Sometimes in March 2018, one of Nigeria’s most respected military generals and a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TheophilusYakubuDanjuma, in an outburst following series of armed herdsmen attacks in some parts of Taraba State, called on the citizens to rise and defend themselves. Given his extensive military background and the strategic positions that he held in the past, the widespread view then was that General Danjuma who also served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2003 spoke with astute conviction and got many adherents in his call for self-defence, which has continued to gain momentum since then.

Towing the same line, in February 2021, Bashir Magashi, also a retired army general and then Minister of Defence, while responding to bandits’ kidnap of 27 students in a school in Kagara, Niger State, said it is the responsibility of every citizen to be at alert amid the insecurity in Nigeria and the people should show that they are not cowards by defending themselves. Expatiating it further, General Magashi said, “in our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us. The people should stand and let these bandits know that even the villagers have the competency and capabilities to defend themselves”.

In yet another but more cautious note, the DG DSS MrAdeolaOluwatosinAjayi, in February this year, argued that every community should have a vigilante outfit licenced to use appropriate firearms to act as the first line of defence against invaders, terrorists, bandits, armed herdsmen, kidnappers and other violent criminals. This position modified the earlier calls by Generals Danjuma and Magashi, and coming from the nation’s Number One spy man, it gives some backings to those in support of self-defence, some of whom have lost confidence in the state’s ability to protect them.

But what has given rise to these calls in a country that has an organised police force and one of the most capable militaries in Africa? The answer is in the level of insecurity that pervades the country from around 2009 till now. According to the group Nigeria Mourns, in 2024, 5,353 people including 308 security personnel were killed in violent attacks across Nigeria with 88.5 per cent occurring in Northern Nigeria. Within the same period, a total of 5,171 people were abducted. This casualty figure for 2024 was 22.1 per cent higher than that of 2023 where 4,385 people were killed in violent attacks.  Corroborating this, Amnesty International in its latest report (under serious dispute) revealed that a total of 10,217 people were killed in attacks by armed groups in the first 2 years of the current administration, painting a gloomy picture of the state of insecurity in the country.   

Of course, not a few people are optimistic that the days ahead look promising in terms of security. The recent resurgence of attacks in Borno and Yobe States by Boko Haram Terrorists group and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) as well as those of killer herdsmen around Benue and Plateau States are coming at a time when alarm is being raised concerning the activities of a new terror group, Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi States as well as the Mahmuda group in northern part of Kwara State.  There are warnings that these attacks are not likely to abate but continue in a more aggressive fashion.

As a nation, have we truly and precisely identified the strategic intention and end state of these threats? If the intentions are multi-dimensional, can we isolate each to enable appropriate response? From all indications, the rapidity and extent of concentration of extremist fighters affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda along the Sahel region of West Africa must be a pointer to a bigger stake. Could this validate the recent avowal by the Commander of the US Africa Command, General Michael Langley that one of the terrorists’ new objectives is to continue their fight until they gain access to West African coastlines? An understanding of the adversaries’ strategic end state is important to convince the advocates of self-defence if their proposition could defeat the threat and bring lasting peace or produce just a temporary protection. 

Despite its allure, the calls for self-defence against bandits and criminal gangs could just be a recipe for disaster. Take the United States for example, the liberal laws on access to weapons has contributed to a high incidence of gun violence, mass shootings and increased homicide rates. We have also seen how the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has fuelled decades of conflicts leading to widespread instability and humanitarian crises in Somalia and Yemen. These are clear evidence of the risks associated with having weapons freely in the hands of the people.

Amidst genuine domestic concerns about insecurity and violence, the introduction of more weapons into the communities could exacerbate more violence and lead to potentially disastrous outcomes. As highlighted in an article by the Institute of Security Studies, as of 2024, Nigeria accounts for about 70 per cent of the almost 500 million illegal weapons in circulation across West Africa.  It is just rational that Nigeria maintains its current laws and regulations on gun control but with more pragmatic actions on strict enforcement. 

Ultimately, addressing the myriads of security challenges requires a more nuanced and whole of society approach starting with an assessment of the gaps in the current security architecture that allows insecurity to fester. From the physical security aspect, government must focus on raising the capability of the military, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies and design strategies to dominate the vast swaths of ungoverned spaces across the country. It must also keep focus on providing good governance and ensure absolute control of its borders. 

In terms of military capability, urgent attention is required to address the current manpower shortage and insufficient high-grade weapons and platforms in commensurate strength. Appropriation of fund to address these gaps will most certainly face some criticism in a society where opinions are in the majority that annual budget to defence is a burden on the nation’s development. Unfortunately, such opinions are based on mere comparison of defence budget with those of other sectors, but not on any empirical analysis anchored on threats and capability which principally drives funding of defence.

From global security assessment, the 2024 Global Peace Index ranks Nigeria 147 out of 163 countries and categorized Nigeria as very low in the state of peace spectrum along with other African countries such as Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Somalia, Mali, DRC, South Sudan and Sudan. Given this pathetic situation, Nigerians must realise that it is better to throw in every resource that is required to quicken the achievement of stability noting that peace and stability provide the foundation for development, and without them no nation can achieve its full potentials. 

Faced with the prevailing precarious security challenges, Nigeria must gear up to boost the operational efficiency of its military well above the current abysmal level, noting that conventionally most countries strive to achieve close to 85-90 percent efficiency. It is time to acquaint Mr President with the current reality in terms of the overall operational efficiency of the military, so that government could embark on a deliberate plan for short, medium and long-term procurement that could gradually raise the military’s operational efficiency to a decent level required for mission success.

