society
THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF CITIZENS IN UNIFORM IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
Published
5 months agoon
THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF CITIZENS IN UNIFORM IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
By
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” — George Orwell.
In every democratic society, the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the nation stands. Democracies are inherently designed to reflect the people’s will, with elected representatives tasked with governance. However, a critical component often overlooked in this equation is the role of citizens in uniform—individuals who serve in the military, law enforcement, and emergency services. These dedicated professionals are not only the guardians of national security, but also the enforcers of law and order, integral to the functioning of a democratic state, safeguarding liberty, and guaranteeing our collective peace and security. Imagine a society where the cornerstones of liberty, justice, and the rule of law crumble. The chilling reality could unfold if we fail to understand, support, and most importantly, respect the citizens who wear the uniforms, otherwise known as “citizens in uniform.” These individuals, from soldiers to police officers, and firefighters, are the bedrock of a functioning democracy.
The world over, democratic societies are built on the notion that power resides with the people. Yet, ensuring the safety and security that allows this power to be exercised freely requires a climacteric partnership, an irrevocable pact between the citizenry and those who stand guard. Therefore, citizens in uniform the military, law enforcement, and emergency responders – are entrusted with upholding the very foundation of democracy: the rule of law. They defend us from external threats, maintain law and order within our borders, and safeguard our territorial integrity. They are also the first line of defence in times of crisis, rushing towards danger while others flee, at the expense of their comfort and liberty. In the aftermath of disasters, they become the helping hands, clearing debris and aiding in recovery and most instances using meagre resources to assist with infrastructural projects. It is for this reason that a former US President, Ulysses S. Grant, famously stated “The citizen soldier is the champion of the liberties of his country. He is always ready to defend them against foreign or domestic violence, and his history is a record of patriotism.”
Citizens in uniform in Nigeria are a diverse group, encompassing soldiers, police officers, customs, immigration officials, road safety personnel, civil defenders, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, just to mention a few. Their duties are also multitudinous and essential. Similarly, their commitment, sacrifices and service ensure that the democratic fabric of our great nation remains intact, providing a secure environment where citizens can exercise their rights and freedoms. The importance of these unique men and women and their critical roles in our society, therefore, cannot be overstated. The military safeguards the nation’s territorial integrity, whether on land, sea, or air, deterring and defending against external aggressions. Law enforcement agencies are vital in upholding the rule of law, preventing and investigating crimes, and maintaining public order. They ensure road safety and protect critical infrastructure, as well as emergency services provide critical support during disasters, offering lifesaving assistance and aiding in recovery efforts. They endure hardship and deprivation to ensure our safety and security sometimes at the expense of their precious lives. Despite the essential nature of their roles, citizens in uniform often face significant challenges and unwarranted aggression.
Most recently, a disturbing trend has emerged. The very people these professionals risk their lives to protect have become perpetrators of violent crimes against them and in most instances with devastating consequences. Militants, robbers, and even ordinary citizens have engaged in unprovoked attacks on security personnel.
In recent months, the harrowing plight of citizens in uniform has escalated dramatically, shedding light on the critical challenges they face in our society. The series of violent incidents against officers and soldiers not only underscores a disturbing trend but also highlights the magnitude of hostility towards those sworn to protect our democratic society. On 14th March 2024, no fewer than 16 officers and soldiers of the 181 Battalion, including their commanding officer, were brutally murdered by youths in Delta State. This gruesome event marked a significant and tragic loss for their families, the military and the nation at large. The violence continued unabated on 30th May 2024, when suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) coldly executed five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba City, Abia State. This heinous act further exemplifies the perilous environment in which our citizens in uniform operate.
Another alarming incident took place in May 2024 at Abuja’s Banex Plaza, where some unruly individuals viciously attacked unarmed soldiers. The brazen assault is one of the latest instances of unwarranted aggression against citizens in uniform, highlighting the pervasive nature of such violence. Tragically, the list of assaults continues, just a few days ago, Lieutenant IM Umar of the Nigerian Army was brutally murdered by robbers in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna, simply over a phone. This senseless killing points to the constant dangers faced by our citizens in uniform, even off-duty. The hostility and violence extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. On 5th June 2024, gunmen in Pendjari National Park, Benin Republic, killed seven soldiers, demonstrating that this issue is not confined to Nigeria alone but is a regional concern.
