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After earning a berth for the final of the Delta State Principals’ Cup via a boardroom decision, Uvwie-based Urhobo College is working hard to grab the opportunity with both hands.

The final of the tournament sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc in collaboration with Delta State Government is scheduled to take place on Thursday November 6 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Originally, Urhobo College lost 3-0 to Otokutu Grammar School in the semifinal played at the Government College, Ughelli but after a strong protest by the Ovwie LG Champions against Otokutu over the use of ineligible players, Urhobo College got the nod to play in the final.

The team led by Coach Fred Oteri is now fully set for the finals slated for Thursday

They have reportedly been in camp at the Kenwood Hotels and Suits, Effurun, courtesy of an old boy of Urhobo College and philanthropist, Chief Idama Amurun, sponsor of the Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Cup. Aside, the team has been playing series of friendly games to put them in top shape , the team has also been getting full support from the old student association.

Urhobo College will be up against Warri South West LG Champions, Ogbeijoh Grammar School, Ogbeijoh in the final.

Meanwhile, Delta FA Chairman, Chief Ken Nwanmocha, has commended organisers of the Zenith Bank/Delta Principals Cup, Hideaplus

Limited, on the recent decision to disqualify a school for fielding an ineligible player. The FA boss said it was a step in the right direction and it will serve as deterrent to other schools in future.

‘It is only appropriate to maintain standard and integrity of the tournament. We are all set for the final and hopefully the Governor himself will be with us to celebrate the future football stars of the country,’ Nwanmocha noted

Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane are among the top seeds for the CAF Champions League group draw today, even though they have never played in the competition before.

Seedings are based on results in both the Champions League and the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup over the past five seasons.

While Berkane have not been involved the premier African club competition, they reached three Confederation Cup finals during that period, winning two.

The team known as the Orange Boys – they are based in the northeast citrus-growing region of the kingdom – accumulated 52 points over the five seasons.

That earned them the final place among the top seeds after record 12-time Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt and previous title-holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Esperance of Tunisia.

Defending champions Pyramids of Egypt, surprise winners last season with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Sundowns, are among the second seeds.

The line-up for the draw at a TV studio in Johannesburg includes three other former champions – Mouloudia Alger and JS Kabylie of Algeria and FAR Rabat of Morocco.

ASEC Mimosas and Stade Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire and Orlando Pirates were former winners who failed to get past the qualifying phase.

Apart from Berkane, Saint-Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Power Dynamos of Zambia, Rivers United of Nigeria and Stade Malien of Mali have reached the group stage for the first time.

CAF Champions League: The Seedings

Pot 1: Al Ahly (EGY), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Esperance (Tunisia), Renaissance Berkane (MAR)

Pot 2: Simba, Young Africans (both TAN), Pyramids (EGY, holders), Al Hilal (SUD)

Pot 3: Petro Luanda (ANG), FAR Rabat (MAR), Mouloudia Alger (ALG), Rivers United (NGR)

Pot 4: JS Kabylie (ALG), Stade Malien (MLI), Saint-Eloi Lupopo (COD), Power Dynamos (ZAM)

CAF Confederation Cup: The Seedings

Pot 1: Zamalek (EGY), Wydad Casablanca (MAR), Chabab Belouizdad, USM Alger (both ALG)

Pot 2: Al Masry (EGY), Stellenbosch (RSA), Djoliba (MLI), Maniema Union (COD)

Pot 3: Kaizer Chiefs (RSA), Otoho (CGO)

Pot 4: AZAM, Singida Black Stars (both TAN), ZESCO United (ZAM), San Pedro (CIV), Olympique Safi (MAR), Nairobi United (KEN)

The governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were all absent from the prayer session organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for political parties contesting in the upcoming election.

Only the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, was represented at the event by his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, YPP’s Sir Paul Chukwuma, LP’s Dr George Moghalu, and ADC’s John Chuma Nwosu failed to honour the invitation.