In doing this, there must be a remarkable deviation from the current piecemeal acquisition of critical operational equipment.  It must be noted that the operations to rid the country of insurgents and bandits have lasted so long with undesirable impact on the will of troops to fight. When troops become battle weary, the catalyst needed is the injection of ‘game changers’ that would reinforce the confidence of troops and boost their morale to fight. Mr President, the military is in urgent need of new and modern tanks, APCs, MRAPs, attack helicopters, high grade armed drones, boats and assorted weapons and ammunition in large quantities.  Let the nation provide these for the military and watch how situation will change and the calls for self-defence will fizzle out. 

If there is any pronounced gap in the nation’s security architecture that has made insecurity to fester, it is the near collapse of policing as a key component of law enforcement.  Since 1999, Nigerians have continued to yearn for necessary reforms that would bring the police in tune with current global standard, but that aspiration remains a mirage.  At this moment, Nigeria needs the strong will and character of President Tinubu to initiate a focused and sustainable police sector reform that would earn it the respect of many Nigerians.  Such reform must address issues of recruitment, force restructure, training, administration, welfare of personnel, infrastructure, kitting and equipment.  An efficient police force is crucial for the overall security of the country and promotes social, economic and political development.

Over the years, nearly all of Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves have become expanse of ungoverned spaces providing haven for bandits and terrorists. Government seems to have heeded the calls for these forests to be properly dominated, with the recent announcement of the creation of forest guards. According to reports, the forest guards are to be well trained and armed to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding inside the forests for criminal activities. This is obviously a deviation from the traditional roles given to forest guards. In South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania etc, forest guards or park rangers as they are called are principally tasked to combat illegal logging and mining, anti-poaching activities, patrolling and surveillance operations and forest fire protection. 

Details about the Forest Guards are still sketchy, but the scanty disclosure has raised some questions; what weapons will they bear considering the role it has been given, will they be under state or federal government control, what will be the relationship between the guards and the military, police and other security agencies, how will they relate within the existing forest security arrangement where we have the National Park Service and the Agro-Rangers under the NSCDC, will the role being proposed for the forest guards not bring them into conflict with the military? These and many other questions are what the planners must ponder on as they put the presidential directive into action.

Government must ensure that the forest guards operate professionally in close cooperation and collaboration with other security agencies and must be free from political interference and misuse. They must be given clearly defined roles and responsibilities to prevent confusion and overlaps in the course of their duty.  Government must avoid the temptation of turning the forest guards into a quasi-military force, by limiting its combat role to patrolling and surveillance for information and intelligence gathering to aid the military in conduct of operations. 

Notwithstanding, the forest guards must be sufficiently armed for self-defence against bandits and other intruders as well as attacks from wild animals. In Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, DRC and Cameroon, forest guards are equipped with semi-automatic rifles and AK47 in some cases. In South Africa, the park rangers are equipped with R5 rifles which is a more accurate and versatile rifle suited for longer range engagements and more tactical operations.  Given the right weapons with a clear mission and institution of effective coordination, the forest guards would be able to fill a gap which would help to strengthen the current security architecture.

•Olawumi, a retired Major General and former NYSC Director General is a member of THISDAY editorial board

The ‘Id al-Kabir is indeed the great festival. It is great because of the merger that it evolves between the profane and the sacred.

This is a festival that predates Prophet Muhammad (may His mercies and benedictions be on his soul); it is a festival instituted by the Almighty through the agency of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (upon them be peace and blessings of the Almighty).

Here goes the story, the story of faith and the faithful.

He started out as a believer, a lonely believer in the Almighty at a time humanity chose to disbelieve in Him. He started out by asking his mother who his creator and god was. His mother told him it was his father, Azar. Prophet Ibrahim was not contented.

The notion that his father was his god appeared jejune. So he asked his mother once again who was the creator of his father? His mother told him it was Nimrod. the emperor, the king of the time. “If Nimrod is the god of my father, who was his own creator”? Nobody could provide a categorical answer. But Prophet Ibrahim knew the answer.

He knew that his Creator is neither a human being nor a Jinn. He knew that his Creator had no beginning and no end. He knew that his Creator is both undated and beyond spatial limitations. He knew that his Creator is He who fashioned and created the cosmos out of nothing. Thus he chose to believe in Him.

He chose to believe in the Almighty. But to believe in the Almighty is to make a difficult but extremely rewarding choice. To believe in the Almighty at a time humanity has apostacized is to run the risk of being oppressed or humiliated.

Thus he was tormented and punished by the idolatrous community in which he was born. But he knew that adversity is a precondition or a prerequisite for posterity, not the other way round.

He knew that he would win but he had to endure tribulation. In other words, of the immutable principles that undergird the universe is that hardships are precedent to ease; that there can be no triumphs without trials; that there can be no pleasure without pain! Thus he was thrown into a burning fire but the power to burn was taken away from the latter by the Almighty (Quran 21:69).

He, therefore, emerged from the inferno unscathed. But in that very instance, by coming out of the fire unhurt, Prophet Ibrahim (upon him be peace) became an eternal model for all partakers of the Islamic creed. He became an exemplar in our on-going battle against earthly principalities.

Brethren, when someone propose to oppress, torment and subject you to untold suffering, the Id al-Kabir takes place every year to remind you of the emptiness of that threat once you stand for and with your Creator. No evil shall come your way except by His permission!

This represents the core of faith, of our spiritual capital! Brethren, let us quickly fast forward to the family established by Prophet Ibrahim, a family of faith, piety and perseverance.

