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Welcome on board ship of change, Gambari, do these for Mr. President 

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Welcome on board ship of change, Gambari, do these for Mr. President 

By Ochonu Ochonu

New Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has hit the ground running right from when he reported at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa days ago.
He said from his very first interview with newsmen that his office would be solely for the service of his principal and to provide the President with the best advice to organize the presidency and make sure that the machinery runs smoothly with his priorities carried out efficiently and properly.
This shows that the Chief of Staff, who is coming with sound educational background and wealth of experience clearly knows and understands the role expected of him and is prepared to serve sincerely and objectively to the best of his abilities.
The background to the appointment of Prof. Gambari, though well known, bears restating due to its significance to appreciating the enormity of the task at hand.
He is succeeding a technocrat, Alhaji Abba Kyari, who until his death, was believed to have exerted a lot of influence on the President.
In 2019 immediately after the results of the presidential elections were announced and it was clear that President Buhari had won a second term in office, intense lobby began for the replacement of the then chief of staff, because of the benefits believed to be attached to that office.
But the president disappointed the lobbyists by reappointing Abba Kyari. His death while in office however gave opportunity for the hawks milling around the presidency to resume a fresh round of scheming. But outside the projection of book makers and presidency analysts, the president chose Gambari, who is not known to have indicated interest in the job for the position.
It was a master stroke because that pleasantly shocked many as analysts admitted that the Professor has the capacity to run the office effectively despite the enormity of the work required and the sensitivity of some of the issues on ground.
Gambari has held several responsible positions that makes his experience stand out. He was President of UNICEF and later became UN Under Secretary-General and the first Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. He was the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs, under Secretary-General’s Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-Moon and was chairperson of the African Union Commission.
He also has a rich background in the academia and has maintained a respectful profile both while serving in public office and in his private capacities.
Due to the perception of the office of the chief of staff, the expectations on Gambari are quite high.
The first task for Gmabri therefore would be to identify the job specification of the office which he has done, but more importantly, shake off the excesses imposed by people’s perception and give the President sound support drawing for his wealth of knowledge and experience.
The responsibility of the chief of staff to the president as obtainable in the US where Nigeria’s presidential system of government was copied from indicates that the job is both managerial and advisory.
It has been listed for instance that job entails the selection of key staff for the president and supervising them; structuring the staff system in the presidency, controlling the flow of people into the office of the president; managing the flow of information; protecting the interests of the president; negotiating with congress, other members of the executive branch, and extra-governmental political groups to implement the president’s agenda among other functions.
Having been picked among a million, the choice alone comes with its challenges ; the first being the fact that those who had lobbied for the position and who will want the rules bent in their favour would automatically assume a not so friendly position to the occupant of that office and it would do the new Chief of Staff to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff.
But that should be the least of Gambari’s problems for now. His focus,  like he said in his first interview, is should be how to serve the president to the best of his abilities. The erudite Professor has by the virtue of his appointment, become an insider in the administration and the key person that would be expected to drive, sell and project the Buhari philosophy.
He may not have been around when key decisions that defined the administration were taken or when basic policies were formulated, but he must, as the one who protects the interests of the president and negotiates with others including the parliament on implementing the president’s agenda steep himself in the philosophy that shapes the administration.
For a start, one would suggest that Gambari takes a look at the mantra upon which the current administration based its administrative framework on, examine if these have been achieved and how well they be been applied; and if there be any need for improvement and the areas for improvement.
The President Buhari APC led administration at inception, rolled out its agenda on the tripod of fighting corruption, improving on the economy and subduing security challenges facing the nation.
On the three, one can say without fear of contradiction, that the administration has done well as it has succeeded in reducing the level of corruption in public service, improved on the economy and made it very difficult for Boko Haram elements to find breathing space not to talk about operating as they used to in Nigeria.
On the aspect of corruption, three former governors and the national publicity secretary of a former ruling party are now in jail due to charges related to corruption while the administration also introduced the Treasury Single Account,(TSA) which abolished the multiple accounts of ministries and extra ministerial departments, making them more accountable and subject to scrutiny.
The administration has also insisted on the implementation of the IPPIS and its extension to other agencies to save the nation’s higher institutions and other agencies of government from collapse.
As stated earlier, the administration had within the period, crushed the erstwhile dreaded Boko Haram insurgents and liberated all territories under its grip.
The boost in agriculture and its impact on rural populace has been massive as farmers especially those that produce rice are becoming millionaires and the rejuvenation of small scale businesses has created the middle class that was hitherto missing on the polity while the nation’s currency has been stabilised.
Nigeria, is fast becoming an admired international business and financial center with more foreign interests trying to take advantage of the favorable economic situation to hop in and do business.
The chief of staff can take a cue from there and rally round efforts towards sustaining these efforts for the benefits to trickle further down to the masses.
Having worked with President Buhari as head of state some thirty years ago, the chief of staff should know that the president is a man with focus who is firm and committed in achieving results especially now that he is more concerned about leaving a legacy for posterity.
This behoves on the professor to be firm and strong no matter the amount of blackmail and subterfuge and never to give in to enemies within who will try to achieve their selfish aims by trying to compromise on the integrity of the President.
In this regard, Prof. Gambari should be bold and ready to say NO to the businessmen around the corridors of power who see the presidency as an avenue to feather their nests and nothing more. Such people must be reminded that President Buhari is committed to the development of the country and not interested in deals that do not serve the interests of the masses.

