Difficult situations

 In the times of deep distress as a result of troubling circumstances, rest in the Lord, rather than exhausting all available resources. 

You ought to yield yourself to God for peace to come to your soul.

When you are confronted with difficult situations let God take over. 

Read Psalm 142.

The Killing of Innocent Nigerians

Adolf Hitler labelled the extermination of the Jews in Europe, '' the final solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens code named same ''The process of National Integration''.

The activities of terrorists in Nigeria which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives 

Between 1976 and 1983 millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina. 

Death squads operating under secret circumstance and the cover of the state murdered about 11, 000 people, which are now described as ''The Disappeared''.

Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'', were either sold, bartered or murdered.

Indeed, happenings in several states of Nigeria, including Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kaduna, indicate that government is fully aware of the insecurity, even as the killings continue. 

This calls for concern.

On March 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army overthrew the government of Isabelita Peron, a former night club dancer. 

No civilian government had completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron's first term in office.

General Videla hinged his action on the chronic inflation and high rate of unemployment that trailed Isabelita's government.

However, in Nigeria, the symptoms of economic stagnation, mass unemployment, corruption and insecurity are everywhere in the country.

The Ejecrcito Revolcionario del Pueblo (ERP) and the Montotneros, took to kidnapping and killings. 

This plunged Argentina into crisis, in Nigeria, kidnapping and killings have gone on unabated. 

Political pundits put the blame at the doorstep of the present administration.

Nigerians are worried that the government has done nothing noticeable to ensure that the country does not slip into anarchy.

In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorantha resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not continue to be a part of a government that kills its people.

Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land in the South of the country to a Korean firm, Daewoo for intensive farming/ The people have deep ties with their land and consequently view the President's action as a betrayal.

The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria.

The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look in the gloomy future for reprieve.

Insecurity: Do away with sins-Prophet Arabambi to Nigerians

 The security situation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has become a source oof sleepless nights for millions of Nigerians. In this message, Prophet Timothy Arabambi of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) (Reformation Land) Ile-Atunshe, Ibadan, Nigeria, advises Nigerians to pray to God to heal the nation. 

Excerpts:

What is your message to Nigerians, as the present situation assumes a frightening dimension?

I have a firm belief in the efficacy of prayers. I believe Jesus Christ is going to take control of the security and economic situation.

The two are very worrisome.

But do not forget that it is not only Nigeria that is experiencing security challenges, almost every country in the world has one challenge or the other because it is one of the end time signs.

In the Bible, Jesus Christ said that we will hear of rumors of war and you cannot even talk of.

If we do away from sin and we call on our Lord, Jesus Christ, He will heal the land.

It is written in the Bible that we have suffered a lot because we did not put everything into prayers. Let us pray ceaselessly.

The Vital Weapon

In the face of faulty policies and the reversal of actions considered to be outside leadership principles,

those-in-charge now rely on deceit as the most vital weapon of governance.

This is not only regrettable, but unfortunate, considering the millions of Nigerians that have been negatively affected by absolute lies, half-truths and cover-ups in these perilous times.

Interestingly, public office holders are adamant, they have continued to insist that the situation is not helpless contrary to happenings on a daily basis.

Without doubt the multifarious challenges could be traced to the fault infested occupiers of the public offices at all levels.

Indeed, the leadership at all levels ought to go to the streets for a firsthand assessment of their acts of omission and commission.

If there is any humanity in them. Perhaps.

A dehumanized mental psyche

 

Nigerians have expressed visible worries over the activities of criminals operating in commercial motorcycles, vehicles with tinted glasses, vehicles with foreign plate numbers, and vehicles without number plates.

They argue that most crimes in different parts of the country are committed through these motorcycles and vehicles and express surprise over the way the criminals beat the scrutiny of law enforcement agents along the road.

Innocent citizens who reside in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Warri, Onitsha, Aba, Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja, among others, have continued to recount their tales of woe to whoever cared to listen.