He was the patriarch, not a masculinist. Sarah was the wife, the extremely contented and humble mother of Ishaq, from whose womb the Jews emerged. Hajar was also the other wife, mother of Ismail, (upon them be peace) from whose womb Ismail emerged.

Prophet Ibrahim’s family featured a man, two women and two sons all of whom were individually destined to impact human history in extremely dissimilar and similar ways.

In other words, every action of these characters, while they were on earth, was destined to be a signifier. They were all involved in creating history without actually knowing it; they ‘transacted’ in spiritual-physical, secular and sacred ‘businesses’ that were destined to become models and examples for humanity till eternity.

For example dear brethren, Prophet Ibrahim dreamt he offered his son, Prophet Ismail, as sacrifice to the Almighty. He proceeded to inform him of what he saw and the latter, without hesitation, encouraged his father to carry out the divine inspiration without prevarication.

Why was Prophet Ibrahim blessed with such a child who was ready to travel with him in the wilderness of spirituality? Why was he blessed with such a faithful child? My teachers suggested it was pay-back-time for him.

Yes. Prophet Ibrahim was equally dutiful to his parents; the Almighty therefore would not and could not have blessed him with another son other than a lovely and dutiful one. My brother where and how is your father today?

Pause a moment and ask yourself: where and how is your ‘mama’ now? Thus in that lonely desert that day, father and son got together to do what the father was convinced were the imprimatur divine inspiration; the bidding of the Almighty.

He wanted to sacrifice his son; the son wanted to offer himself to the Almighty. Father desired to please the Almighty; the son wanted to curry the favour of the former who in turn was desirous of pleasing the Owner of the heavens and the earth.

Meanwhile the mother of the son, Hajar, occupied a lonely space. In silence, she bore the pain of the then inevitable loss of her son. In silence, she opened up her hearts to the Almighty. Ismail, was the only fruit of her womb.

She had hoped that he would be alive to take care of her tomb. But there she was all alone as she submitted her desires and aspirations to the Almighty, the Owner of her womb and tomb! Eventually, her patience and silence were rewarded. Her fears became a glistening hope. Her son found redemption in her fortitude and in the fortress of her faith.

What a unique and wonderful scene and sight to behold – of the fruit that adds value to the tree; of the water whose beautiful taste hacks back to its fountain, of the hive and the comb from which honey of various taste gushes forth! Brethren, Id al-Kabir is here to remind us, once again, of how the Almighty usually intervene to turn a situation of hopelessness to that of hope and happiness.

Prophet Ibrahim was told: “You have indeed affirmed the dream” and consequently a beautiful ram was given to him as ransom for his son.

Thus sacrifice became not an end in itself but a means towards a nobler end: an end to the sacrifice of humans in history, an end to the ascension of pernicious authorities in humans which usually make them go against the will of the Almighty, an end to greed, self-conceitedness, and inane glorification of the ephemeral not the eternal.

Sacrifice of animals on this day reminds the servants of the Almighty of their utter weakness in relation to every entity in the universe. Were it not for the WILL and favour of the Almighty, how could we by ourselves control and exert our authority over these sacrificial lambs?

Remember that the Id al-Kabir signifies our arrival for a religious duty; it also signals our constant departure to walk with our Creator. Somebody asked me “who knows tomorrow?”; a brother intervened and said “nobody does”.

But who owns tomorrow?” he queried again. ‘It is the Almighty’. We all chorused. May He who knows and owns tomorrow dispel our sorrow and lead us out of this tunnel of underperformance and pettiness to that of greatness!

 [DailyTrust]

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”

Tinubu gave the assurance in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

He insisted that his economic reforms had already started yielding positive results even though the journey had not been easy.

Read full message:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.

While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.

To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah’s will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.

Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country.

I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms. Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.

Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results.

I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.

We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits.

The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development.

There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all. Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives.

We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it. As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being during this season and always.

In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis.

Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.

Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.

Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties. Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.

May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.

May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation.

May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.

• ‘Funding will be adequate’

• Fed Govt bans dredging within 10km-radius of bridges

Critics of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other legacy projects being implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda (RHIA) are ill-informed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said

“They are uninformed about the project’s procurement structure and national significance,” the President said yesterday during the inspection and kick-off of new segments of key infrastructure projects in Lagos.

He pledged to make more funds available for infrastructure development, urging governors to collaborate with the Federal Government to align building approvals.

According to the President, his administration’s approach to legacy road construction, including the coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, is deliberate and transparent.

He explained that the projects are being implemented in manageable sections and not as a single-bulk contract as some critics have alleged.

The President clarified that only specific segments of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have been awarded, with the completed 30-kilometre portion falling under Section I – a 47.7-kilometre stretch being handled by contractors under the Federal Executive Council’s phased approval.

He said the critics failed to grasp the methodical structure of the project, suggesting that those who complain about cost should be prepared to pay tolls if they wish to use it.

President Tinubu emphasised that no contractor had been awarded the entire length of the 750-kilometre coastal route.

The contracts, he said, “are being procured in parts to ensure accountability and efficiency”.

He also pointed to progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a project initially envisioned during the administration of the late President Shehu Shagari, nearly five decades ago but now revived as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda.

President Tinubu said the superhighway spans seven states — Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos — and is strategically important for agriculture, trade, industrialisation, and regional integration.

Citing specific milestones, the President noted that over 10 kilometres of a three-lane carriageway have been completed in Kebbi State, with work commencing on the second carriageway — the longest single stretch within the entire legacy infrastructure portfolio.