The new Chief of Staff should also shun myopic interests who would willfully set out on their own mission and agenda to destroy the principles which Buhari has built his entire life and career as a public officer.
Having served as the minister for external affairs, with the record of being the longest serving Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations under five Heads of State and Presidents, Prof Gambari by posseses the requisite qualification to guide the presidency in ensuring the economy is  put on the right course especially now that there would be fresh challenges owing to the general lockdown in which many businesses have suffered and income from the sale of crude oil has gone down.
The chief of staff must also keep an eye on the other security issues ravaging the country apart from insurgency.
Though the Nigerian armed forces has stepped up its game and is giving the insurgents in the Northeast a bloody nose, his encouragement by way of constantly reminding the President and encouraging the military top hierarchy, will go a long way in bringing the problem to an end.
As a former United Nations Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa, former Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid and on Peace-Keeping Operations none has better credentials to guide the president through the labyrinth of international politics that would put Nigeria permanently in the comity of fast developing nations.
The Chief of staff can also add verve to what the Presidential Task Force  to contain the spread Coronavirus is doing. This is a huge global problem that Nigerian cannot allow to weigh it down.
Prof. Gambari’s experience in Foreign Service and sojourn in other countries which enabled him to relate with persons at the highest levels would be required to help Nigeria in the bid to check the spread of the virus and contain the pandemic which has claimed almost 300,000 lives in the world.
In the education sector, Gambari who began his teaching career in 1969 at City University of New York and had taught in many universities including the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Georgetown University and Howard University, has come at the right time as his voice would add to the many administrative policies of the current administration in the education sector now that schools have been shut and are on compulsory vacation due to Coronavirus.
As the streams of congratulatory messages continue to pour in welcoming the new Chief of staff, the Chief of Staff needs to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff even at this stage.
He should be careful to avoid falling into the trap of the group of vicious few who are driven by self interest and who will not mind he compromises the philosophy of President Buhari once it would serve their interest.
Welcome on board erudite Professor, your time starts now!

Ochonu wrote this article from Asokoro, Abuja.

The choice of Gambari and the wisdom of PMB

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The choice of Gambari and the wisdom of PMB

By Philip Agbese

The news of the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari to replace late Patriot Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammadu Buhari excited me greatly. It has silenced hitherto agitated voices and what I consider, unhealthy speculations by those scheming to use the vacancy to manipulate and hijack the Buhari Presidency.

I have known Prof. Gambari for almost two decades now and his life has inspired me in several ways. He is a thorough- breed academic, scholar, retired diplomat who once served our country as External Affairs Minister. He parades among other notable credentials, record of the longest serving Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, under five different Heads of State and Presidents of Nigeria.

His experience and international clout cast no veil on his capacity to deliver on his new mandate as Chief of Staff to the President. It’s a position known to us as one of the most powerful and influential offices in the Presidency.

By my assessment and popular opinions, Professor Gambari, no doubt, is a perfect match and replacement for the demised CoS. A patriotic and loyal Nigerian, Gambari is expected to be a unifying factor and bridge between the Presidency/governance and Nigerians. It is a role which no one doubts that he has the personage and possesses the competence to excel.

But in Nigeria, we sometimes experiment politics from impossible angles ennobled by destructive intents. There are the perpetual power monks, the sharks in the corridors of power, detractors, sabs and a flurry of competing interests who may be a clog in the wheel of progress others who may strive to make his job difficult to rubbish the Presidency.

Until Abba Kyari occupied the office, many Nigerians underestimated the power and influence of the office of CoS to the President and its centrality in the functioning of a vibrant Presidency. So, all eyes are on Prof. Gambari.

There is no gainsaying that Professor Gambari is conversant with the policy thrust of the Buhari Presidency and its heightened interest on the battle against corruption and his determination to end Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria by whatever means. Gambari is aware that it is President Buhari’s unfading desire to improve the living conditions of Nigerians and leave the nation better than he met it.

Both the Presidency and Nigerians expect the new CoS, like his predecessor, to adopt these ideals as his working document and hold them very sacrosanct day and night. The political vampires and saboteurs who are desperate to frustrate President Buhari in order to cast his Presidency in the light of failure would certainly descend on the new CoS, Gambari voraciously. Let me presume he is aware of the banana peels strawn on the path of the office he occupies.

Those who have pathological hatred for President Buhari and his administration would employ all antics to frustrate him. They would attempt to negatively influence or twist Gambari to achieve their demonic plots to cripple the administration. It behooves on the new CoS to invoke his Solomonic wisdom to navigate his path through the muddy waters of power play in Nigeria.

Therefore, the new CoS must necessarily be vigilant at all times to deflate and wade off these unhealthy influences. I have known Professor Gambari for many years and believe in him as a personality who will deliver on the mandate. He has excelled on all assignments and this one will not be different.

