Editorial
INTERVIEW: Terrorists plan to rule Nigeria, Ex-Army Chief reveals
…suggests weapons enter nation through over 1, 000 illegal routes
•Says combating insurgents with 200,000 soldiers no easy task
Lt Gen Abdulrahman B. Dambazau (rtd) had a robust service in the Nigerian armed forces culminating in his appointment as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) in August 2008. Dambazau disengaged from the military in September 2010.
After his disengagement, he joined the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and became its Director, Security for the presidential election same year. In 2014, he joined then mega opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and was subsequently appointed the APC Director, Security, APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2015 presidential election. He was also Director of Security of the APC Presidential Campaign Council during the 2019 presidential election.
The former Army chief was Minister of Interior from November 11, 2015 to May 28, 2019.
In this interview, Dambazau speaks on insecurity in Nigeria and the way out.
Excerpts:
What is your general impression on the country’s state of security?
Generally, every country has its own challenges on security and this is all over the world. But, of course, every nation too has its own security concerns. And, certainly, just like President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his feelings severally and many other personalities have done, the issue of insecurity is of concern to us because it has its implications economically, socially and politically.
What do you think was the background to these challenges?
There are many factors. Firstly, the issue of crime and criminalities is part of human nature. Every country experiences and that is why, in the first place, we have laws to govern society. Even God himself, who created us in His infinite mercy, sent prophets and books (Bible for Christians, Quran for Muslims etc) in order to guide our behaviour. Like I said, there are some factors involved…
Elaborate on those factors…
Some of those factors have to do with socio-economic issues, governance, environment (the impact of certain things happening within the environment). So, like I said, they are multi factors. For instance, on the issue of our environment, today, we are talking about climate change, how it has impacted on the environment, leading to land degradation, environmental degradation, resulting in forced migration for our farmers and herders from degraded areas to areas where they can access land and water to farm or herd their cattle. They are doing so because of the effect of what climate change has done which affected land and water resources and which are becoming scarce and smaller in size. In that case, you have conflict over their use or ownership. Also, in terms of socio-economic matters, we have issues of poverty and unemployment. Corruption also has a very serious impact on the environment.
These are some of the specific factors that I think contribute to some of the security challenges we have in the country. Globalization also has an impact. The world is becoming smaller, things are done faster. It gives a lot of opportunities for people with bad intentions to also take advantage of that. This is coupled with the fact that technology has so much improved. Another thing related to this is population. Our population after independence was about 50 million. Today, we are over 200 million people. Large population is not an issue as long as it is used as human capital to develop the country. So, the resources are scarce while the population has grown exponentially. These are some of factors that do contribute to the insecurity we are facing today.
Let’s expand the discussion to include insecurity generally. It started in 2009 with Boko Haram in the North-East. Today, it has escalated to every part of the North. How did something that started as insurgency in the North-East escalate to existential threat for the entire North?
Well, I want to correct an impression. The issue of insecurity did not start from the North-East. Recall that at one time in our history, what we were dealing with in the 80s and 90s was armed robbery. Remember the famous Oyenusi, particularly within the South-West and Anini & co. Those were the scary issues at that time.
Then, our prisons were filled with those awaiting trial, alleged armed robbery suspects or convicts of same crime. At a time, government started public execution of convicts. On one occasion, execution was taking place at Bar Beach (Lagos) for armed robbery and somebody was robbing another man of his car. So, the challenges of insecurity have always been there. Specifically, for the North-East, insecurity started way back with those young chaps who grouped and called themselves ‘Talibans’ in reference to what was happening in Afghanistan at that time.
