North West Agenda for Peace (NOWAP) Lauds President Tinubu for Presence of Minister of State for Defence,CDS to Flush Out Banditry

Sahara Weekly Reports That The North West Agenda for Peace (NOWAP) commends President Bola Tinubu for his proactive measures in addressing the escalating security challenges in the region. The presence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, in the region attests to the President’s commitment to ridding terrorism and banditry.

We applaud President Tinubu’s directive for the Minister and security chiefs to relocate to the North West, demonstrating his concern for the security situation in the region. This move is a clear indication of the President’s willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges. It is reassuring to note that Mr. President has not forgotten the people of the North West in this time of crisis.

The North-west region has been plagued by terrorism and banditry, with four of the region’s seven states among the top five states with the highest number of kidnap incidents between July 2023 and June 2024. Therefore, the presence of the Defence Minister and security chiefs is a welcome development in the fight against these criminal elements.

We are encouraged by the Minister’s assurance to the troops of the President’s support in crushing bandits across the country. The President’s commitment to providing all necessary resources to the troops is a clear indication of his dedication to ending the security challenges in the region.

We beseech Mr. President to do his best to fish out the sponsors of banditry and other forms of insecurity within the region. This will help to address the root causes of the problem and bring lasting peace to the region.

The presence of the Defence Minister and security chiefs will significantly improve security in the region. Firstly, it will boost the morale of the troops, who will feel supported and motivated to intensify their efforts against the bandits. Secondly, it will enable the security agencies to develop a more effective strategy to tackle the security challenges, with the Minister and security chiefs providing guidance and oversight. Finally, it will demonstrate to the bandits and terrorists that the government is committed to ending their reign of terror, and that they will be brought to justice.

Furthermore, the strategy will also involve the local communities, who will be encouraged to provide intelligence and support to the security agencies. This will help to build trust and confidence between the security agencies and the local communities, and will enable the security agencies to respond more effectively to security threats.

Additionally, the presence of the Defence Minister and security chiefs will also facilitate the deployment of additional resources and equipment to the region, which will enhance the capacity of the security agencies to tackle the security challenges.

We acknowledge the presence of the Armed Forces in the region all these years, but the recent visit has boosted the morale of the troops. The people of the region now feel safer with the troops combing everywhere to get results done.

We applaud the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for his leadership and commitment to ending the security challenges in the North-west. He has proven his dedication to finding solutions to the region’s security problems.

We hail the troops for their bravery and sacrifices in the fight against banditry and terrorism. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we commend them for their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

We urge them to remain focused and undeterred in their efforts to flush out the bandits and terrorists. The recent failed mission should not be a setback, but rather an opportunity to regroup and intensify efforts to bring peace to the region.

We call on all stakeholders, including the local communities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, to support and cooperate with the security agencies in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the North-west. This is a collective responsibility, and we must all work together to achieve this goal.

We urge the federal government to provide all necessary support and resources to the security agencies, to enable them to effectively tackle the security challenges in the region. This includes providing additional funding, equipment, and personnel, as well as ensuring that the security agencies have the necessary legal and policy framework to operate effectively.

Signed,

Comrade Abba Gana Abba

President

Usman Abubakar

Secretary General

Gbajabiamila: Why An Innocent Mind Fears No Accusation

By Kabir Muazu

Sahara Weekly Reports That In the crucible of public scrutiny, high-ranking officials face intense pressure, with every move subject to partisan criticism. A case in point is Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose recent tour of government agencies has sparked a maelstrom of reactions.

Gbajabiamila’s visits to key agencies like the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) among others have ignited fervent debates about his motivations, the legitimacy of his actions, and their far-reaching implications for governance. Contrary to perceptions of mere symbolic gestures, agency heads received prior briefings from the Permanent Secretary of the State House, outlining the purpose and objectives of these visits.

The briefing emphasised that Gbajabiamila’s tour is a critical component of a comprehensive initiative to ensure stringent compliance with regulations, guidelines, and the Public Service Rules (PSR). The primary goal is to guarantee adherence to rules governing employment, promotions, administrative processes, and operational frameworks.

Gbajabiamila’s effort seeks to bolster regulatory adherence, enhance governance, and ensure optimal performance across agencies. This pragmatic measure ensures agencies operate within their mandates, delivering efficiently on their roles and responsibilities.

Rather than usurping power or overstepping boundaries, Gbajabiamila’s visits aim to reinforce accountability, transparency, and adherence to regulations. By contextualising these visits within President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it becomes evident that Gbajabiamila’s initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to enhancing governance, productivity, and service delivery.

When high-ranking officials take proactive measures, exceeding their customary responsibilities to ensure seamless government functioning, it warrants recognition. However, in our context, such dedication is seldom exhibited. Regrettably, our nation has been plagued by a dearth of officials willing to take the initiative, as exemplified by the Chief of Staff’s unprecedented visit to agencies under the presidency.

This bold step merits commendation and acknowledges the CoS’s commitment to enhancing governance. Unfortunately, doing extra to ensure our nation’s functionality has not been a hallmark of most officials, fostering a culture where individuals prioritize personal interests and engage in unscrupulous practices.

Critics have swiftly raised concerns about the motivations behind Gbajabiamila’s visits, suggesting an unwarranted expansion of executive authority. However, a diligent examination of the incident raises two pivotal questions: Was this an oversight on the part of the CoS? Did Gbajabiamila’s presence undermine the National Assembly’s oversight functions? Emphatically, the answer to both is “NO”.