These heartbreaking events paint a grim picture of the risks and sacrifices made by citizens in uniform. They face not only the dangers inherent in the discharge of their constitutional duties but also targeted attacks from within the communities they serve. This alarming trend calls for urgent attention and collective action to ensure the safety and protection of those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our democratic society. The blatant disrespect for citizens in uniform, who embody the ideals of a democratic society, is a cause for serious alarm. Such attacks are not only detrimental to the individuals involved, their families and respective organisations but also undermine the peace, stability and security of the nation. The violence is not only unjust, despicable and condemnable but also counterproductive, as it weakens the very institutions that ensure public safety and national security. Consequently, Nigerians must recognize that these uniformed professionals are allies, not adversaries, and their presence is essential for maintaining peace and order. When citizens in uniform are disrespected and assaulted such as it erodes the rule of law and threatens the democratic order. Therefore, it is imperative for Nigerian society to recognize the noble duties and sacrifices made by these individuals and to foster a culture of respect and support for our citizens in uniform.
Therefore, how can we bridge this gap and foster a sense of appreciation for our citizens in uniform? Firstly, education is key. We must cultivate a culture of respect for these professionals in uniform from a young age. The government has an important and leading role to play in this regard. Schools and communities can play a vital role in highlighting the sacrifices made by these individuals and the importance of their service in their curriculum. Associated with this is the need for continuous civic education of all Nigerians by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Similarly, the government has the additional responsibility of finding alternative solutions to conflict resolution and minimizing situations that necessitate troop deployment as a means of conflict resolution. There is also the need for improved good governance which will focus more on tackling the root causes of some of these conflicts and social unrest in our societies. To further cultivate respect and appreciation for citizens in uniform, it is also essential to understand the magnitude of their sacrifices. These individuals often risk their lives, endure long separations from their families, and face physical and psychological challenges. Their dedication and service are driven by a commitment to protect and serve their fellow citizens, often under arduous and dangerous conditions. Condemning unwarranted attacks on troops and security personnel is an important step towards fostering respect, especially by the government, traditional and religious leaders, and all well-meaning people. It is quite commendable to see the national assembly and other entities condemning such acts and making efforts to find a lasting solution to this disturbing trend.
Additionally, all those involved in such attacks should be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law. Governments at various levels should also ensure that conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than relying on military deployments as a first resort. This approach will not only preserve the integrity and morale of the armed forces but also align with the democratic values of peace and justice. Moreover, improving governance is fundamental to addressing the root causes of unrest and violence as it also entails transparency, accountability, and inclusive policies that address the needs and grievances of all citizens.
By fostering economic opportunities, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and upholding human rights, the government can mitigate the factors that often lead to conflict and violence in our society. The citizens in uniform should also understand that respect is a two-way street. Therefore, those who don the uniform must equally honour the rights of others, conducting themselves with decorum and professionalism at all times. They should steadfastly eschew acts of indiscipline or unprofessional behaviour, both in and out of uniform.
It is important to state that citizens in uniform are governed by stringent command and control regulations. This is particularly true for members of the armed forces, who are subject to both civil and military laws. Each branch of the military has statutory procedures for addressing misconduct among its ranks. Those found guilty of infractions are often punished severely, with some facing death sentences or long-term imprisonment. Given these rigorous checks and balances, it is imperative that we, as citizens, do not take the law into our own hands when confronting perceived misconduct by uniformed personnel. Instead, any acts of misdemeanour should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities. By doing so, we uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served through the proper channels, maintaining respect for those who serve and the system that governs them.