So, this was the same group, I think, grew to become what it is today. But, this issue has gone beyond the North-East, like you rightly pointed out, it has spread to many parts of Nigeria and even beyond; it has become a regional issue in the sense that it has engulfed the entire Lake Chad Basin region. It is an issue that also has connection in the entire region. Recall the issue of countries showing concern about insurgency within, specifically, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic now. So, it is a regional issue and our neighbor, Benin Republic, is getting some touch of it. Initially, Lake Chad Basin countries did not show much concern about it. They thought it was a Nigeria’s problem until it became a reality to them that it was a regional problem and all the countries, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015, refocused attention to Multi-National Joint Task Force which is now based in Chad under the command of a Nigerian officer since it was established. And, of course, even Benin Republic, which is not a member of the Lake Chad Basin Authority, is contributing towards that because it is also a threat to it. It is, indeed, a threat to the whole of West Africa. Among the insurgent groups that are active, Islamic State for the West Africa Province, ISWAP, has the territorial ambition to rule the whole of West Africa. It has gone beyond the North-East, Northern Nigeria and the entire Nigeria. It is a regional issue and, as such, an African problem. It is a challenge which, I think, we should look at from that angle.
To be fair to President Buhari, when he assumed office in 2015, the first thing he did was to visit all the neighboring countries specifically because of insurgency and, following that, he organized a conference of heads of state in the region in Abuja where this issue was discussed. In addition, the Federal Government also gave a lump sum of money for this project. The Multi-National Joint Task Force is heavily funded mostly by Nigeria because we have more interest to protect here. Don’t forget our population, size and interest, particularly managing our borders and reinforcing it with security which we have to do alongside those neighbors. We have extensive land borders, covering about 4, 500km. So, it is a concern to us.
The fact that we must protect our borders is a major challenge. Even here in Nigeria, there were all types of narratives sponsored here and there, that people were not even taking Boko Haram serious. Part of the problem we have is national ownership of the problem because, even at that time, there are people who felt the issue was not their problem. Some looked at it as a northern problem but today it has become a regional issue, not even Nigeria’s.
There is a very wide network of insurgency connected with ISIS and others. So, these are issues we need to look deeply into and ensure that we nip them in the bud because insurgency, combined with extremism and terrorism, has seen young people sponsored to throw bombs, kill people and themselves in various places. We don’t even talk about 2009, even during former President Obasanjo’s administration, when there were attacks in Kano, followed by the killing of a popular cleric, Sheikh Adamu, who was murdered, while leading prayers in a mosque in Kano. This group had already established all over. It was not even at that time confined to the North-East. Remember the 2011 bombing of the United Nations, UN, Office in Abuja, the burning of Nyanya and other places. So, these are issues we have been dealing with. I don’t want to continue seeing it as a North-East or Northern Nigerian problem. It is a regional/African problem which we need to wake up and deal with.
You referenced the efforts of President Buhari and, of course, the military and the Multi-National Joint Task Force based in Chad. That brings us to the role of the Nigerian military in tackling these challenges. As one of Nigeria’s military veterans, how would you assess the performance of the military on the security threat the nation is facing, bearing in mind the numerous challenges facing the military, especially the issue of resources, welfare, equipment and an over-stretched military?
Bearing in mind all the challenges you mentioned, it is very glaring that the military is doing as much as they can to deal with the situation. I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate my colleagues in the military, particularly those who gave up their lives for others to live, leaving behind them widows and orphans. No soldier gets out of his house, deployed to fight a battle with the intention that he wants to die. No! He wants to win the war and come back safely. But, unfortunately, that is not always the case. So, we need to give the military standing ovation for what they have been doing as far as fighting insurgency is concerned. It is a big challenge. Americans just got out of Afghanistan after 20 years.
They have been fighting war against terrorism for more than three decades now. So, with all the technological advancements, all the intelligence they have, they are still fighting non-state actors, and the terrorism they are fighting is not home grown, they go outside their country to challenge threats against them, but ours is home grown and to challenge non-state actors who are Nigerians, mostly living within the communities, is not an easy task. Secondly, you mentioned the fact that the military is over-stretched. Yes, the military is over-stretched. What is the total strength of the army, the navy and the air force? Just a little under 200, 000 and not only are they occupied, engaged to fight insurgency, they also deal with issues of routine policing. I think we need to look at our police as an institution and strengthen them in order to be able to handle those tasks which are their primary responsibilities, so that the military can concentrate in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country.