In Sokoto, he said work had also started on a 120-kilometre three-lane section from Illela, with the first 10 kilometres already completed.

President Tinubu also announced progress on the second carriageway of the Sokoto segment, while confirming that more sections of the highway are being prepared for procurement.

He reported encouraging progress on Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that more than 10 kilometres of the 55-kilometre stretch have been completed.

In the Southern corridor, the President confirmed that work is ongoing in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

He said he had directed relevant authorities to accelerate the design and procurement of additional sections to keep pace with the government’s rollout targets.

President Tinubu also provided an update on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which he described as another strategic priority.

The route, which is under active development, will link Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states — creating new commercial arteries across central Nigeria and beyond.

He said: “I urge you, David (Umahi), to ignore those critics; they lack understanding. If they find fault with the road or deem it too costly, let them pay a toll to use it.

“It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our legacy projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections.”

Explaining the Sokoto-Badagry project, he added: “It connects over 58 dams, vast arable farmlands, and trade routes to our West African neighbours and offers great promise for windmill energy generation. Construction is well underway.”

On his call for federal-state collaboration on building plan approvals, the President said proper approval of alignment between subnational and federal governments will facilitate the construction of major roads and bridges across the country.

“I have directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi and the Surveyor-General of the Federation to work more closely with the governors,” the President said.

President Tinubu believes aligning state approvals with the Federal Government will reduce the burden of compensation and delays in actualising people-oriented projects.

“Please, my dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaboration with the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Works. I am appealing to you to realise the same development goal.

“Let me emphasise the ban by the Federal Government of Nigeria on any dredging within a 10km radius of all our Bridges nationwide.

“I appeal to all governors, relevant agencies, and security agencies to implement this ban immediately.”

[TheNation]

SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, announced on Thursday that his company will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, following threats by United States President, Donald Trump, to terminate SpaceX’s government contracts, AFP reported.

“In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately,” Musk posted on the social media platform X.

The announcement came amid a sharp and very public breakdown in relations between Musk and Trump, ending a nearly year-long political alliance.

The rift has played out in a series of social media exchanges, with both figures trading insults.

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which launched in 2020, currently serves as the only US spacecraft certified to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

The spacecraft, under a contract worth over $4.9bn with NASA, has been a cornerstone of America’s crewed spaceflight capabilities since the end of the Space Shuttle programme in 2011.

A separate version, Cargo Dragon, is used for resupply missions to the ISS.

Reacting to Musk’s announcement, NASA spokeswoman Bethany Stevens reiterated the agency’s commitment to the current administration’s space policy. “We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President’s objectives in space are met,” she posted on X.

NASA has also been working to certify Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for human spaceflight. However, that programme has encountered repeated delays. Its most recent test flight last year failed when propulsion issues disrupted its mission to the ISS.

The spacecraft returned to Earth without completing the mission, and the two astronauts onboard were later retrieved by a SpaceX Crew Dragon.

The certification of Crew Dragon in 2020 marked the end of the United States’ reliance on Russian Soyuz rockets, a dependency that began after the retirement of the Space Shuttle. Despite the current developments, the US and Russia continue to exchange seats on each other’s spacecraft under a longstanding agreement.

In addition to NASA missions, Crew Dragon has also flown private flights, including tourist missions. Its most recent was Fram2, which orbited the Earth’s poles.

The next scheduled launch, the Axiom-4 mission, is slated for Tuesday and is expected to carry astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the ISS aboard a Crew Dragon capsule.

[Punch]

It is unusual for a nation to discover its essence in a man. It is rare for humanity in their millions across continents, to be inspired; to fight seemingly unwinnable wars for freedom. Ho Chi Minh, one of the most famous figures of the twentieth century, fitted into both.

Famously known as Uncle Ho, and speaking Mandarin, Cantonese, English, French, Russian and Vietnamese, the fragile-looking Vietnamese who stood at 1.6 meters (5 feet, 5 inches) led his people to defeat two super powers 30 years apart. In both cases, he took up arms only as the last resort. He tried persuasion, resorted to diplomacy and offered compromises. But first, the French, and later, the United States, US, spurned his offers. They could not fathom how such a fragile, smallish man, and his poorly armed followers, could put up any serious fight.

They were to learn bitter lessons: that their power could not conquer the will of a people ready to die for their freedom. The French poured 470,000 troops to fight the poor Vietnamese people. A total of 2.7 million Americans were sent to fight the Vietnamese; in April 1969, a total of 543,000 American soldiers were in active combat in that country. Fifty eight thousand American soldiers never made it back home. They perished in Vietnam.

The French and US troops fought with the intention to survive and return to their loved ones. They did not want to die in some thick forests and be buried in unmarked graves far from their homes. Therefore, they fought conventional battles, and retreated when necessary. On the other hand, the Vietnamese patriots led by Uncle Ho, fought unconventional battles, especially guerilla warfare. They were ready to die anywhere on their ancestral soil. Their choices were limited; while the French and American invaders could retreat and return to their protected homes, the Vietnamese had no such choice; to retreat was to lose their freedom. Ho used to impress on them that there is nothing more precious than independence and liberty.

Before the wars, he had put the powerful enemies of the Vietnamese on notice as to the determination of the Vietnamese and the type of war to be fought. At the onset of the war with France, he told the representative of the French government: “You can kill ten of my men for every one I kill of yours. But even at those odds, you will lose and I will win.”

When he set out in 1911 to seek salvation for his fellow compatriots, Ho stated that it was “with the ultimate desire of making our country fully independent, giving every one of our people complete freedom, and for every one of them to have rice to eat, clothes to wear and, opportunities to study.”