Therefore, it must be reiterated that citizens in uniform are indispensable to the health, growth and stability of any democratic society. Their roles in protecting national security, enforcing the law, and responding to emergencies are critical. In this regard, it is incumbent upon us, as a society, to recognize, respect, and support these individuals for their selfless service. Moreover, showing public disdain for the deplorable and unwarranted attacks by political, traditional, religious and civil society leaders whenever and wherever they occur and fostering a culture of appreciation for the men and women in uniform is essential. Citizens in uniform deserve better from us all. They deserve our unwavering support, our understanding of the challenges they face, and most importantly, our respect. Just as in established democracies like the USA and UK, where these professionals are revered for their service, it’s time we, as a society, recognize the invaluable role they play. We should all rally around and create an environment where our citizens in uniform are celebrated for their courage and dedication, not ostracized for their duty. The future of our democracy hinges on this collective effort. Let’s stand together, citizens and guardians alike, to safeguard the ideals that define our nation.
The writer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, is a seasoned public affairs commentator, public relations consultant, and security expert. He can be reached on his Facebook and X handle, @skusman.
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Brace Foundation Gives Attention to Children with Special Needs
Published
5 hours agoon
November 5, 2024Brace Foundation Gives Attention to Children with Special Needs
The Brace Foundation on Friday in Lagos organised a workshop to deepen the knowledge of those caring for children with special needs in one way or the other. The workshop was aimed at improving the lives of children with special needs.
At the event held at Lekki, the Chairman of Brace Foundation, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, said that the workshop had become necessary to increase the level of awareness as regards care for children with special needs.
The workshop had in attendance no fewer than 1,200 participants drawn from public and private sectors attended the workshop. They include parents, guardians, educators, caregivers, health workers, therapists, legal experts, clergymen and members of the Red Cross Society.
Ogbechie said there was need to educate the society more about the peculiarities of people with special needs.
“They are still human beings who the society needs to accept for who they are.” “Growing up, I saw children with special needs. We didn’t understand what special needs were, and they were maltreated by the society. Education has made us to understand that what the children actually had were special needs and nothing else,” he said.
He regretted that children with special needs struggled with learning and many other things.“We have seen children with special needs struggle in school and the larger society, and we felt that it is a space we can bring in resources through this workshop. This will help these children to live a better life, integrate better into the society and live a fulfilled life,” he added.
The workshop discussed speech therapy, art of communication, special needs, and navigating behavioural challenge, among others issues.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Brace Foundation, Dr Soibi Hephzibah, said that the foundation focused on education of children with special needs. She noted that it involved behavioural and occupational education.
In her remarks, the Vice Chairperson of the foundation, Mrs Godrey Ogbechie, said that all children had needs but some required special needs due to one challenge or the other.
“We want to make it easier for them to have supportive mechanisms that will help them to strive. Even the ones we term normal have needs but they are just different,” she said.
The Head of Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mrs Dipa Horsfall, who was a participant at the workshop, advised parents of children with special needs to give them more attention.
Horsfall urged the federal and state governments to do more to improve healthcare services for children with special needs to discourage taking them abroad for healthcare
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Professor Fidelis Oditah is Wrong about the EFCC By Dele Oyewale
Published
11 hours agoon
November 5, 2024Professor Fidelis Oditah is Wrong about the EFCC
By Dele Oyewale
Professor Fidelis Oditah’s recent interactive discussion on a wide range of issues on Arise News, are quite engaging. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN and an international legal mind, his views on national issues cannot be disregarded. Benjamin Disraeli, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom once said, “with words we govern men”. Thus, Oditah’ s words are important and cannot be dismissed as empty effusion lacking weight or impact.
However, the learned Professor’s submission on what he called the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s three fundamental problems are, to say the least, prejudicial, unfounded and misleading. First, Oditah stated that “The EFCC is often being used for settling many scores. Some are political scores, some are social scores. So, you could run away from your girlfriend and the girlfriend goes to the EFCC and the EFCC could ask you questions(sic). What has that got to do with economic crimes? That is blatant abuse of power”(sic).
How on earth will this kind of a scenario painted by the learned silk hold water? The simplest argument against this kind of effusion is to challenge Oditah to provide proofs of such banality. We all know that this just an idle talk because the EFCC is a serious- minded law enforcement agency. The only worrisome aspect of such a talk is that it betrays an embarrassing lack of grasp of what the EFCC’s focus is.
