Hobbes says, ‘the life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
Peace is not the opposite of War: What options for the Niger Republic? 

By Jimoh  Ibrahim  PhD (War), CFR
 But does having a government in the last twenty years make a difference? This is because and according to me, the Nigeria Boko Haram insurgency underscores the Hobbesian thesis of man’s aggressiveness in the state of nature that requires the leviathan’s intervention. The Nigerian Government’s failure to provide public goods led to the emergence of the Boko Haram insurgency. The citizens contest their rights to life (now in danger), withdrawing their loyalty and support from the Government and the Armed forces. A praxis explains the power shift from the Nigerian Government to the identified local group (Boko Haram). The shift accompanies ongoing violence between soldiers and the insurgents resulting in mass civilian casualties, genocide, systemic rape, and unquantifiable property destruction fostering human insecurity. The above narrative makes the statement relevant that studying and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security!
Insecurity is pervasive in the international realm. For instance, the international system is anarchic, and no single authority can remit uncertainty. We move from the dynamics of abuse of power as we saw in Darfur, where Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with war crimes against humanity. The violence has also forced some 2.5 million people − mostly farmers and villagers from non-Arab groups – to flee their homes. So was the American-led Illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003 to the insecurity creation of intervention and collision of the value of security paradigms in human, national and geocentric systems-the intervention in Iraq (1990), Bosnia (1995), and Afghanistan (2001) were intended to preserve the territorial status quo and restore sovereign control to legitimate governments. (In Kuwait, Sarajevo, and Kabul), intervention in Kosovo (1999) was intended to protect the Kosovar (Albanian) minority even at the risk of partitioning the (rump) federal Yugoslav state (Serbia-Montenegro).
All are empirical evidence of insecurity globally. Issues of the ongoing killing by Boko Haram and collaboration of the insurgent with the new formation of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and its expanding activities in the West Africa Sub-region. (Where Boko Haram killed the President of Chad recently) forcefully explaining the failure of the leviathan to protect citizens and himself! in developing countries, what is more, is the powerful justification for our new concern that How to live with insecurity is the only security at least known in the West African sub-region.
Is peace the opposite of War? See part two of this article. Again, is Niger a sovereign state to which intervention can be made impossible? What option, war or peace? and is sovereignty, not hypocrisy? See part three of this article. If you miss any part, send an email requesting the missing part to my University of Cambridge life email address [email protected]
Jimoh Ibrahim holds PhD in Modern War Studies and just completed BSc in International Relations (Second Class Upper Division) from the London School of Economics LSE, the University of London. He holds nine other University degrees from the University of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Ife etc. He is currently at the 10th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a Senator representing Ondo South senatorial district.

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has urged Nigerians to support young people in pursuing their dreams and taking active roles in politics, as he publicly endorsed the political ambition of his son, Tukur Buratai Jnr.

Buratai, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, made the call in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, where he expressed support for his son’s decision to contest for the Biu Constituency seat in the Borno State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress⁠�.

According to the retired military chief, Nigeria’s future depends largely on its youthful population, stressing that excluding young people from governance and leadership would hinder national growth and development.

He noted that Nigerian youths should not merely be regarded as leaders of tomorrow, but as active contributors and solution providers capable of shaping the country’s future today.

Buratai further emphasized the need to create opportunities and an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive politically, economically, and socially, describing youth inclusion as critical to nation-building.

The endorsement of Captain Buratai Jnr, a pilot, is being viewed by political observers as a symbolic transfer of leadership ideals, discipline, and patriotism from one generation to another.

His candidacy is also expected to inject youthful energy and fresh perspectives into legislative representation in Biu Constituency ahead of future political contests.

As preparations gradually begin towards the next electoral cycle, Buratai’s message is likely to resonate among young Nigerians seeking greater participation in governance and public service.

 

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

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Buratai Urges FG to Form School Safety Task Force

Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has paid glowing tribute to retired Major General Muhammadu Magoro on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as “a national hero and a general par excellence.”

 

 

 

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Buratai hailed Magoro’s decades of service to Nigeria, noting that his military and political careers remained a model of patriotism, discipline, and leadership.

Magoro, who holds the traditional title of Mutawallen of Kebbi Kingdom, served as a commander during the Nigerian Civil War, later becoming Minister of Internal Affairs and a senator during the Second Republic.

 

Buratai said the retired general’s contributions to national development and security had earned him recognition both within and outside Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

He also acknowledged Magoro’s role in mentoring younger military officers, including himself, stressing that the elder statesman’s guidance and professional conduct had inspired generations of military leaders.

 

 

The former army chief recalled recently reconnecting with Magoro during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, describing the meeting as symbolic of the enduring bond among those who had served the nation selflessly.

 

 

 

 

“As you mark this 85th birthday, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with good health, peace of mind, and many more fruitful years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

He further noted that Magoro’s legacy would continue to inspire future leaders across military and civilian institutions in the country.

 

 

 

Buratai concluded the message by wishing the elder statesman a memorable celebration, declaring that “Nigeria salutes” him for his sacrifices and enduring service to the nation.

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