They have to be very conscious about issues of human rights because those are the issues other people are waiting for them to make mistakes. So, to go into fighting people who are involved in terrorism or insurgency who are living within the country, who are Nigerians, who are within the communities and are irregular non-state actors, is extremely difficult to do. I believe they (military) are doing as much as they can, bearing in mind the circumstances and, of course, when you are talking of weapons and equipment, when Mr President said he needed $1m to buy equipment, people were making all kinds of noise. But when you look at the security challenges facing the country, $1m is not much to cover their needs, to be able to carry out the tasks, their constitutional responsibilities and other challenges. I believe we must be able to appreciate the military. Of course, there are areas that one can say they can do better, but if you look at it generally, I believe they are doing as much as they can to carry out the tasks the Commander-in-Chief has given them. Yes, there are issues that have to do with administrative problems.
This is not unique to the military, it is a general issue which, when you look at it, all the sectors in the country have challenges of accountability and transparency as well as rule of law. These are the key ingredients in any democracy and these challenges are also not unique to the military. We must be able to focus on these challenges, make sure that whatever we do, the process is transparent, accountable and follows the rule of law and, of course, human right. If we do that, it will not give much leverage for anybody to take advantage of the system.
You have been critical about inter- agency collaboration in intelligence gathering and the usage of that intelligence gathered. Sometimes, we hear that intelligence gathered didn’t get to the right people or that it got to the right people but they didn’t get the right order. In the context of what you said about how things could be done better, what is it that we need to do better in this regard, with particular reference to inter-agency collaboration, among security agencies?
As I earlier mentioned, in this business of security, two things are very important. One, security forces must have the capacity not only to monitor what is happening, they must also have the capacity to respond to incidents. That capacity must be quick and sharp for it to be useful to their action. If it is not quick and sharp, it would only lead to escalation. This is why I said, for instance, the train attack, the attack at Kuje Prisons and others whereby those violent criminals would operate, spend a couple of hours in an operation, finish and disappear.
This is why I said there is need for us to look into the way we respond to emergencies. That is the way security agencies collaborate because this is not a one-man business. This must be based on collective efforts. An agency will not be able to deal with emergency situation alone particularly with the type of security situation we are facing. This is why it is important that security agencies work together. They must share information or intelligence. Their equipment must be inter-operational. They must be able to speak to themselves using their equipment. They must be able to access situations simultaneously so they can know who takes what action at what time. Inter-agency co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration, which I call the 3cs, are very important. If they are not able to achieve that, it becomes a problem.
As a military man and, from the security perspective, there has been creation of regional security outfits, like the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North and the Amotekun in the South-West. Many, including security experts, say equipment, including weaponry, should be slightly enlarged to include the para – military and even vigilantes. What do you make of this?
Well, that has its own advantages and disadvantages but, understandably, it’s more like self – help; communities come together to form vigilante in order to cover the gaps left by officially recognized security forces and that is what is happening. Like I said, it has advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, Zamfara’s case has led to a kind of war between the Fulani herders groups in the forest and the vigilante groups coming from the communities. The Fulani groups accused the vigilante groups of going into their communities, killing their people, rustling their cows and raping their women, among others. I don’t know how far that is true, but they used that as excuse for going into the communities, where they identify vigilantes to carry out banditry attacks as a way of revenging. I think that kind of thing should be looked into. If, for instance, the South-West’s Amotekun is able to cover certain gaps, civilians, in the first place, have a role to play, whether they are formed as vigilante or not. They should be able to provide information to security agencies. They should be able to report whatever they see happening, but what we have today on the other side of it is that we also have civilians who assist violent criminals to do what they are doing. Some go to the extent of supplying them food, drugs, weapons etc in the forests. This should not be the case. This is a problem that is a threat to everyone. Sometimes too, you will find out that some of them do it out of fear, sometime, when a community feels that it is not getting the protection it requires from security forces, they give in to the demands of these criminals to the extent that they threaten and collect tax from them.