Many dignitaries at the event expressed disappointment that candidates from other political parties-particularly the incumbent Governor Soludo-boycotted the prayer session and did not even send representatives.

The crowd, mostly women, applauded Ekwunife and the APC for honouring the invitation.

The prayer session was organised by the NLC, led by Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, and the TUC, chaired by Comrade Chris Ogbonna. It was held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Awka.

According to the attendance register, 1,300 persons were present. During her address, Ekwunife of the APC pledged to build and furnish a befitting secretariat for organised labour if elected.

She described it as ‘degrading’ that organised labour in Anambra State does not have a permanent secretariat and still operates from rented apartments.

Ekwunife also criticised the APGA-led government for failing to provide a standard public library in a state that produced the late Prof. Kenneth Dike.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over allegations that the governor donated N100 million of public funds to the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid across the 18 local government areas of the state.

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Wande Ajayi, the PDP accused Aiyedatiwa of using state resources to promote personal political interests, describing the alleged donation as a ‘reckless abuse of public trust.’

According to the opposition party, the funds were allegedly channelled to two of Aiyedatiwa’s political allies – a former minister and an ex-commissioner from the Central and Southern senatorial districts – ahead of the next general election.

‘At a time when Adekunle Ajasin University lecturers have downed tools, hospitals are inhabitable and public schools are costlier than private, the governor is busy throwing N100 million at political loyalists,’ the statement read.

‘It is scandalous that a government that cannot provide water in rural communities, equip hospitals, or reopen its universities can suddenly find N100 million to fund a political project,’ the PDP said, accusing the governor of prioritising politics over public welfare.

The party challenged Aiyedatiwa to publish a detailed record of government expenditure, insisting that transparency and accountability must take precedent over ‘political indulgence funded with taxpayers’ money.’

However, Governor Aiyedatiwa dismissed the allegation, describing the PDP as a ‘dead party.’

In a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Sunday Abire, the governor said the opposition’s claim was baseless and intended to distract his administration.

‘For the record, TSG is a group of personalities in the state who can wilfully donate resources to promote President Tinubu’s vision,’ he said.

‘Let’s even agree their jejune allegation of N100 million is true – TSG has over a hundred members who can contribute a million naira each without troubling the governor. It’s pitiable that the PDP finds news value in such a baseless claim,’ the governor added.

Aiyedatiwa advised the PDP spokesman to ‘focus on mending the torn umbrella of his party, rather than chasing social media relevance through trending political events.’

Students of Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have protested upward review of tuition fees by the management.

It was learnt that the university increased school fees, particularly for ‘freshers’ (newly admitted students), ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) expressed displeasure about the hike, describing it as ‘sudden and inconsiderate.’

The statement, jointly signed by the SUG President, Salami Akeem, General Secretary, Bakare Jamiu Abiodun, and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mosadoluwa Ajidaba, said the increment had thrown many students, especially those who were self-sponsored – into ‘fear and dismay.’

‘It is pertinent to inform the student populace that we are not unconscious of the increment in school fees, which has left many in fear and dismay, especially those who sponsor themselves.

‘While we understand that not all of us are born with silver spoons, efforts and consultations are ongoing to seek reduction in the highly increased fees.

‘Students, especially the newly-admitted ones, are advised not to make any payment or proceed with registration until our engagements with management yield positive results,’ the statement said.

The university management said academic activities for the 2025/2026 session would begin on November 9.

In a statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, the institution directed fresh and returning students to resume as scheduled, noting that registration and lectures would follow a phased calendar.

According to the statement, online screening and registration for fresh students – as well as registration for returning students – will take place between November 9 and 15, while physical resumption and faculty-based course exposition are slated for November 16 to 22.

It added that lectures are expected to begin on November 23.

The statement said the first semester would run for 19 weeks – comprising two weeks for resumption and registration, 12 weeks for lectures, one week for revision and four weeks for examinations.