Sadly, the law enforcement agents, saddled with the responsibility of ensuring law and order and the adherence to the road safety rules and regulations, have for long adopted a conspiratorial attitude, mainly because of the benefits that would accrue from aiding and abetting criminals.

Nigerians are now of the opinion that the laws of the land are either no longer functional or  those in charge and the law enforcement agencies are deliberately sabotaging the enforcement of the laws for their self-centered motives. 

A victim of the worrisome state of insecurity in Ibadan, Nigeria, who spoke incognito, reveals his experience.

‘’There is a beer parlor opposite the Iyanganku Magistrate; it is among the several shops that share the same fence with the police barracks. A door inside the beer parlor leads into the barracks. Visit the beer parlor and observe those who patronize the beer parlor, and you will agree that those who break the law have the blessing of the persons whose statutory functions include the protection of lives and property, he stated.

The general feeling is that some criminally minded law enforcement agents make use of criminals as proxies in carrying out their statutory functions, which has resulted in the harassment, intimidation, and arrest of unsuspecting citizens.

Of worry is the adopted official status of lawlessness, indiscipline, and criminality in different parts of the country.

Indeed, illiteracy and ignorance have also contributed significantly to the scheme of things as presently constituted.

The mental psyche of millions of Nigerians has been dehumanized and degraded; this has resulted in unthinkable occurrences.

These occurrences have consumed a sizable chunk of those in charge.

The widespread, uninhibited prevalence of the lawless acts, to millions of Nigerians, is an indication that there is already a failure in leadership; with no visible remedy in sight for now.

Lessons in Insecurity : The Nigeria Model

 Adolf Hitler labeled the extermination of the Jews in Europe,''the Final Solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina, which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens, code named the same ''The Process of National Reorganization''.

The activities of bandits, insurgents and herdsmen in Nigeria which have claimed thousands of lives are similar to the above-mentioned.

Between 1976 and 1983, millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina.

Death squads operating under secret circumstances and under the cover of the state, murdered about 11,000 people, which is now described as ''The Disappeared''.

Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'' were either sold, bartered or murdered.

Indeed, happenings in different states of Nigeria, including, Borno, Benue, Taraba and Plateau and Zamfafra states, among several others, indicate the Government's adequate knowledge of the situation, while unabated killings go on.

The relocation of the Inspector General of Police to Benue state, one of the troubled spots then, did not reverse the status quo.

On March 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army, overthrew the Government of Isabelita Peron, a former nightclub dancer. In this country, no civilian government has completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron, who spent only one tenure in office.

However, in Nigeria, a two term governor of Lagos state, is in charge, even though the country still experiences symptoms of economic hunger, poverty, mass unemployment, corruption and a high level of insecurity.

The Ejercito Revolucionario de Pueblo and the Montoneros, leftists, took to kidnapping and killings to express their displeasure over bad governance in Argentina. In Nigeria, kidnappings and killings have gone on unabated. Political watchers put the blame at the doorstep of government.

Presently, Nigerians are worried over the government's inaction, as the country gradually slides into anarchy.

Sadly, the open stealing of  smart phones has become bibg business in Ibadan, Oyo state and other states of the federation

Accusing fingers are being pointed at political office holders who have failed to deliver the dividends of democracy.

Interestingly, the body language of the National Assembly, is an indication that the lawmakers are yet to realize the need for the entrenchment of the rule of law and due process in the polity, just as impunity is now the order of the day

In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorohanta, resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not be part of a government that kills its citizens.

Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land to a Korean firm, Daewoo, for intensive farming. 

The people have deep ties with their land and, as a result, view the President's action as a betrayal.

The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria.

The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look into the gloomy future for reprieve.

Donate

State Police will take Nigeria no where-Labor Leader

The Federal Government has been advised not to tinker with the present law enforcement structure in Nigeria.

This advice was given by the unit chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN) Federal Ministry of Labor, Oyo state unit, Comrade Paul Balogun.