When 34 years later he made the September 2, 1945 Declaration of Independence, he paraphrased the US Declaration of Independence by stating: “All men are born equal: the Creator has given us inviolable rights, life, liberty and happiness”. The Declaration asserted Vietnam’s self-determination and, also rejected attempts by France to restore its colonial rule.

Ho, after spending three decades outside Vietnam, living, studying and working in various countries, including China and the defunct Soviet Union, concluded that the best option for the Vietnamese was a Proletarian Revolution. To realise this, he established the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1931.

Ho did not witness the end of the wars of independence. He passed away on September 2, 1969. Ironically, it was then American President Gerald Ford who in 1975, signalled the end of those wars, the reunification of Vietnam and complete independence when he indirectly announced the American defeat. Ford said: “Today, Americans can regain the sense of pride that existed before Vietnam. But it cannot be achieved by re-fighting a war.” That statement by the US Commander-in-Chief was the signal needed for American troops to flee Vietnam. It was one of the most disorderly and shameful retreats in military history.

The 1975 victory over the US marked the end of Vietnam’s occupation by various powers. It had been occupied for over one thousand years by the Chinese; six decades by the French, including a brief occupation by the Japanese, and three decades by the US. It is noteworthy that for 20 years after it was forced out, the US imposed sanctions against the country.

This May 19, 2025 was the 135th Anniversary of Uncle Ho’s birth. In Abuja, Nigeria, a Round Table was held to honour him. Diplomats, politicians, including representatives of the Ruling All Peoples Congress, APC, led by Mr Ini Akpan, and the opposition, civil servants, journalists and a cross section of society attended.

Bui Quoc Hung, the Vietnamese Ambassador, who posited that Uncle Ho founded modern Vietnam, said his dedication was so total that Ho had no wife, children or social life outside the struggle for liberation.

The Acting High Commissioner of Ghana, Eddison Agbenyegah, told the Round Table that his country’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, was headed for Hanoi, Vietnam on a peace mission when during a stopover in China, he was overthrown.

The Nigerian Government said the legacy of Uncle Ho transcended borders and generations, inspiring nations to seek freedom and independence. Ambassador Mohammed Haidara, Deputy Director, Asia and Pacific of the Foreign Ministry who delivered the government’s message, noted that Uncle Ho travelled out of Vietnam for 30 years but never forgot home. He added that Nigerians who are some of the most travelled peoples in the world should learn from Uncle Ho to return and serve the country. He added that Ho had what it took to live a good life abroad but choose to return and serve his people.

Cuban Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero said Uncle Ho’s revolutionary vision, humility and perseverance made him not just a hero of Vietnam, “but also a moral and political reference for all peoples striving for self-determination and social justice.”

She said legendary Cuban leader, Fidel Castro had so much respect for Ho and commitment to the Vietnamese struggles that he once said: “For Vietnam, we are ready to shed even our own blood.” Cuba, she said, is committed to keeping the ideals of Uncle Ho alive.

Ambassador Sani Bako, the Chair of the Nigeria-Vietnam Economic, Trade and Culture Association recalled Ho’s positive role in the 1955 Afro-Asian Bandung Conference for global peace, economic development and decolonisation. The vision of Ho, he said, inspired various peoples to seek freedom.

Retired civil servant Suleiman Haliru Malumfashi said Uncle Ho belonged to the pantheon of global revolutionary leaders like Vladimir Lenin, Mao Tsetung, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela. He said while followership is very important, leadership, as Ho showed, is fundamental for transformation and development.

Mr Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, in this interview monitored on Arise television, speaks on his political journey and achievements. Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, also expresses concerns about Nigeria’s current electoral system and the lack of focus on legacy in modern politics. Excerpts:

Much of your time has been consumed by your involvement in Nigerian politics. With age and experience, does it get easier?

Let’s set the ground rules. I agreed to this interview on the understanding that we wouldn’t discuss politics. There are only three political matters I’d like to clarify before we move on to social issues.

First, nobody made me governor. God did. God, Peter Odili and the Nigerian judiciary made it possible.
Nobody else. As journalists, no one has ever asked the man who claims he made me governor how he did it. Nobody has asked him that question.

So how did you become governor?

I don’t know. I went to court. Perhaps my lawyer knows—he’s now the Attorney-General, so you should ask him. What I’m trying to make very clear is that I did not become governorin anyone’s favour. It’s also not true that I called Mohammed bin Adoke from Abuja to Port Harcourt to say that Nyesom Wike asked me to make him Commissioner for Finance and I refused. That’s not how it happened. I wanted him as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him directly. I never offered him the position of Commissioner for Finance.

I’m saying this now because I don’t want to trade words with children. I simply don’t. We’ve finished with politics.

When you say you wanted to supervise him, does that mean you felt he was a bit of a renegade?

I don’t want to discuss politics. I’ve said I respect him as a governor and that’s the end of it. He made himself Chief of Staff, governor, and minister. Let’s leave it there.

Do you feel satisfied with what you’ve achieved at 60? Would you describe yourself as a man of substance?

Every time I speak, I begin by thanking God. Then I thank Peter Odili and his wife for the roles they played in my life. I’ve said to my wife and children that no matter what happens, I’ll never go against the Odilis. They’ve done things to me, things that could make one scream, but I hold back because I believe God used them in my life. So, to respect God, I must respect them.

