Boko Haram’s chief bomb maker killed

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  It now appears that the federal government is winning the fight against Boko Haram’s deadly insurgency in the North East. Even though most Nigerians would not seem to be relieved about this, much kudos needs to be given to this administration for this achievement. Just a year ago, the previous administration has absolutely no idea or inclination to fight this deadly scourge, nor even acknowledge it. Deadly and disgraceful as Boko Haram’s incursion into Nigeria (and the occupation of 14 local governments in Borno State) is, it is even more disheartening and dreadful that the funds allocated to empower Nigerian military to fight the terrorists have been looted and shared amongst high ranking government officials – most of whom deny the depth of Boko Haram problem.
  I am one of those that presently sings the praise of this administration to the high heavens because I believe it is, so far, the most serious minded and focused administration in recent memory. When he came to power, PMB enumerated 4 or 5 key areas he believes Nigeria needs urgent intervention – 1. Security (and by extension, terrorism); 2. Corruption; 3. Economic diversification; 4. Infrastructure rejuvenation. I cannot recollect the 5th one. But on each of the first 3 areas, it is apparent that this administration is sparing no effort to make real, significant attempts at change.
  Nevertheless, fresh and unforseen challenges are springing up by the day to face the administration. One of this is the growing restiveness and agitation in the South South. This is reflected in the increasing vandalisation and destruction of government oil infrastructure and key assets in that region. While it can be said that, unlike Boko Haram, the South South people may have genuine grievances against the government, there is no plausible basis for the recent spate of destruction of government pipelines and other infrastructure.
  It does seem the government is willing to constructively engage these people and common sense would seem to point to this option as serving the best interests of all concerned. Curiously though, it does appear the rise in vandalisation situation in the South South is rearing its ugly head with the advent of this administration. PMB appears to have offered an olive branch by the extension of the amnesty scheme. However, amnesty in itself is not and cannot be a reliable, lasting or permanent solution.
  The government has to be able to protect its assets at all times, just like governments do all over the world. While tribal or regional grievances could be genuine and ought to be constructively addressed, wanton destruction of government property must be pointedly, and if necessary, forcefully, discouraged. It is highly deplorable that, in the harsh economic climate the country presently finds itself, the meager assets remaining for propping up a rapidly declining national economy should be targeted for destruction.
  It is hugely expensive and costs a lot, in terms of time and money to repair damaged installations and get them re-functioning again. These destruction also costs the local economies dearly, even though these communities may not realise it, not least the environmental impact of necessitated explosions.
  Against this background, the federal government needs to urgently come up with a predictive template that can foretell likely targets in the near future so that adequate, urgent attention can be directed at forestalling such incidents.
  Furthermore, government should urgently consider the establishment of a standing, broad based, well-equipped joint task force comprising the army, navy, air-force and mobile police to monitor and prevent possible future occurrences; since the oil and gas as well as electricity generation in the country depends on these infrastructure.
  After all, the national economy is as important as, and in many ways, a part of national security.

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  It is only a mischievous mind that will fail to acknowledge the strides and the gallant effort of the military campaign against Boko Haram and all successes are happening because the generals are in the front and center of this fight. In the bye gone era all that the so called general did was to stock pile bales of dollars and Naira in the comfort of their offices and then turn around to send other peoples children unprotected with “sakabula” to confront Boko Haram. it is now that we are privileged to see the atrocities that they have performed with the money meant to fight. Shame to those untested generals with pot belly if you know whom I’m talking about.. Buhari and his administration have done well on this issue and our armed forces need to be congratulated for a job well done on behalf of the people.

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