''The issue of trying to use  decentralized police  to tackle the present insecurity in Nigeria will not take us anywhere. The problem on ground is local, the security challenges  presently is community based. So, therefore the solution on ground should also be locally or community based, Comrade Balogun stated.

Salvaging the Pitiable Situation

The killings in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau state, at a time when millions are celebrating, are very unfortunate. It is a tragedy coming at a time when the government at all levels is glorifying the January/December budget cycle, while budget performance at the center and the states of the federation are giving citizens sleepless nights. Those in charge must justify their positions by salvaging the pitiable situation convincingly.

We have the Capacity to Secure Oyo Schools-Nigerian Legion

The Nigerian Legion has declared that it has the capacity to secure schools in Oyo state. This declaration was made by the Deputy Commandant General of the Legion and the chair of the state chapter, Evangelist Julius Ogunjoko. ''Learning can only take place in a secure environment. Pupils and students must have a hundred per cent security in their schools. The security of our children should be of paramount importance. We have written several letters to the Oyo state Government in this respect. We will continue to remind the government, once we have the approval we are ready and have the capacity to secure both public and private schools in the state.''

The Quality of personnel and Insecurity

A large number of law enforcement and security personnel have for long ignored their primary duites and rather become involved wioth happenings in the political sphere in Nigeria. The motivating factor revolves around money, influence and greed, even though the authorities are fully aware of this unfortunate development.

Indeed, the chequered mindset of these set of professionals in uniform has resulted in a major set back in the unending battle to put a stop to insecurity in the land. Sadly, over the years, nepotism, favoritism and mediocrity have ensured that unqualified persons infiltrate the law enforcement and security servcies. This is reflected in the avoidable acts of commission and ommission in countless number of engagments whioch have defied all known procedures oif professional practice. Note- The non-state actors at the center of violnet crimes in Nigeria today are all products of those who are obssessed with power. Those-in-Power ought to have a recipe to end the crimes against humanity.

Causative Factors of Insecurity : The Antidote by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

The antidote to all forms of insecurity is a functional democracy run through high regards for fairness, justice and equity. Any alteration to a functional justice system and equitable distribution of material resources to the people without marginalization of any kind will ever hurt the polity. The Holy Quran 30 : 41-42 refers, ''Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of the need that the hands of many have earned, that Allah may give them a taste of some of their deeds, in order that they may turn back from evil. Say : Travel along the earth and see what was the end of those before you. Most of them were idolaters(driving agents of indiscipline and corruption). If the past is bad, sense and sensibilities demand that there must be damage control to correct today's anomalies. The failure to set up this appropriate measure in that respect will impede development. Leaders of thought must proceed with sanity promotion exercise using the due process of the culture of integrity, education for civility and development, religion for discipline, moral regulation and control to be able to promote credible leadership, good governance for the wellness of the people in an orderly manner expected of every decent society. To say the least, the arrest of offenders must proceed towards the diligent prosecution of their cases. For example, murder should ordinarily attract the death penalty to curb and prevent future murderous activities under any guise. In Nigeria, for example, no culprit once apprehended must be transferred to Abuja, where often times they are never tried but released to embark again on their aborted missions. . If arson, murder, kidnapping and other related crimes are committed in Yorubaland, there is no justified cause to transfer such suspects to Abuja, most especially when it involves indigenes of other states outside the states of the committed crimes. If there is a constitutional bottleneck on it, let it be resolved, restructured and amended immediately. The judiciary in a democracy must be made to be alive for the survival of this political philosophy already adopted to rule over the people. The Holy Quran 5 : 8 refers,, ''O ye who believe! Stand out firmly to Allah as witnesses to fear thee, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety : and fear Allah is well acquainted with all that you do. '' Causative factors of insecurity, therefore, such as hunger and poverty have damaged the fabric of democracy for our leaders to go crazy, soaking their hands in indecent acts to promote the culture of timocracy, kelptocracy and ego-centeredness of the medieval times, making the people resort to bestial styles of lfie that has already threatened the glorious peaceful co-existence. There is therefore, a dire need for effective damage control based on doing things accordingly and rightly too, through the fear of Allah as the only antidote.