Gambari parades a basketful of impeccable credentials. A recipient of the third highest national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), in 2002, Professor Gambari has several honourary degrees (honoris causa) from prestigious universities, home and abroad.

Professor Gambari is a man whose entire life epitomizes laurels in various endeavours of life. In 2012, former President Jacob Zuma personally conferred on Gambari, South Africa’s highest national honour, the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, award to non-citizens.

It is my conviction that a man very learned and exposed is not honed for failure anywhere he is obligated to render public service. Myself, like many other Nigerians, expect nothing less from Professor Gambari than for him to actively deploy his wealth of experience to assist President Buhari to deliver to Nigerians his cardinal promises towards achieving the change that he promised. Gambari must position himself as a pillar for Buhari to actualize his vision in the #NextLevel.

In President Buhari’s post humous tribute, he said something, I still consider very instructive and germane which, I wish to remind Professor Gambari to adopt as his operational principle.

The President wrote in the tribute that; “In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment; who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a by-product of possessing political office. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.”

By my interpretation of Mr. President’s mindset, he expects the occupant of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President to overcome the foibles enunciated by these two generations of the political class in Nigeria. Gambari must effectively triumph over them. He must not allow political sycophants any inch close to the President including those within, but are mentally and philosophically estranged from the philosophy of the administration because they don’t believe in Mr. President and his agenda for Nigeria.

But most importantly, I think Professor Gambari must develop the instant capacity and cognition to identify and detach from those who see national security as an opportunity to make money. Our country is assailed by instigated insecurities.

President Buhari has fought them to a standstill. The President is uncompromisingly concerned about ending Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP terrorism in the Northeast and allied insurgencies everywhere in the country. He wants to recover back Nigeria from armed criminalities for Nigerians.

A few days ago, I read a news story from some national dailies on the ongoing clearance operations in the Northeast, where the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai relocated mid-April 2020, personally leading Nigerian troops in the final onslaught against insurgency.

The news report captured contents of a recent video released by the factional leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, lamenting profusely and pathetically about the overwhelming heat in the battle in the hands of troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole. In the 1:22 seconds audio, the Boko Haram leader who spoke in Kanuri, sought the protection of Allah against the “devilish act” of Nigerian military, bemoaning the difficulties confronting them in this Holy month of Ramadan.

Analyzing the video clip, a human rights lawyer and conflict analyst, Bulama Bukarti, said “this is the first time we heard Shekau cry in this way.” He explained further that, “The Shekau we are used to is a bombastic, ruthless gangster that ridicules, mocks and chortles at his victims…It suggests that the group is under immense pressure that threatens its existence.”

We cannot afford to reverse the gains on insurgency. Some disgruntled Nigerians and political merchants may attempt to use the Office of Gambari to reverse the gains of counter-insurgency. Therefore, I pray Professor Gambari to be extraordinarily vigilant to effectively checkmate these forces.

He must avoid those who still think that change is impossible and will stop at nothing to compromise the system. He should never carve into the satanic plots of enemies within who have not been able to achieve their selfish aim of compromising the integrity of the President.

The CoS must be firm, resolute, bold and always prepared to say ‘no‘ to the businessmen around the corridors of power who still think the Buhari presidency will be business as usual. Of necessity too is that Gambari must strive to shun myopic interests who would willfully set out on a mission and agenda to destroy the principles which Buhari has built throughout his entire life and career as a public officer.

The new Chief of Staff, as one of the closest aides to Mr. President should watch and avoid the banana peels which his predecessor, Kyari defeated until his death. As a tested and trusted patriot, I implore Gambari to consider as supreme the interests which Mr. President was voted in all his dealings.

Finally, Professor Gambari should not forget that the successes of the Buhari administration on the war against corruption and insurgency is not negotiable and must be sustained. Therefore, he should fence out all the external agents who would willfully set out on a mission to mislead Mr. President through fictitious groups and fraudulent individuals that will be cloned as public interest activists to offer misleading counsels to Mr. President.

I am sure, Gambari will deliver without hassles. One can only wait to commend President Buhari for his wisdom in the choice of Gambari at the end of the day.

Agbese wrote from the United Kingdom.

CoS: Nigerians in Diaspora laud appointment of Gambari as a plus for country’s image abroad

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CoS: Nigerians in Diaspora laud appointment of Gambari as a plus for country’s image abroad

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambiri as his new Chief of Staff.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday, the UK-based Nigerians described the diplomat’s appointment as a “plus to the country’s image abroad”.

Abba Kyari’s shock demise in April left a huge vacuum in the presidency, which was already being felt.

And Prof. Gambari was handed that monstrous task on Wednesday and Nigerians in diaspora has joined their compatriots back home to commend the move.

Being a seasoned diplomat and academia, the Nigerians said that Prof. Gambari comes with pedigree and would offer credibility to President Buhari’s administration, especially in the international community.

The group believes his wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the federal government.

The Nigerians expressed total support for the president, who according to them, displayed statesmanship, putting the interest of Nigerians in appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

The group, however, urged the new CoS to swiftly hit the ground running and ensure that the nation comes ahead of his personal interest.