Looking back on your achievements, you’ve said the rest was hard work. But again, that sounds political…

Let me just say this: if the current chairman of INEC had been in office in 2015, we wouldn’t have won. That’s an important point. We were lucky to have Attahiru Jega. He ensured some level of transparency. The current chairman can’t be compared to Jega. When we wanted to register APC, Jega opened the door and allowed the process. This one, even if you comply with all the requirements, won’t register you. INEC is already biased. But again, please don’t take me back to politics.

You must be proud of your accomplishments. You’ve certainly achieved more than most…

It’s not because I’m the best. I simply made the most of the opportunities I was given. When I became Speaker of the Parliament, Peter Odili felt I deserved it. I performed my duties and was later elected Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum. Since I left, I wonder if that Forum even still exists. Later, I became governor by the grace of God, Peter Odili, the people of Rivers State, and the judiciary. The judiciary pronounced me governor.

And did you perform well as governor?

Absolutely and I’m ready for you to call people in Rivers State to confirm it. While others are making noise about building 12 flyovers, I built six and didn’t shout about it. I didn’t call the president to commission anything.

I built primary schools—let any other governor in Rivers State come forward with a better record. I built secondary schools that looked like universities: two children per room. I even brought in Indian agencies to manage them, along with science teachers from India. And now, sadly, those schools are abandoned and vandalised. That breaks my heart.

We tried to build a new city with a 24-hour power supply. It was abandoned and vandalised too. But give me an assignment, and I will deliver.

You also served as a federal minister. What were some key projects you completed?

I began and completed the Lagos–Ibadan railway. I began and completed the Lekki Deep Sea Port. In Kano, I completed an inland dry port and insisted the investor build a secondary school and primary school for local children, which he did.

I started the Kano–Kaduna railway and completed Kaduna–Abuja, which President Goodluck Jonathan had initiated. I also started the Kaduna–Maradi railway. When I take on an assignment, I deliver it without resorting to insults or unnecessary drama.

Do you think most politicians today care about their names and character?

Sadly, no. Many don’t care about legacy or the shame their actions may bring to their children.

As you reflect on turning 60, have you changed personally? And has Nigeria changed in that time?

A lot has changed. Have I changed? Yes, for good, I hope. Has Nigeria changed? In some areas, yes. In others, we’ve regressed.

Is the country progressing or regressing overall?

That’s hard to say. In some aspects, yes; in others, no. It feels like the system has been captured, with electoral institutions now used as political tools.

If electoral reform is not happening, how does that make you feel as a former public official?

I once said I wish the National Assembly could amend the Constitution to keep Jega in office until real electoral reform was achieved. Because without reforms, you need a man of conscience. Jega was that. Even though the system wasn’t perfect, he made it transparent enough for people to believe in the process. That’s how we won in 2015.

And you don’t believe that exists today?

No. If I were the current INEC chairman, for the sake of my name, I would have resigned. INEC has already taken sides. They’re blocking the registration of new political parties, which is unconstitutional.

But in fairness, hasn’t the current INEC chairman proposed some reforms?

He may have proposed reforms, but to whose benefit? If opposition parties aren’t allowed to register, then what’s the point of reforms?

Are you referring to the opposition coalition you’re part of? A new party perhaps?

Whether new or existing, the Electoral Act allows the registration of parties. The current government doesn’t obey the law, not even the Constitution.

In 1999, at just 34, you were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly and became Speaker. How significant was that breakthrough, and were you hesitant to fully commit to politics at the time?

At 34, I became Speaker. The process then was more transparent than it is today. If you lost an election and went to court, you could trust the verdict. As young as I was, I got elected and did my job. I served for eight years. We had an opposition party, APP, and managing them wasn’t easy, but I did everything to ensure both the ruling and opposition parties worked together for the state. Then at 42, I became governor.

Was there an ideological reason behind your entry into politics? Or was it about power and recognition?

Let me flip that question: based on what I’ve told you, would you say it was transformative or not?

That’s a fair point, but I’m asking about your motivation.

I ran a free education programme in Rivers State. Not just free—it nearly became compulsory. We were careful with the funds, but it worked. Private schools began to shut down because parents were moving their kids to government schools. We reduced class sizes from 150 to 25 or 30. We built proper secondary schools—1,000 students, 2 children per room, 25 per class. And I modelled the primary schools after what I saw in Australia.

I made sure each community had one. We also built primary healthcare centres, hired 400 doctors to add to the existing 200, bought 600 cars for them, and built housing for those in rural areas. If you visit, you’ll see. I can even raise funds for you to take a tour.

What would you say your greatest achievement was during your time as governor?

It’s hard to pick one, but education stands out. I wanted to make sure children in Rivers State had a future. Before we came in, the idea of free education was laughable. But we made it real and not just free, but quality. Students were given uniforms, books, and proper school environments. That mattered to me. Health was also critical. We built over 160 primary healthcare centres across the state, employed professionals, and equipped them. The goal was to make basic healthcare accessible to the people—especially in rural areas.

What values or principles guided these choices?

Justice, equity, and a strong belief that government should serve the people. I also believe in God. That’s not just something I say—it genuinely shapes how I think and act. I constantly remind myself that I’ll give account to God for what I do here. That helps keep me grounded.

What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s current political leadership?

I’m being very careful not to speak about the current government. But generally speaking, I think the focus should be on competence, not tribe or religion. If someone is capable, let them lead—regardless of where they’re from.

Some Nigerians have called for a restructuring of the country. Where do you stand on that?

I support restructuring, but not as an excuse to divide the country. For me, restructuring means giving more power and resources to the states so they can develop at their own pace. That includes state police. But it must come with checks and balances because we’ve seen how governors behave with absolute power.