This leads to further inquiry: Is Gbajabiamila’s action a genuine endeavour to bolster productivity and accountability? Should we rally behind initiatives promoting transparency and good governance? Unreservedly, the response to both is “YES”.

As Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila’s role encompasses administrative facilitation and strategic guidance in executing presidential directives, ensuring seamless implementation and optimal outcomes. His visits to agencies demonstrate a commendable dedication to augmenting performance and accountability within the executive branch, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The suggestion that Gbajabiamila’s actions might infringe upon the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities is misguided. The National Assembly remains the paramount institution entrusted with legislative oversight, exercising its constitutional mandate to scrutinize and hold the executive branch accountable. Gbajabiamila’s role is complementary, and focused on enhancing effectiveness and efficiency.

His initiatives aim to streamline processes, bolster accountability, and ensure alignment with the presidency’s vision. Far from diminishing the National Assembly’s oversight functions, Gbajabiamila’s actions represent a laudable effort to harmonize the executive’s performance with the presidency’s and the Nigerian people’s expectations.

By promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, he reinforces the National Assembly’s oversight role, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to effective governance. Criticism often accompanies actions by public figures, but in this case, attempts to cast Gbajabiamila’s visits in a negative light exemplify double standards in political discourse.

Engaging with public agencies to enhance performance and ensure adherence to regulations is a necessary component of good governance, not an act of pride or ego. The recent uproar from vocal critics should be recognized as a calculated effort to sow discord between the executive and legislative branches, undermining the Renewed Hope Agenda and jeopardizing the harmonious relationship between the two arms.

Gbajabiamila’s actions should be celebrated as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to enhanced productivity, accountability, and transparency within the executive branch. His agency visits embody a leadership style that prioritises substance over rhetoric and results over words. Rather than being perceived as a threat, his initiatives should be applauded for complementing the National Assembly’s role and strengthening governance.

The criticism levelled against him appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to undermine his progress, driven by political expediency rather than genuine concerns. Despite the cacophony of dissenting voices, the truth remains: Gbajabiamila is a steadfast servant of the people, committed to augmenting productivity and service delivery.

As Chief of Staff, his singular focus is to provide unwavering support and enhance the operational efficacy of public agencies, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a more efficient governance structure. It’s time to let Gbajabiamila continue his work without hindrance, as President Tinubu’s trust in him is unwavering.

Let’s shift our focus to the intrinsic merits of Gbajabiamila’s actions and their potential benefits for the nation, rather than being swayed by partisan criticisms and divisive rhetoric. His visits to public agencies represent a significant step forward, exemplifying proactive leadership that deserves our encouragement.

Gbajabiamila’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unwavering, and he deserves our support, not criticism. As we strive towards a prosperous Nigeria, let’s renounce divisive rhetoric and embrace constructive criticism that fosters national growth, development, and unity. By doing so, we can create a harmonious environment conducive to effective governance and accountability.

Muazu is a public affairs analyst writing from Bauchi.

*In Memoriam : Commissioner of Police Adedamola Waheed Ayilara – A Tribute Sponsored by Temitope Zainul-Abedeen Tijani (TZAT)”*

By Alhaji Arems

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner of Police (CP) Adedamola Waheed Ayilara, who passed away on August 29, 2024, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja. CP Ayilara, who was the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to complications shortly after a successful prostate cancer surgery performed on August 28, 2024.

Born in Lagos in the 1960s and hailing from the Ajayi Compound in Iaye Area of Ogun State, CP Ayilara received his early education in Lagos before pursuing a distinguished academic path. He earned his first degree in Law from the University of Ibadan, followed by a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Commissioner Ayilara joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent and was a member of Course 3. Throughout his illustrious career, he undertook various training courses both locally and internationally, including Leadership and Citizenship Training, Advanced Detective Courses, and Commanding Officer Courses at various Police Mobile Force Training Colleges across Nigeria. His international training included VIP Protection with Blackwater U.S.A. and Foreign Mission Development/Management in Italy. His commitment to professional development extended to participating in various FBI Trainings and senior staff courses.

Before his elevation to Commissioner of Police on December 27, 2023, CP Ayilara held numerous significant positions within the force, including Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State C.I.D. Panti, Lagos, and Acting Commissioner of Police at Lagos Command. On February 1, 2024, he was appointed the 32nd Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State Command, where he served with dedication until his untimely death.

In addition to his professional achievements, CP Ayilara was deeply involved in various professional associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police. His dedication to service was not only evident in his police career but also in his active membership with the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), where he served as Security Secretary from 2017 to 2021. His leadership and contributions to the NASFAT community were exemplary, and he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment and participative style.

This publication is sponsored by Temitope Zainul-Abedeen Tijani (TZAT), whose support in honoring the legacy of CP Ayilara is greatly appreciated.

CP Ayilara’s passing leaves a profound void in both the police force and the community. He is survived by his wife and children, who have lost a devoted husband and father. The NASFAT global community and the nation mourn the loss of a committed leader and devout Muslim whose passion for service and exemplary character will be eternally remembered.

May Allah SWT grant him Aljanah Fridaus and comfort his family and all who knew him during this difficult time.

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