Read full communique below:

A communique issued after an emergency general virtual meeting of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United Kingdom, assessing the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Introduction:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) is a think tank of Nigerian intellectuals resident in the United Kingdom and devoted to dissecting issues on development and governance in Nigeria, and to avail informed and expert advisory services to the Nigerian government on a sector by sector basis.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) have in times past and through its vast network of members availed the Nigerian government laudable policy initiatives that have been implemented by previous administrations to the benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Issues:

The recent appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has elicited reactions from various quarters and as such an emergency general virtual meeting was called by the leadership of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group to deliberate on the suitability and otherwise of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as Chief of Staff to the President.

The virtual meeting was well-attended, and an ad-hoc committee on leadership and governance was constituted to examine the resume of Prof Ibrahim Gambari, amongst other issues.

The Deliberations:

After extensive deliberations, the ad-hoc committee made the following observations:

That the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari would give credibility to the Muhammadu Buhari led administration given his background as a professor of political science, a diplomat and an academician that has taught as various notable universities around the globe.

The Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming at a time where Nigeria is in dire need of a seasoned administrator to assist in fine-tuning government policies, offering sound and balanced advice to the President on issues that concern governance and development.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s pedigree and international clout would serve as an image booster for Nigeria among the comity of Nations.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the Nigerian government.

The Consensus:

Members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring group were unanimous in accepting the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

That President Muhammadu Buhari with this appointment is desirous of putting Nigeria on the path of greatness.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s dexterity, extensive international contacts would be of immense benefit to Nigeria.

That Nigerians are particularly elated about the choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari being a nationalist, a patriot and true democrat whose wealth of experience in both local and international politics is second to none in all ramifications.

Our Stand:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) lauds President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of statesmanship and putting into consideration the interest of Nigerians in making appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must strive to avail Nigeria his services by putting National Interest above personal interest.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must understand the enormity of the task at hand and must consequently hit the ground running.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari understands that the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari has left a big shoe behind and he must work very hard in line with the President’s vision to restore normalcy, sanity and transparency in the conduct of affairs within the corridors of power.

That President Muhammadu Buhari choice is indeed the best for Nigeria and another value addition as a whole.

Conclusion:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) herby states that the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is worthy, timely and in the overall interest of Nigeria and expresses no doubt that his impact on governance would felt in no distant time.

Prince Oni
Director of Publicity signed the Communiqué.

Chief of Staff: Presidency raises alarm as numerous fake ‘Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’ emerge

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Chief of Staff: Presidency raises alarm as numerous fake ‘Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’ emerge

The Presidency has raised alarm concerning numerous fake ‘Professor Ibrahim Gambaris’ that have surfaced on social media, bearing the name of the new Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari few hours after his appointment.

Many accounts have been opened on Twitter and other social media platforms with the name ‘Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’, ‘Professor Gambari Ibrahim’, and so on.

However, the Presidency informed Nigerians that the new Chief of Staff has no social media account.

It said Gambari, who was confirmed yesterday as the new CoS to President Buhari, is not on social media for now.

The alarm was raised by the Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Bashir Ahmad via his Twitter handle.

“DISCLAIMER: All the twitter accounts bearing Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff to President @MBuhari are fake, the new CoS doesn’t have an account on twitter or on any social media platform. If he wishes to have one, it will be communicated properly,” he tweeted on Wednesday night.

Gambari was appointed on Wednesday to fill the void created by late Mallam Abba Kyari who passed on last month after battling coronavirus.

Raymond Dokpesi recovers from COVID-19 14 days after

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Raymond Dokpesi recovers from COVID-19 14 days after

Founder of Daar Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, has recovered from the novel coronavirus exactly 14 days after testing positive.

Mr Dokpesi and seven other family members tested positive for the contagion on May 1.

His son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, had returned positive too some days earlier.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the 68-year-old media mogul announced that he, alongside two of his grandchildren has recovered while the final recovery test result of other family members are being expected.

“I am exceptionally indebted to God Almighty for keeping and protecting me and my entire family all through our isolation at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Isolation Centre,” he said.

According to him, the past two weeks at the treatment centre provided him with the t-hand experience of the enormous challenge before Nigeria as a country

“We are better acquainted with the personal sacrifices many Nigerians are making to ensure that we collectively defeat this pandemic. This cuts across the policymakers, the care providers and even the cleaners whose job puts them at constant risk of exposure”.

He thanked Nigerians in the county and in the diaspora for their outpouring of concern and prayers, including eminent personalities who reached out with messages of support.

“A special mention must be made of the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha and Chairman PTF, who not only sympathised with me and my family but also personally made both video and voice calls on several occasion to ascertain our well-being”.