What would you tell young Nigerians who feel hopeless about the future?

Don’t give up. This country has potential—immense potential. I understand the frustration; things aren’t easy. But if you run away, who will fix it? Stay informed, get involved, and demand accountability from your leaders. Change takes time, but it’s possible.

If you had the chance to do anything differently in your life, what would it be?

Maybe I’d speak less and listen more. Sometimes I was too blunt, and too fast to speak. But I’ve learned. And as I grow older, I see the wisdom in silence.

Do you have any regrets?

Not many. I did what I believed was right at the time. I worked hard. I made mistakes, of course—but I tried to serve. If I have any regret, it’s that some of the projects we built with such care are now abandoned. That’s painful. You put your heart into something, and then someone else lets it rot.

How do you want to be remembered?

As someone who tried. A man who worked for his people, who wasn’t perfect but gave it his all. A father, who cared, a husband who tried, and a leader who refused to steal.

And what’s next for you?

Only God knows. I’m still active, and still involved. But I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s okay to step back, to rest, and to reflect. I’m open to what God wants me to do next.

[Vanguard]

Four Nigerians studying at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States, graduated with distinction at the school’s 166th graduation ceremony.

Seven Nigerians were among the first-degree earners; four graduated with top-of-the-class academic performance and a perfect grade point average of 4.0.

Their excellence was particularly evident in mathematics, computer science, and the health sciences.

The four Nigerians include Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye, Chinyere Obiageli Offor, Praise Olalekan, and Osoname Fortune Omonagbe.

Brendan Allen, president of Lincoln University, praised the four individuals for their resilience, determination, and “exemplifying good character and self-discipline” during their academic years.

“These valedictorians showed focus despite the distractions around them. They displayed great courage, good character and self-discipline. There is no doubt, they will be great ambassadors of this university,” he said.

Iteoluwa, daughter of Toyin Ibitoye, the veteran journalist, appreciated God for her journey throughout her years in school.

She described the new feat as “the beginning of greater things to come”.

“I am so happy that everything has turned out this way. I thank Jesus Christ, my Lord, for seeing me through,” she said.

“I am also very happy that I have made my parents and siblings proud, and along with my other Nigerian valedictorians, given a good impression of our dear nation. I believe God and know that this is the beginning of greater things to come.”

Lincoln University was founded in 1854 as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the US.

[TheCable]

Yes, I have seen cases of hopelessness changed to testimonies. Just look at the story of that desperate woman in Mark Chapter Five. That is one of the most difficult and hopeless situations in the bible. She was very sick for 12 years. She was losing her blood (life) every second of the day. She spent all she had looking for solution, yet none came. She suffered so much and the condition grew worse. No improvement. No cure. No hope. No help. Even the doctors got tired of her case. And the worst was that even when she had a glimpse of solution, the surging crowd became an obstacle, a barrier to reach the solution. My God! What can be worse than this? Does this sound like your situation? Look at it here, “Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.’ Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” Mark 5:24-29

   Some of you reading this message are like this woman today. You have been in that situation for a long time now. It looks incurable and terminal – the type that was described as being sick unto death. You helplessly watch as your life, your resources, your joy dim and slip away from your hand. The more you try is the more the problem, the frustration increases. It may not be your health directly, but things around you have become sick – your business, your relationship, your marriage is sick, dying, etc. You go a step forward and three steps backward. And no help, yes nobody cares to help again.  People, friends and relations are now tired of helping. You know that there is a limit to what people, even relations can offer at the time of trial. True.

   Look at that woman again. Did you hear anything about her friends or relations? Maybe some good ones have tried and got tired, got exhausted and then left her to her fate. They left her to  pain, stain and drain. Remember also that her condition was the type that will always attract unpleasant smell and constant demand for resources to stay clean. So everybody ran away. Please, don’t get very angry when people desert you at the middle of your trial. It is just human. But let them go because God is coming to meet you. If they don’t go, if they don’t betray you, you may never know the real manifestation of God’s unfailing power and love. Now, what I love most about this woman is her determination and faith. Yes, the situation was very desperate and hopeless, but she totally refused to give up. She had no more relations, no neighbours and friends to turn to, but was ready to try Jesus. And she had a crowd as a wall of obstacle but was also ready to press against it to snatch her needed solution. 

“Because of its hatred for the Ant, Cockroach voted for Insecticide. Immediately Insecticide took power and swung into action, both Cockroach and Ant died, including Housefly that did not vote!” - Adewunmi Adegoju.

I scribbled what you are about to read the day after the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland was crowned on Friday, 23 May this year. It centred on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure federal highway. It went thus: “I received with mixed feelings news of the presidential approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that action be taken on the death-trap that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa federal highway has become. Mixed feelings - Feelings of joy and also of sadness.

Reports said the president has approved the rehabilitation of the dual carriageway for ease of transportation. Speaking at the coronation of the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup, Ajimoko III, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who represented the President, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to grassroots development while also announcing that ‘the President has ordered the release of an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway, which is critical to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.’

“I have written repeatedly on the perilous state of that road. Other writers, such as my brother Lasisi Olagunju, of the Tribune Newspapers and Lekan Shote of The PUNCH, have also written about their nasty experience on that road. It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Federal Government has paid attention to our many cries - and those of others - and is now moving to do something about the road. It is immaterial that it has chosen to tie it to the inauguration of the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland as a coronation gift to Kabiyesi!