Arajulu, however, urged students to adhere to the approved academic calendar and ensure prompt payment of fees, to enable a smooth academic process.

The Federal Government has received 90 hectares of land from the Oyo State government to build the Moniya Inland Dry Port in a bold move to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure and decongest seaports.

In a statement yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Anastasia Ogbonna, the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, said he received the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from Oyo State Deputy Governor Abdul-Raheem Lawal on behalf of the Federal Government.

The permanent secretary described the gesture as a demonstration of genuine partnership and shared commitment between both governments to strengthen regional trade and industrial growth.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria as a maritime hub in Africa.

‘The Moniya Inland Dry Port will serve as a strategic national asset, bringing shipping services closer to importers and exporters while stimulating industrial and agricultural growth across the Southwest,’ Oloruntola said.

The permanent secretary, who represented the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, hailed Oyo State for its ‘patriotic support’ in advancing the Federal Government’s maritime reform goals.

He lauded the initiative as a milestone in intergovernmental cooperation for trade facilitation. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, who was represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services, Ahmadu Garta, applauded the Oyo State government’s collaboration on the project.

He emphasised that inland dry ports remain vital to modern commerce, serving as extensions of seaports and reducing logistics costs for businesses operating inland.

‘The development of the Moniya Inland Dry Port will not only promote ease of doing business but will also expand Nigeria’s logistics capacity and enhance regional connectivity,’ Akutah said.

Oyo State Deputy Governor Abdul-Raheem Lawal reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the successful delivery of the project.

He urged the ministry and the NSC to adhere strictly to the implementation timelines of the project.

‘We are committed to seeing this project through, but we also implore the Ministry and the Council to ensure this project is delivered in time for the maximum benefit of the people of Oyo State and its environs,’ Lawal stated.

The statement said the event also featured the official handover of the Certificate of Occupancy and a joint inspection of the project site by officials of the FMM and BE, NSC, and the Oyo State government.

‘Strategically located near the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, the 90-hectare site benefits from existing freight and passenger rail connectivity linking Lagos ports (Apapa and Ebute Metta) to Moniya, Ibadan. This infrastructure advantage is expected to enhance cargo movement efficiency and ease pressure on Lagos ports.

‘The development follows a similar gesture by the Ogun State government, which recently allocated 130 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, underscoring growing regional alignment in expanding the country’s dry port network,’ the statement added.

Teenage Network has concluded its two-year project on Strengthening Sexual Violence Responses in FCT schools, with introduction of a framework to standardise how school-related sexual violence are prevented, reported, and managed.

Speaking in Abuja, Executive Director, Olanike Timipa-Uge, described the initiative as a major milestone in safeguarding learners and strengthening institutional accountability in the education system.

The project was in partnership with FCT Education Secretariat and supported by African Women Development Fund.

She said the project, which began two years ago, sought to tackle gaps that allowed sexual violence to persist unnoticed or unaddressed in schools.

According to her, the new Sexual Violence Reporting and Management Framework, now in FCT schools; public and private, primary and secondary, provides a survivor-centred and standardised mechanism for handling such cases.

‘We found that 65 per cent of school-related sexual violence cases were never reported,’ Timipa-Uge said. ‘There was no clear pathway for survivors or those who witnessed abuse to report it safely. This framework changes that. It establishes multiple reporting channels, including anonymous options; suggestion boxes and hotlines, so no voice goes unheard.’

She said the network worked with the secretariat to train directors, including permanent secretary, on trauma-informed investigation and survivor-centred case management.

‘We also trained gender officers from 77 schools and supported the secretariat to set up Sexual Violence Action committees’ she said.

Timipa-Uge added that the organisation carried out sensitisation on 30 schools, reaching over 90,000 learners with education on their rights and how to identify and report abuse.

‘We have seen a level of awareness. Many open up to reporting cases, and schools are responding,’ she said. ‘We believe this project, even though it’s ending formally, will continue to inspire systemic change. If schools become zero-tolerance spaces for violence, the society will feel the ripple effect’, she said.