“My appreciation goes to the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Medical Team and other members of the PTF, the CMD UATH – Gwagwalada – Prof Bisallah Ekene, Head of Isolation Center – Dr Tahir, Rivers State Governor – His Excellency, Nyesom Wike and other serving and former State Governors too numerous to mention, former President and Head of State, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency,
Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), GCFR, Gen Abdusallami Abubakar (Rtd), and former Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON

Others are “Elder Statesmen, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, CON, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Bitrus Pogu, Sen. Francis Alimekhena, Sen Ben Obi, Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Gen Akinrinade, Dr Auwalu Anwar, the D.G NBC, Fmr I.G of Police – Solomon Arase and members of the National Assembly”

Dokpesi also extended message of gratitude to all PDP Chieftains and Party stalwarts across political divide. “Chief Emeka Offor, Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Acho Ihenacho, King Sunny Ade, Chief Dr Olasupo Allibalogun, Fatai Bello-Omeiza, Oba Otudeko, Chief Akomolafe, Prince Folusho Phillips, Chief Shobanjo, Traditional Rulers across the federation and particularly The Okumagbe of Uwanno, Chief George Oshapii, the Arch Bishop of Abuja Diocese – Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Mathew Kukah and all the catholic church clergy who offered masses for us, Islamic Scholars, Chief Tom Adaba, Mac Emokpore, Prof Anya Anya, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Sen Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Media Proprietors & practitioners, Management and Staff of DAAR Communications Plc., entire members of my family, friends and well-wishers”

 

Boko Haram-ISIS fighters ditch fasting, regroup in ‘unholy Ramadan alliance’

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Boko Haram-ISIS fighters ditch fasting, regroup in ‘unholy Ramadan alliance’

By David Otto

‘Each country in the region has the potential to militarily defeat Boko Haram ISWAP within its boundary, but no single state can defeat them within the region’

In a desperate jihadist survival tactic, Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have temporarily suspended their bitter rivalry to focus on the regional multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) offensives and the Nigerian Army led offensive in the Lake Chad Basin states. Credible information confirmed that the temporary jihadist coalition has banned fasting for their fighters; joined battlefield forces with ISIS in Libya and resorted to recruiting child soldiers and suicide bombers to boost battlefield capabilities. This report calls for active regional intelligence, security and military engagement; absolute local vigilance and a sustained regional collaborative effort as part of a joint counter-insurgency strategy.

Rival jihadist factions loyal to either Abubakar Shekau’s JAS/Boko Haram and ISWAP have tactically regrouped along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin for the first time since major splits. However, the fissure was made worse by continuous land, Aerial and amphibious joint offensives attacks by the regional MNJTF – Nigeria; Chad; Niger and to some extent Cameroon. This was further exacerbated by the ongoing operations by the Nigerian military in some parts of Borno State led by the Army Chief, Lt. Gen Buratai.

Ramadan Fasting Suspended

To recover lost ground against the continuous huge battlefield deaths of several hundreds of key cell commanders and strongholds along the Lake Chad Basin, the bitter jihadists splinter groups have suspended fasting. It was reliably gathered that the respective Shura Councils have waived fasting for all frontline fighters during the Holy Month of Ramadan to muster the energy. The jihadists have also adopted an active military-style collaborative strategy with a more experienced fighting unit from Libya against the security and armed forces of the regional MNJTF and various countries’ troops. They are regrouping in a manner that is dubbed by reliable sources with knowledge of jihadist activities in the region, as the ‘unholy Ramadan Alliance of regional jihadists.’

The Unholy International Jihadist Alliance

In a quick fix international merger never seen before, Boko Haram and ISWAP factions linked to Abu Musab Al Barnawi; Abubakar Shekau JAS faction; the splinter faction of Bako Borzogo, Modu Sulum and other militant factions have joined forces with one “AZWAJ” jihadist faction. It is believed that ASWAJ is a tactically experienced and deadly terrorist group known to operate under ISIS in Libya. The international jihadist alliance is reported to be merging its combined experienced forces and influence along the banks and islands of the Lake Chad.

The first Lake Chad Basin jihadist coalition reunion was held in mid-April 2020. Sources describe the secret meeting as the start of a strategic, spiritual, tactical and operational framework building amongst the various Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadist camps with their new international network. The newly appointed Imam Goni Umar (who succeeded late Mohammed Shuwa, the ISWAP Chief Judge that was killed in an MNJTF aerial strike at Duguri), a leading ISWAP Islamic Scholar and the new Chief Judge are said to have spearheaded the jihadist coalition proceedings.

In addition to ISIS in Libya, the unholy union is said to have attracted the presence of other influential and senior ISWAP commanders including one Baba-Kaka, currently the Governor of the Lake Chad general area; Mallam Ibrahim, Abu Imrana, Malam Sa’ad, Abu Abdullahi and Bako Fulgori, among other Boko Haram ISWAP local and regional warlords. The leaked outcome of the meeting has shown that a jihadist coalition is at an advanced stage. The essence is to actualise a common tactical and operational model of launching deadly coordinated attacks on Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chadian military formations within this month of Ramadan. Consequently, this further demonstrates the urgent need for regional states surveillance, awareness, preparedness and response readiness to pre-empt the jihadist coalition.