“Long may Kabiyesi reign. I remember sitting him down for an interview after he left being the deputy governor of Osun State. After a period of turbulence and wilderness experience that must have tried the soul of any mortal, Kabiyesi today sits on the throne of his fathers. Long may he reign!

“But we should tell the Presidency that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa expressway needs more than rehabilitation! That road, having expired totally and irrevocably, needs total reconstruction. All efforts to rehabilitate it in the past have failed. Sukuk-funds parchments here and there have failed to redeem the road. It must now experience total reconstruction - except we are only interested in throwing hard-earned money down the drains.”

On Monday, however, the sadness and any other reservations I might have had evaporated when I heard, life and direct, from reliable sources made up of very strong media handlers of Mr. President that what the President actually approved - and which is what will be executed - is a complete and full reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure dual carriageway. Sometimes, we need to hear from the horse’s mouth, as they say, to know that the government actually responds to feedback from the people.

And also that those of them in Government are not as indifferent to the plight of the common man as some would have us believe! Could anyone have imagined that the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, upon travelling on that road, reported her experience and demanded that something be done? Could you also have imagined that Gen. Alani Akinrinade, upon being invited to the Presidential Villa, made the reconstruction of the same deplorable road a condition for him to make the trip from his Yakoyo country home to Ibadan where a presidential jet might be waiting for him? These, and many others, are stories that are hardly heard by the people.

This is one more confirmation - I have heard of others in the past - that this President has listening ears. If only this other problem can also grab his attention... 

Still on the compulsory voting bill…

The bill that proposes to criminalize non-voting at National elections has been withdrawn by its sponsors. Their advertised reason for doing so was the public outcry against the bill. It is good that they listened to the voice of the people; how I wish they can do similarly in other instances on issues that directly affect the wellbeing and welfare of the people!

 But withdrawal of the bill should not be the final say on the matter. As we stated last week, there are many reasons propelling voter apathy, and these must clinically be addressed or else, democracy will be dead in no time and anti-democracy forces, as we have witnessed in countries around us, may one day berth on our own doorsteps.

Today, I bring to us some of the views of my readers on additional reasons for voter apathy and what must be done to address the problem. It is important we all pay attention and take heed. Acting like the Housefly (apathy) as depicted in the opening quote above does not exonerate or safeguard anyone!

“You lost count of one special group who do not vote or partake in any political activity because of their religious beliefs: the Jehovah Witnesses. They believe there can not be a righteous government run by man in this world until the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hence their members do not participate in politics and they don't vote. On the side of INEC, I was disenfranchised during the 2023 elections by BVAS’s failure to recognize my face. I had actually complied with INEC instructions that voters above the age of 50 years who had registered on or before 2014 should update their picture using an android phone or at the INEC office. I did mine on my phone, uploaded it, and obtained a printout upon the successful completion of the update. On election day, BVAS denied me my voting right! Funningly enough, my neighbor whom I encouraged and assisted to do the same thing at the same time, using my phone, was accredited by BVAS to vote with ease at the same polling unit by the same machine. I was totally embarrassed; the electoral officers expressed their surprise as well. I did not lose hope in the electoral body's ability to bring credibility into our electoral system. So, preparatory to the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state, when the electoral body called for voter registration and other related exercises, I decided to replace my PVC, which was done and I was issued a new card. Lo and behold, the BVAS robbed me of my voting right the third time within one year! So, will the compulsory voting law protect me from prosecution if it becomes operational? - Owolabi Daramola.

Your analysis of all relevant points and issues was tip-top. I cannot understand how on earth our honourable men and women in the House of Representatives came to the conclusion that enacting a law to make us vote, whether we like it or not, is the way to go in order to solve the multifaceted political and electoral problems that have bedevilled Nigeria since it became an independent nation in 1960! What a way to missthink! And what a misplaced priority!! Instead of those elites in the so-called hallowed chambers to face reality and endeavour to investigate the root cause(s) of Nigerians’ apathy to voting, they chose to engage in an exercise in futility - a wild goose chase as you rightly said. Before any compulsory voting law, let them address or proffer solutions to all the problems you highlighted and then give us the following assurances: That

1. There will be good governance.

2. They will be accountable to the people who voted them into power.

3. They will not go to the House to serve their own interests.

4. There will be no more impunity and they will ensure that the rule of law reigns supreme.

5. They will not be a rubber-stamp henceforth, but shall always check and balance the Executive, which is the constitutional responsibility of the Legislature.

6. There must be zero tolerance for corruption at all levels of government.

7. They will enact laws that will punish public office holders and politicians found guilty of corruption.

8. They will put pressure on the Executive to build and maintain our roads, schools, hospitals and all infrastructure to world class level.” - Ayorinde Abiola.

“The compulsory voting bill makes me remember the plan of some of our rulers to stop our medical personnel from going for greener pastures abroad; but the proposal did not see the light of day. It also reminds me of the saying that those that the gods would destroy, they first make mad. Some people of faith say that 2025 will be a landmark year. We don't know if it will be another form of COVID-19 or not. We just hope our leaders will allow God's mercy to abound for us all. How many millions of people will they penalize for not voting? We should be getting our priorities right.” - Pastor Seun Sogunro.

“Another group who will not vote are those whose religious inclinations will not let them; an example are the Jehovah Witnesses.” - Professor Biodun Anifowose.

Thanks for your comments. Our legislative houses have work to do. If they don’t and democracy kaputs here, as they say, it is the Legislature that is always completely obliterated.

 Former editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, BOLAWOLE was also the Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of The Westerner news magazine. He writes the ON THE LORD'S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.