The Director of Special Duties at the FCT Education Secretariat, Ramatu Ajuji Abu, hailed the initiative as one of the most effective collaborations the Secretariat has ever engaged in.

‘I have never seen a project as serious, committed, and impactful as this one,’ she said. ‘We have owned the project and already have a structure in place to continue. Training and retraining will remain ongoing so that the gains are sustained.’

Abu added that the project has helped teachers become more responsive and better equipped to manage cases of sexual violence.

‘The government is determined to handle cases properly, including prosecution when necessary,’ she said. ‘The ultimate goal is to make our school environment safe and conducive for learning.’

Also speaking, Dr. Laraba Okah of the FCT Secondary Education Board commended the Teenage Network’s long-term partnership and the introduction of the new framework.

‘Before now, many cases were covered up,’ she said. ‘This project has helped us encourage students to speak, build their confidence, and improve our capacity to support survivors. But all hands must be on deck, civil society, educators, government agencies, and the media must all work together to tackle this issue.’

Similarly, Mohammed Habiba, a gender officer with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), said the framework is already yielding results, particularly at the basic education level.

‘We have seen positive changes in awareness and response,’ she said. ‘However, in rural areas, many pupils still fear speaking out. That is why continued sensitisation, especially through the media, the National Orientation Agency, and civil society, is crucial to sustain this progress.’

Stakeholders at the event agreed that the project has laid a solid foundation for long-term institutional change in the education sector, ensuring that schools in the FCT remain safe spaces for learning and personal development.

First HoldCo Plc has recorded N2.6 trillion gross earnings in its unaudited results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

The group’s financial performance report released at the weekend, showed that gross earnings rose by 17.1 per cent, higher than N2.25 trillion it achieved in same period of last year.

Also, operating expense rose 39.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to N942.7 billion while profit before tax dropped 7.3 per cent y-o-y to N566.5 billion.

The group’s total assets down 0.5 per cent year-to-date to N26.4 trillion, Customer deposits rose 4.2 per cent year-to-date to N17.9 trillion while customer loans and advances (Net) rose by nine per cent year-to-date to N9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios showed that post-tax return on average equity for September 2025 stood at 19.9 per cent; earnings yield September 2025 were at 17.3 per cent while net interest margin as at September 2025 was at 11.3 per cent.

Other indicators showed that cost of funds as at September 2025 was 4.9 per cent; cost to income, 52.4 per cent; cost of risk, 3.7 per cent; book value per share, N77.8 and gross loans to deposits, 56.1 per cent.

The Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, commented: ‘FirstHoldCo has once again showed solid earnings capabilities. The Group posted a strong financial performance over the period, with interest income and operating income growing by 40.4 per cent and 23.2 per cent year-on-year, respectively. The robust performance of the core business was supported by a 26.9 per cent rise in gross fees and commission income. Consequently, gross earnings reached N2.6 trillion, marking a 17.1 per cent year-on-year increase’.

He said the decline in profit before tax is directly attributable to the normalisation of fair value gains and measures implemented to strengthen the balance sheet for the long term.

‘Our strategic risk management initiatives are already yielding positive results, as evidenced by an improvement in the non-performing loan ratio to 8.5 per cent, and we are on track to exit the forbearance regime by year-end’.

‘Regarding the recapitalisation of FirstBank, the first phase of our private placement capital raise has been successfully executed. Pending final regulatory approvals, we anticipate this phase will conclude in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the minimum capital requirements before year-end 2025. The proceeds from the subsequent rounds of capital raising will be used to further enhance and broaden our innovative financial solutions and explore value accretive solutions,’ it said.

‘Overall, FirstHoldCo’s underlying metrics affirm its fundamental strength, resilience, and scalability of operations. The Group is well-positioned to not only achieve its 2029 financial targets but to significantly enhance shareholder returns.’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the success of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, manufacturers of Coleman Wires and Cables, as a model of sustainability and corporate resilience.