This issue of appropriate and proper focusing of the mandate of the EFCC has been a central pivot of the three- pronged agenda of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. In the full glare of the entire world, while addressing members of the National Assembly in October 2023, Olukoyede stated that the focus of every fight against corruption was to stimulate growth in the economy. For more than a year now, the EFCC’s boss has been consistently following this route. The review of the arrest and bail procedures of the EFCC is in line with this. Professor Oditah is probably busy with his works as a King’s Counsel in the United Kingdom and have no time to be abreast of development in the EFCC. Olukoyede is a lawyer of high pedigree and would not allow what the learned counsel called “ blatant abuse of power”.
The second “ fundamental problem of the EFCC”, according to Oditah is that “The EFCC has abandoned its mandate and reduce itself to a debt- collection agency, notwithstanding the numerous court decisions saying the EFCC must stay within the narrow confines of financial and economic crimes. The EFCC has gone out for debt recovery”. This submission, again, is hollow and vacuous. The EFCC’s Establishment Act does not empower the Commission to collect debt on behalf of anyone. The recovery the EFCC does is taking back proceeds of crime from fraudsters. Asset recovery, all over the world, is a fundamental law enforcement and anti- corruption initiative. As a matter of fact, it is the ground norm of every anti- corruption fight. To this end, Olukoyede in just one year, recovered N248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million, Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo).
In foreign currencies, recoveries of the Commission in the one year of Olukoyede’s leadership are: $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents); £ 53,133.64 (Fifty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence; €172,547.10 (One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents) and many others.
Going by the quantum of these recoveries, not to talk of real estate recovered all over the country, including shares acquired with proceeds of crime in blue- chip companies, it is simply preposterous to reduce and ridicule asset recoveries to debt recovery. Professor Oditah owes the EFCC and the entire nation unconditional apology in this regard. Just two days ago, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos granted final forfeitures of over $2million and seven princely properties in choice areas of Lagos to the Federal Government. The assets are proceeds of crime traced to a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Do such recoveries fall into the category of debt recovery insinuation of Oditah? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently directed that N100billion be channeled to the funding of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CreditCorp, respectively from the monetary recoveries of the EFCC. Is the Professor aware of all these? It is evident that bringing down the issue of asset recovery to the ridiculous corridor of debt recovery is deliberate caricature of an important anti- corruption framework of the government. This is an initiative which local, regional and international agencies are commending Olukoyede and the EFCC about. It is to be noted also that the Director of FBI and the DG of National Crime Agency in the UK where he resides have paid cortesty visits to Olukoyede commending him on the feat he has attained in the fight against corruption and financial crimes and to seek more collaboration with the agency in their shared mandate of fighting corruption and financial crimes
The third issue Odikah raised against the EFCC, like the earlier issues, again, lacks any firm ground of substance. Hear him:
“The EFCC itself, a number of officers are more corrupt than those they are chasing. So, you remember what happened to Mr Bawa, Mr Matawalle, when Mr Matawalle finished his tenure as governor of Zamfara state and he said he was invited by Mr Bawa to bring $2million so as not to be investigated. The EFCC itself has become a corrupt organisation which needs to be completely disbanded and a new body set up . The EFCC has the resources. It does not have the ethics. The EFCC majors on minor issues, catching students and showing them as cyber criminals and so it says, it procured 1000 convictions and when you look at them they are people who have defrauded people of 20 or 22 dollars. That’s not the mandate. That’s the periphery. The central mandate is to ensure that the resources which are put in the hands of states are used by the states and that’s where the EFCC”
Going through all these trumped- up claims, it is obvious that Oditah has elected to totally launch unwarranted verbal war against the Commission and its officers. How many officers of the EFCC have been tainted with corruption allegations? Is it acceptable to use the “ sins” of very few elements in a community to paint and taint it as a community of sinners? It should be noted that there is no law enforcement agency in the world that is not vulnerable to corrupt officers. What is important is what the agency is doing to such elements. Olukoyede is known for his no- nonsense approach to ethical issues in the Commission. As a matter of fact, upon assumption of duties, he directed every officer of the Commission to declare their assets and ensure that verification of assets so declared is established. He went ahead to name the Department of Internal Affairs as Department of Ethics and Integrity. Beyond all these, some erring officers of the Commission have either been shown the way out or facing trial. In recent times, the Commission has had cause to dismiss some officers on allegations of corruption and gross misconduct. The EFCC is self- cleansing and the Commission deserves commendation for this.