Jihadist Capacity

The jihadists are re-deploying more experienced armed fighters to reinforce strategic locations in the Lake Chad Basin under the command of Baba- Kaka – the governor of the Tumbuns – with an approximate coordinate of …. (sensitive), Lat. …. (sensitive), – areas that suffered heavy bombardment by the regional MNJTF. Hence the dire need for the MNJTF to revisit known locations with maximum precision. Some battle experienced jihadist commanders and warlords including one Baba Isa; Abu Imrana; Abduljaleef; and Musa have been placed on standby with hundreds of jihadist fighters in the … Tumbus; Northern side of … village; Gari … located east of … and … – located close to …, respectively. They have an Approximate Cord. Long. 12…. (sensitive) and Lat. 14…(sensitive). Jihadist special fighters are known to be camping at… areas in the Tumbun; with an approximate cord. Long. (sensitive) and Lat. (sensitive).

The jihadists are actively fortifying strategic locations in the Lake Chad axis. Many local fishermen who could potentially act as spies have been forced away from key areas. Some of the fishermen, some of whom the jihadist relies on for partial survival and funding activities, have all been resettled in other areas (sensitive). Jihadists commanders with deep knowledge of the terrain select hiding locations that are covered with dark “Kangar trees.” Areas that provide access but perfect camouflage for items as large as vehicles to move underneath for miles without detection from State Air-Force and military reconnaissance drones.

To create a buffer zone, the jihadists militants frequently dig up trenches to shield their locations, leaving one ‘southern side’ open as entry and exit points. In most cases, jihadist fortify their bases by burying mines and Improvised Explosive Device (IED’s) in anticipation for unsuspected land attacks from state and regional MNJTF. These locations are ordinarily hard to locate and access but known routes from sources familiar with these locations can provide an effective planning response for a coordinated regional MNJTF operation.

North-East Nigeria

Boko Haram terrorist group leader, Abubakar Shekau JAS faction has joined forces with the faction of Amir Borzogo to strengthen positions in camps under Bama LGA in Borno State and some part of Yobe state. These camps are strategically established to ease abductions, restock food, medical supplies and petroleum products. Jihadist attacks could easily be coordinated along the eastern part of Maiduguri. These jihadist cells rely on local and cross-border trade of fish and taxation of merchants as a major fund-raising source. Other criminal activities include sales and rustling of cattle in Baga cattle markets and income generation through agriculture to fund some of their campaign of terror in Nigeria’s Northeast and the Lake Chad.

Desperate Jihadists Turn for Child soldiers

To replenish their badly depleted strength and hundreds of Jihadists fighters killed by the regional MNJTF, the Nigerian Army and Nigerien defence forces, the coalition of Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadist is recruiting child soldiers between 13-16 years old. On May 1, 2020, over 500 child soldiers are reported to have been trained and graduated at a location called “Tudun Kurna” under the spiritual command of the newly appointed Chief Imam, Goni Maina. The young and inexperienced child soldiers were given basic military-style combat operation skills in preparation for upcoming offensives.

While briefing the hapless children militants, the Chief Imam is said to have further radicalised the underaged recruits to show absolute loyalty and discipline to their commanders and prepare to revenge on the recent onslaught by the regional MNJTF and the various national defence forces of Chad, Cameroun, Niger and Nigeria and all infidels. In a typical jihadist motivational selection process and brainwash tactics, 200 young jihadist graduates have been ‘rewarded’ to take part in specialised training on how to assemble Improvised Explosive Device (IED’s) and suicide mission techniques.

Most recent coalition Attacks: Niger

An ISWAP cell under the command of one Mallam Ali, have been sighted in hard to reach areas in Niger Republic key areas, such as LELEWA, DUWA, WALLAL and PEPEWA. On May 3, 2020, ISWAP launched its fight regional coordinated attack in a military base in Diffa Province, Niger Republic – under the command of one Mustapha Kirimama and Amir Modu Kafa, for the first time. The videotaped joint attack was launched under the direct supervision of AZWAJ/ISIS in Libya. An MNJTF offensive from Niger and Nigeria later intercepted the retreating jihadist along the Niger-Nigeria borders killing more than 50 jihadists and destroying looted gun-trucks.

The bitter splits and confusion that divided JAS Boko Haram and ISWAP camps have been plastered temporarily for what appears to be a common purpose. A split partly influenced by the sustained land, aerial and amphibious offensive from states of the regional MNJTF. These counter-insurgency military battlefield efforts need to be comprehensively coordinated and sustained from the ongoing onslaught of “Operation LAFIYA DOLE” to the recent ‘Operation Boma Wrath’ and the existing MNJTF “Operation ‘YANCIN TAFKI.” Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadists factions operate complex network cells within the states of the Lake Chad Basin. Each country in the region has the potential capacity to militarily defeat jihadist in-country, but no single state can defeat jihadist within the region. If rival jihadists groups can sacrifice leadership and operational differences and put their perceived differences aside to engage in a common tactic, the forces of law and order, the security and armed forces of the MNJTF can look beyond rivalry and coordinate a strategic multi-level approach that will put an end to jihadist activities in the region, at least on the battlefield.

About the Author

Otto is a Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Expert. He is a Certified Anti Terrorism Specialist (CAS), a Certified Master Anti Terrorism Specialist (CMAS) and a programme trainer with the Anti Terrorism Accreditation Board (ATAB). Twitter @ottotgs

CoS: Pro-Democracy group hails PMB over Gambari’s choice

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CoS: Pro-Democracy group hails PMB over Gambari’s choice

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff.

