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A Personal Reflection on Service, Sacrifice, and Unfounded Attacks

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5 months ago

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CSOs Slam Wike Over ‘Baseless’ Attack on Buratai, Demand Public Apology

Defending Service: Why the Attacks on Buratai Are Unfair and Unfounded

By Nazir Ribadu

 

Sometimes, watching public figures get dragged through the mud tells you less about them and more about the state of our public discourse.

 

As someone who studies Nigeria’s security landscape, not from a news desk but through the dry, factual lens of academic and operational history, the recent allegations against former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai (rtd.) hit a particular nerve. They don’t just seem wrong, they feel like a profound injustice against a man who gave decades of his life to this country.

 

Let’s be clear: I’ve never met General Buratai. I have no personal connection to him. My “relationship” with his career is through after-action reports, strategy papers, and the timelines of battles fought in our Northeast. And from that vantage point, the idea that he was somehow in cahoots with the very terrorists he was tasked with destroying isn’t just illogical; it’s an insult to the painful, gritty reality of that war.

 

Think about the sheer human contradiction of that claim. This is the officer who, for years, bore the immense weight of command during one of our nation’s most brutal conflicts. His days and nights were consumed by the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

 

As a Security and Intelligence Analyst, we studied the tactical shifts under his command, the difficult pivot to the “Super Camp” strategy, the push to retake and hold territory. These weren’t abstract concepts; they were decisions that affected the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

 

To suggest that the man at the helm of that struggle was secretly funding the enemy doesn’t add up. It collapses under the weight of its own absurdity.

 

Where is the proof?

 

In our world, serious allegations are backed by evidence, arrests, indictments, formal investigations. But here, there’s only silence from every official quarter: the EFCC, the DSS, our financial intelligence units. Nothing!!

 

Instead, the entire case seems to be built on whispers and “anonymous sources” funneled through an outlet, Sahara Reporters, with a troubling track record.

 

And this is where it becomes personal. We’ve seen this pattern before. Just recently, the Plateau State government had to publicly condemn a false report about a bomb blast in Jos. A story that caused real panic.

 

Also, Ekiti State officials have detailed how their financial data was misrepresented to create a false narrative. They had to condemn the report made by Sahara Reporters.

 

When an outlet repeatedly gets things so wrong, often with consequences that hurt communities and reputations, it loses the benefit of the doubt. It starts to look less like journalism and more like a weapon.

 

Is it so hard to believe that a man who held one of the toughest jobs in Nigeria, who inevitably had to make decisions that upset powerful people, is now a target for those seeking “a pound of flesh”?

 

What gets lost in this noise is the human story of service. This was a 40-year career that culminated in the hottest of seats.

 

Whatever your political views, the man served. He faced a monstrous enemy and, according to the military’s own records, achieved hard-fought gains: territories were reclaimed, key terrorist commanders were neutralized.

 

In a sane society, we would at least be able to separate honest critique of strategy from vile character assassination. We should be debating his legacy, not defending his basic loyalty.

 

That’s what saddens me the most. We have a habit of tearing down our own, especially once they leave the stage.

 

Instead of a nuanced conversation about security policy, we get baseless scandals. General Buratai is a case study, literally, I use his tenure in some of my classes, in military leadership under extreme pressure. He deserves to have that record discussed based on facts, not vapor.

 

So, from one citizen to another, I find this whole episode tragic. If we disagree with a leader’s methods, let’s argue about that. But to spray poison on a man’s entire life’s work with no evidence? That doesn’t make us clever investigators. It makes us ingrate.

 

General Buratai has every right to demand a retraction, not just for his own name, but to push back against a culture of lies that cheapens the very concept of sacrifice for this nation.

 

Somewhere underneath the general’s uniform and the headlines is a human being who served Nigeria. That, at the very least, deserves our basic fairness.

 

Nazir Ribadu

PhD Security Studies and International Relations.

Security and Intelligence Analyst.

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

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5 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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22 hours ago

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April 27, 2026

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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1 day ago

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April 27, 2026

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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