Speaking at the company’s 50th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night, held in Ogun State, Obasanjo said the company’s management has been able to sustain a legacy of family succession and visionary leadership that has kept it thriving for five decades.

He praised the company’s founder, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan, and his family, for building a generational enterprise that continues to expand under the leadership of his sons.

His words: ‘I commend you and congratulate you. When you go to the cemetery, you don’t see it written that a man tried and died. You only see that men lived and died – and many died for one reason or another.

‘But you have done something different; you have ensured your business continues to thrive while you are still alive and not in charge. That is wisdom and foresight.’

The former Nigerian President urged other Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially owners of family businesses, to emulate the Onafowokan family’s example by establishing strong succession plans.

Earlier in his address, the company’s founder and chairman, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan, reflected on the company’s 50-year journey, attributing its success to divine grace and strategic succession planning.

He expressed gratitude to God, his family, and the company’s workforce for their role in building the Coleman brand.

He said, ‘It’s not by my might but by the grace of Almighty God. I was deliberate about succession because when you have a mission, you must ensure those who will take over have the same determination to succeed. I am proud that my sons are ready to take this company to greater heights.’

Managing Director, Coleman Technical Industries Ltd, Mr. George Onafowokan, in his speech, celebrated Coleman’s transformation from a small trading firm established in 1975 to a manufacturing giant recently commissioning Africa’s largest fibre optic cable facility and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic production factory.

He said: ‘Coleman today is on track to becoming a N15 trillion enterprise, with over 50 per cent of revenue expected from exports. Our journey reflects a strong belief that Nigeria can build, innovate, and compete globally.’

The evening also featured awards and recognitions, with Obasanjo presenting the Excellence Award to Mr. Femi Adeleye, a top distributor of Coleman products, while Ogun State Deputy Governor presented the Long Service Award to Mrs. Adefemi Grace, who has served with the company for 38 years. Mr. Ikini Enahoro was also honoured for his 21 years of service.

Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Ogun State Deputy Governor; Pastor Tunde Bakare; the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; and juju music legend King Sunny Ade, who thrilled guests with a live performance.

The management of Coleman also presented a Rolls-Royce gift to the Chairman of Coleman, Dr. Solomon Onafowokan, which was formally handed over by former President Obasanjo.

The celebration marked not just 50 years of corporate success but also the triumph of faith, resilience, and the enduring Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit that has positioned Coleman as a continental leader in cable and fibre technology.

The change of Service Chiefs by Mr President was a masterstroke and could not have come at a better time. It came at the heels of palpable fear or apprehension of coup plot leading to the low keyed Independence Day celebration without the usual razzmatazz of military parade and display of splendour. The change of Service Chiefs was politically strategic, and operationally expedient to give valve and impetus to the fight against insecurity hopefully, and stabilize the polity. The appointments may have been viewed rather through political prism, but those appointed are eminently qualified as generals.

A general ordinarily should be an embodiment of military doctrine and professionalism where the system that produces them is rigorous. We may not know their antecedents but what we are given is what our system has produced; let them prove their mettles as hard core professionals in the face of the challenging security environment.

They have both Constitutional and statutory duties and their loyalty should be to the country. Mr President is conferred with the power to appoint service chiefs without permission.

Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2010 as amended provides thus: ‘The power conferred on the President by subsection (1) of this section shall include power to appoint the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and Heads of any other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly’. Whatever motive anybody may impute, Mr President does not need any permission; it is within his prerogative.

Following the change of Service Chiefs, there have been flurries of activities within the military establishments. There have been postings and appointments to fill opened vacancies, while others have to call it a quit and continue with their lives outside the military; ‘soldier go, soldier come, barracks remain’.