According to the group, the president has once again demonstrated true patriotism hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

Gambari, a renowned academic and diplomat of international repute was confirmed as late Abba Kyari’s successor on Wednesday.

The appointment of the Kwara native has been widely accepted and NDF believes this is the right move by the president.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji, on Wednesday, the NDF said “Gambari’s appointment is a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people.”

The choice of Gambari, the group added, is well-deserved and merited owing to his “ rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand as a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level”.

While declaring total support for the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand, the NDF, however, urged all Nigerians to do likewise.

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front lauds the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in the critical point of our existence as a people and as a country.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming on board with rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand been a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level.

The National Democratic Front views his appointment as a victory for democracy and the people of Nigeria because the ultimate beneficiary would be the Nigerian people that have yearned for the dividends of democracy over the years.

We wish to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of patriotism and foresight in carefully selecting a Chief of Staff that would assist in formulating developmental policies that would translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again demonstrated his unflinching commitment to the Nigerian cause by bringing on board an individual who has achieved tangible results in the international scene, and whose strength of character is hinged on selfless service to our dear country.

The National Democratic Front joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this appointment for its merit and suitability in line with the cardinal objectives which the Muhammadu Buhari presidency was overwhelmingly voted for at the general elections.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari would in no small measures and in his dexterity avail the Muhammadu Buhari administration the required drive in its fight against insurgency and corruption for the betterment of Nigeria.

The National Democratic Front at this moment declares its support to the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand. We have no doubt whatsoever on his ability to fine-tune government policies and lead the President and Commander-in-Chief in the right path in the governance of the country.

It is our hope that Nigerians will continue to support the Muhammadu Buhari led administration and continue to extend the needed courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in particular and members of the cabinet in general.

This is indeed a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people as we confront the various economic, political and social challenges in the country.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to congratulate the good people of Nigeria for this worthy appointment. We desire that Nigerians from all walks of life extends their support to Prof Ibrahim Gambari as he settles down to the task ahead.

It consequently behoves on all cabinet members to do well to extend their sincere courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in a bid to speed up issues that affect governance in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed demonstrated the pan-Nigerian spirit that is hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

The National Democratic Front herby charges all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations to see the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to the President as a step in the right direction in our quest for a Nigeria of our dreams.

We state that the confidence reposed in Prof Ibrahim Gambari would not be betrayed because he has a rich resume and pedigree that speaks volume of capacity, competence and patriotism.

Nine Insurgents Killed as Troops Ambush Boko Haram Terrorists Along Mainok-Jakana in Borno State

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Nine Insurgents Killed as Troops Ambush Boko Haram Terrorists Along Mainok-Jakana in Borno State

Nine insurgents have been killed as troops of Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE successfully staged an ambush at identified Boko Haram terrorists crossing point at Mainok-Jakana axis in kaga local government area of Borno State.

The ambush, the Army said took place at about 1830 hours on the 13th of May 2020.

In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col Sagir Musa, Nine Boko Haram Terrorists lost their lives, while two gun trucks mounted with anti aircraft guns have been captured and exploitation is ongoing by the troops.

Col Musa added that two soldiers were slightly wounded in the operation.

Why Buratai cannot lose this war! 

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Why Buratai cannot lose this war! 

By Idris Abubakar

The narrative that the rambunctious and puffy leader of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Abubakar Shekau, has been devastated to the point that he has not only become sober but is pleading for mercy would have been unimaginable in the recent past.

Indeed when the audio tape of the Boko Haram leader was released by a major news medium, many did not believe it initially until it was confirmed by multiple sources.

Shekau, through media preps and hype has over the years  succeeded in not only terrorising the minds of people, but has succeeded in creating a myth of invincibility about himself.

But it is true that the Boko Haram leader in a new audio, not only admitted being weakened but cried for mercy seeking protection against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Shekau in the 1:22 seconds audio, cried that he and his men are facing difficulties  due to what he called the  devilish act and wickedness of the Nigerian military.

He said, “We deserted Izala people to practice Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice Your true religion.

“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan,” he said while crying profusely.

The ululations of Shekau is  not without basis.

Since March when Lt. Gen. TY Buratai moved to the theatre of war in Borno State, the fight against insurgency and terrorism took a new dimension with the Nigerian military giving the insurgents hell in each encounter.

The sustained offensive has recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists fighting on the fringes of Lake Chad region.

In March, Nigerian troops eliminated not less than 20 top Boko Haram commanders including one Abu Usamah, and over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala axis as well as in Gorgi, Damboa local government of  Borno State.

The troops followed up on that with the  killing of 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many weapons in April and on the heels of that in May, killed 134 of ISWAP and  Boko Haram members  and  arrested 28 of their informants and overran their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest.

These appear too good to be true but all facts relating to the success have been fact checked and confirmed by security experts, the media and other independent bodies .

The question now is what has made it possible for these successes to be recorded within a short time and in the magnitude attained.