It is worrisome that a Professor of the reputation and exposure of Oditah could dismiss the Commission’s onslaught against internet fraudsters as an unserious engagement. The damages this genre of fraudsters are causing the nation is untold. A crime that has a projection of $10.6trillion loss to the whole world in 2025 and Nigeria lost more than $500million in 2022 alone, is what Oditah derisively lampooned the EFCC about. We have cause to be worried that those who ought to know better are either playing the Ostrich or advertising their ignorance of a major malaise confronting the nation. Owing to the threat of cybercrimes to the development of our country, the EFCC has held two national dialogues on it. The recent one held few days ago at the Presidential Villa. The Professor should know that the EFCC mandate is to investigate all financial and economic crimes and no financial crime is small or big to be investigated in order to save the soul of the nation. It should be recalled that in recent times, the EFCC had had cause to prosecute and file charges against four ex- governors and some former ministers who were found culpable by EFCC’s investigation for looting state treasuries. This is just to confirm that the Commission is not scared of taking up large- scale fraud’s investigations and prosecution which we shall continue to do
There is no denying the fact that the respected professor goofed in all his comments about the EFCC and his views are not reflective of the realities on ground concerning the anti- corruption fight of the government.
On a final note, we enjoin professor Oditah to get himself familiar with the works of the Commission and lend his expertise and rich experience to the nation for a more robust and fully- integrated war against corruption. We also want to advise the fourth estate of the realm not to allow their platforms to be used to cast unfounded aspersions on the good works of the EFCC. The Commission is not averse to meaningful contributions and advise from well- meaning and reform- minded Nigerians to strengthen our processes and procedures as we continue this crusade,
*** Dele Oyewale is Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC.
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Ijebu Man of The Year Awards: Prince Segun Kaka Set to be Honored for Outstanding Legislative Contributions*
Published
12 hours agoon
November 5, 2024**Ijebu Man of The Year Awards: Prince Segun Kaka Set to be Honored for Outstanding Legislative Contributions*
In a grand celebration of excellence and leadership, the Ijebu Man of The Year Awards is poised to recognize exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to the socio-political landscape of the Ijebu community. Among the distinguished awardees this year is Prince Segun Kaka, who will receive the prestigious award for his outstanding achievements in legislation.
The ceremony, organized by the National Globe, is scheduled to take place on November 10, 2024. This annual event has become a hallmark of recognition for individuals whose efforts have positively impacted the Ijebu community and beyond. This year, the awards ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, showcasing the achievements of notable personalities who have dedicated their lives to public service.
Prince Segun Kaka, a prominent figure in local governance, has been recognized for his unwavering commitment to legislative excellence. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping policies that address the needs and aspirations of the Ijebu people. With a reputation for integrity and dedication, Kaka has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of his constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Joining Prince Kaka in this year’s celebration are other eminent personalities, including Chief Dr. Olatokunbo Olukoua, Hon. Amos Oyebannjo Olusegun, Prince Dr. Adesegun Adelaja Adeniyi Adenuga, and Otunba Olajide Adenuga. Together, these distinguished individuals embody the spirit of leadership and service, making significant strides in various fields including education, healthcare, and community development.
The National Globe has emphasized that the awards aim not only to honor individual achievements but also to inspire the younger generation to engage in public service. “We believe that recognizing these outstanding individuals will encourage others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in their communities,” stated a spokesperson for the organization.
As anticipation builds for the event, the local community is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals. The Ijebu Man of The Year Awards not only serve as a platform for recognition but also foster a sense of unity and pride among the people of Ijebu.
Tickets for the event are expected to sell quickly, as many wish to witness this celebration of excellence firsthand. With an impressive lineup of awardees and a commitment to highlighting the importance of community service, the Ijebu Man of The Year Awards is set to be an unforgettable occasion.
As the date approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightly on Prince Segun Kaka and his fellow awardees, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the Ijebu community and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness in public service.
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