Govt no longer values Human Lives-Ex-Officio TUC

The recent Kaduna train attack and other violent crimes in different parts of Nigeria which have resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives have confirmed that the Government at all levels no longer values human life. This assertion was made by an ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze. ''Thousand of human lives have been lost to terrorist attacks, ritual killings, armed robberies, and other violent crimes in various parts of Nigeria. The most recent is the Kaduna train attack. It has been sorrows, tears, and blood all the way. Human lives no longer matter to those in government at all levels. They are all evil and diabolic. They feast on human blood. The killings are the design of those in power. May God protects us all,'' Comrade Emelieze prayed.

The Other Side of Safeguarding the Lives and Property of Nigerians

In July 2005, the then Inspector General of Police Mr. Sunday Ehindero put in place committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the alleged killing of five Igbo traders and their female friend by some policemen at the Apo  mechanic village, Abuja on June 7 of the same year.

However, the committee was  headed by, Mike Okiro, then a Deputy Inspector General  of Police was dissolved by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The President hinged his decision on the fact that the Police could not be a Judge in its own case. In addition, the President's action was predicated on the testimonies of a  photographer, hired by the Police in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) to take photographs of the lifeless bodies of the six Nigerians sent to their untimely graves. 

The photographer confessed that the police were responsible for the crime, as he stated that he saw the police bring guns and placed  by the side of the corpses of the six, to make them look like armed robbers, after which, the police ordered him to take their photographs.

The photographer further stated that, he could not believe his eyes, when he saw the Commissioner of Police of the Command, explaining to Nigerians that those killed were armed robbers, while making particular reference to the photographs. Such instances abound till today.

This development emboldened the President to put a stop to the Police investigation, to avert a situation whereby the outcome of the investigation would favour the Police.

Without hesitation, the President set up a Judicial Commission  of Inquiry to find out how the six were killed and the role of the police in the incident. 

Nigerians now realized that the action of the President, was an indication that he lacked confidence in the competence of  Ehindero, as Inspector General of Police.

Complainants are converted to accused persons at Police stations, when money exchange hands, just as criminals boast of their cordial relationships with compromised officers and rank and file of the force.

Corruption and inefficiency have become recurring decimals in the Nigeria Police Force, this has affected almost all senior officers, who have occupied the position OF inspector General OF Police.

In this dispensation, Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief, when Ibrahim Idris assumed office as the Police Boss. They thought that they would soon begin to sleep with their two eyes closed This is not the situation, considering the manner the Police has handled the  Senator Dino Melaye case.

Sadly, for several years, there has been a disconnect between the IGP's office and the 36 state commands. This informed the establishment of special task forces by successive Inspectors General of Police to tackle crime nationwide.

Accusation of deprivation of funds and counter accusation of mismanagement of funds have characterized the relationship between the IGP's  office and the 36 state Police Commands.

Indeed, on issues bothering on corruption, the Police cannot be a Judge in its own case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) is an anti-graft agency, with a number of policemen involved.

Indeed, the question of funding of the police still remains in the circle of administrative bottlenecks and the late release of funds by the Federal Government. Sabotage is now the order of the day. The insecurity in land addresses the question.

Of worry, is the communication lag between the office of the IGP and the Police Service Commission(PSC). The PSC is  not responsible for the appointment of the IGP.

Successive occupants of the IGP's seat have always been suspicious of any suggestion or advice emanating from  the commission.

Interestingly, some state governments, which are vigorously agitating for the establishment of state police, have taken advantage of the insecurity in the land.

However, state police cannot fly, in an environment filled with political office holders bereft of ideology and principles.

Nigerians should not be deceived by the activities of some selfish and greed-driven citizens, who continuously discredit the present  centralization of the  police structure, in favour of sectional interests and design.