Hitherto, the killing of even tens of insurgents given the asymmetric nature of the fight and the lack of clear demarcation between the terrorists and civilian communities have been celebrated,  but in less than two months, over 500 of the terrorists and not less than 40 of their top commanders and informants have been  taken down bringing them to their knees and begging for mercy.

The secret has to do with the current leadership of the military and the experience of the person leading the assault on the insurgents at the Lake Chad region.

Buratai undoubtedly is one of the best war commanders and intelligent military tactician Nigeria and indeed Africa has ever had.

Since he began leading the Multinational Joint Task Force against insurgency the pressure tilted on the terrorists.

Pathetic stories of troops fleeing from battle fields in what was known as tactical withdrawal stopped completely.

Stories about soldiers opening fire on their commanders due to lack of trust or wives of soldiers protesting the deployment of their husbands to the battle front all stopped

Troops and their commanders who have worked directly under Buratai have described him as motivation personified.

Troops tell the story of one of his first appearances in the theatre of war after he was appointed chief of army staff. While addressing soldiers in their camps,  shots, apparently from the insurgents were heard from the nearby bushes and the COAS was said to have given an order for the troops to follow him to take down the ‘irritants.’

Since confirming that the Army Chief is serious about winning the battle due to the zeal and courage he exhibits, troops no longer have cause to doubt the sincerity of their commanders and have been motivated to push harder.

Seeing that the new helmsman is  not one that would hole himself up in a guest house partying while troops are in the battle field but one that is prepared to be in the battlefield with them, troops regained their confidence and moved with gusto.

The Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters must noticed the change in the fighting spirit of troops and must have been asking themselves if these were the same set of troops that were scared of confronting them that many of them were said to have even deserted the army out of fear.

The fact is, Buratai, thinks, eats and drinks battles. He sees military engagement and combat as every drill that should be expected by any serious soldier no matter the rank.

Those close to him say he devotes his time to study and  planning war strategies and is meticulous and thorough in execution.

He is said to have studied all the strategies of war heroes like Chaka Zulu, Khalid ibn Walid, Hannibal, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte and others.

War experts and security analysts maintain that given the depth of knowledge and experience Buratai has acquired over the years, that it would be an insult to expect anything less from the current war against insurgency given the nature of the enemy who are mere street urchins trained by a sprinkle of rebels from Chad who serve as their commanders.

The  Army Chief’s latest innovation is said to be the strategy which involves moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents which has completely overwhelmed the terrorists.

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed made the right choice as far as the military high command is concerned.

But it is not over until it is over.

Buratai and the troops  deserve the prayer and support of all Nigerians as we can see that he and his troops are on the last lap of putting a final stop to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism.

Abubakar is a security expert and wrote this piece from Shomolu, Lagos.

Centre commends Gambari’s appointment as victory for Nigerians

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Centre commends Gambari’s appointment as victory for Nigerians

The Centre for Democracy, Development and Strategic Studies (CDDSS) has hailed the choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as the new Chief of Staff to the President, describing it as “victory for Nigerians”.

Prof. Gambari, a renowned scholar and diplomat was confirmed as late Abba Kyari’s successor at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Executive Director, Terrence Kuanum, CDDSS said that “President Muhammadu Buhari has once again proven that his actions and inactions are for the good of the country” with Prof. Gambari’s appointment.

The centre added that Gambari would bring his decades of experience garnered at the United Nations and in the academia in assisting the president resolve most of the development and global issues that confronts the country.

While applauding President Buhari for putting the country first once again, the centre urged all Nigerians to support the new CoS as he brings his wealth of knowledge for the good of the nation.

Read full statement below:

The Centre for Democracy, Development and Strategic Studies (CDDSS) received the news of the appointment of the erudite Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to the President with excitement.

The choice of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is by no means a great victory for Nigerians and the future of democracy in Nigeria given the rich resume of Prof Ibrahim Gambari and his services to Nigeria over the past years.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari has once again proven that his actions and inactions are for the good of the country and the overall interest of Nigerians.

The CDDSS sees the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as a display of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in steering the ship of Nigeria to greatness due to the wealth of experience that he would bring on board in democratic governance in Nigeria. His strength of character and contributions to the development of Nigeria are as well astounding.

There is no doubt that Prof Ibrahim Gambari would bring to bear his decades of experience garnered at the highest level of the United Nations and in the academia in assisting President Muhammadu Buhari in resolving most of the development and global issues that Nigerian is being faced with.

The CDDSS is also optimistic that Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s vast knowledge in international diplomacy and politics would be deployed in the interest of Nigeria in this critical point of our existence. The coming on board of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is indeed the needed tonic for Nigeria in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

The CDDSS wishes to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for putting the interest of the country at heart in the appointment of his Chief of Staff, as the choice of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is a case of a round square in a round hole.

We consequently support President Muhammadu Buhari in the choice of his Chief of Staff and charge well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the newly appointed Chief of Staff as he settles down in service to Nigeria.

The CDDSS wishes to applaud other members of the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari and charge them to give in their best in the discharge of their duties.

The exigencies of time require a total commitment by all and sundry in the onerous task ahead.

The CDDSS also charges the cabinet members to extend their support to the new Chief of Staff in an attempt to assist him in settling down quickly to the task ahead.

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