It was an electrifying atmosphere in the Mogadishu Military Cantonment in Asokoro, formerly Sani Abacha’s Barracks on October 31. There was a military ceremony and colourful parade, marking the Pulling-Out-Parade of the erstwhile Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), General Christopher Gwabin Musa. General CG Musa was a consummate soldier; like a meteoric star, rising from the rank of Second Lieutenant to a 4-Star General. He belonged to the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army that pride themselves as the Queens of Battle. He does not have the fearsome look of the tempestuous American General, Norman Schwarzkopf of the famed Operation Desert Storm, whose thunderous voice conversation will shake the telephone handset at the receiving end, even while talking to his Commander-in-Chief. General Musa did not seem to have the swagger and volcanic temper of a General Victor Malu and one of our celebrated military commanders, and a former Chief of Army Staff who was like a charging bull, fearless!

General Musa has a gentle mien but a steel heart; he is expressive without bothering to be politically correct and sometimes courting controversy. He is a militarist to boot that prefers to treat the enemies of state with a good dose of lethal force, as a soldier. His view on dealing with insecurity and criminal elements did not quite coincide with the political establishment. He was a little bit hawkish, without being brash! He was the last man standing from the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 38. General Christopher Musa bowed out of Service in a grand style, just the same way he came by storm when he was picked by Mr President to be the CDS.

About a week ago, the news broke that Mr President had sacked the Chief of Defence Staff with immediate effect. Mr President did not sack the CDS, he changed the Service Chiefs. This does not call for linguistic analysis. It was time for him to go after 35 years of meritorious military service to the fatherland. Public office is not a permanent abode to deify people to stay glued as if on ancestral stool, like a Paul Biya of Cameroon. Change is the only constant thing in life and we should embrace it to meet the self-regulating order to rejuvenate the public system.

In the flux of life, there is a continuous movement from cradle to the grave. If an establishment cannot function without one person, then there is a system failure because succession plan is supposed to be inbuilt into any bureaucracy. Tenure elongation kills a bureaucracy!

General CG Musa was one of the finest the Armed Forces of Nigeria has produced lately. He is expressive and does not shy away from controversy, maintaining his view on professional standpoint whether it was popular or not. He was the closest to what the pristine soldiering and military tradition should be, treating enemies of the state not as victims to be issued olive branches, but to be served and given spicy sauce of lead, and bloody nose.

One only hopes that the change would serve to re-calibrate and reinvigorate the war against insurgency and insecurity which we have been fighting half-heartedly due to political considerations. What is true so far is that our security architecture has fared better in political battles more than fighting insecurity.

What is true is that appointment of military commanders should not be lost in politics as we are gradually doing or perceived to be doing. This is because it is going to rob off on our ability to protect our territorial integrity and security of lives and properties. We are up against very serious threat of insurgency and criminality that threaten our corporate existence. Those saddled with responsibility of running our security architecture favour appeasement and pacification of criminals who are daily building and expanding their armoury, and recruiting from the teaming army of unemployed and unemployable youths across the country into their ranks.

Gradually, we are creating private and regional armies which portend very grave danger and security risk. One can only see the equivalent and comparison of the Boko Haram insurgents, armed herdsmen, bandits, and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) gravitating towards private regional armies just like Janjaweed militia in Darfur and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). They have destabilized the entire Sudan, turning it one theatre of operation and dislocation of the population. The states are building armed security outfits like the civilian joint task force (CJTF), Amotekun etc etc, militarizing the entire political space without offering protection and safety to the people. Kidnappers and bandits have taken over the entire road networks across the country and terrorising our local communities and even city centres.

I am persuaded that any modern global military doctrine that aligns with negotiation and rehabilitation of criminals as the government appears to prefer is an admission of failure of its security forces, and bowing to political pressure. That is where Christopher Musa appears to differ with some elements in the security architecture who favour rapprochement. Officers and soldiers know their commanders; not everyone can command men in battle.

General CG Musa was one of the finest in the crème la crème of the Nigerian Military lately; so long General! Welcome to the rank of veterans!