I have seen some unverified pictures where captors use captives to farm for them and whatever they produce belongs to the criminals. On the issue of para-military institutions, the Customs and Correctional Service already carry weapons in line with the Act establishing them. But the issue is that they need more training on the use of weapons. I am afraid to say that, several years ago, this was my experience as Minister of Interior which I made efforts to correct. For several years, I met a situation whereby there was weakness in training personnel in para-military organizations
. This is why we gave a lot of attention to training institutions to ensure that they are functioning. I also made it mandatory that before one is promoted from one rank to the other, he or she is required to undergo certain courses and trainings. I brought my military experience into that. You don’t get promoted without attending those courses/trainings, tested and certified, with good grade which you will now use to compete at the Board with others before you are promoted. Before then, people just got promoted without attending those courses. We have corrected that, at least, while I was there and I believe my successor continued with that. So, these are some of the issues. But, you cannot allow everybody to carry weapons.
Even Americans are still grappling with the issue of gun control, because you find situations whereby people go into schools and supermarkets and start shooting and killing people. So, to say that everybody should be allowed to carry weapons, I don’t think we have got to that stage, particularly on the issues of assault weapons which, I think, we should be very careful about. But, vigilante has always been there, it is not new. We have had communities organizing them, so it not a new thing. South-West as a region has started to look at it as the window to create Amotekun. We will be able to assist because they do not have constitutional mandate. So, they are doing that to assist law enforcement agencies. I have seen situations whereby when they arrest suspects they hand them over to law enforcement agencies.
A lot of weapons came into Nigeria through our borders, particularly after the death of Col. Gadaffi in Libya in 2011. Some of the people bringing in the weapons are not Nigerians. What can you say about that in terms of the strength of security in being able to control incursions such as this?
Our border security and management has some serious challenges. I mentioned earlier that we have over 5, 000km land borders and, of course, we have borders by the sea. This is a challenge. Then, of course, there is absolutely no way we can physically man all those borders. As at the time I was in office, they were about 84 officially recognized crossing areas and over 1, 000 illegal routes people use (to possibly bring in weapons). There is closeness between countries we have boundaries with. There were some borders I visited while in office where it was only a road that separated a community in Niger from a community in Nigeria. When I visited Benin Republic, upon their invitation on the issues of border, I met my counterpart, their then Minister of Interior, one Mr. Akande. Apparently, he is a Yoruba man.
He told me that they have this close cultural affinity with the Yoruba in one of the states, that none of the traditional rulers will remain on a seat without visiting a particular shrine in Benin Republic. If you look at Chad, we have Niger, we have Fulani and Kanuri speaking people, just like Benin with Yoruba speaking people. You look at Northern Cameroun, we have Fulani and Hausa speaking people. In Southern Cameroon, you cannot differentiate between the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states from those of South-West Cameroon, even in terms of name.
They have been sharing similar names. So, there is that strong cultural affinity. That is the second issue aside the expanse nature of the borders. Even if you just look at those two, you will know that we have these challenges. So, in order to deal with these challenges, we must work together with our neighbors. Interestingly, you find out that maybe because of population, some of those neighbors are more organized than us in terms of respect to rules, to laws. For instance, when you leave Nigeria and enter Niger, you will see the way they organized themselves.
They are not as rich as us or as exposed as us. There is need for us to come together. All our neighbors depend on us for survival to a very large extent. There was a time we heard that the Federal Government offered to buy vehicles for one of the neighboring countries and people were making…that is soft power. We also get aids from other countries, and they don’t make noise about them but they know why we do such aids. We also know why we do that.
America has two bases in Niger: the Department of Defence and the CIA. They use those bases to protect their interests. We can’t neglect the fact that we need to move very close with the Americans to be able to leverage on what they do there. They are there for their interest. Also, we have our interest: interests that are mutual. Also, the influence of France and the European Union, EU, in that region, France has been conduction ‘Operation Barkani’ in Mali for years even though they said they were withdrawing some troops. France is a great influence in all our neighboring countries who are Francophone. We cannot distance ourselves from France because we have some interest to protect, just like France. And, France also has interest to protect in Nigeria. We should be able to have a bi-lateral relationship with these countries based on mutual interest. (Vanguard)
• Interview first aired on Channels TV News
BY TONY EDIKE
As Governor and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah marks his 54th birthday today, it is both timely and compelling to reflect on a leadership journey that is steadily redefining governance in Enugu State. In under two years, his administration has charted a bold course—one that departs from incrementalism and embraces disruptive, results-oriented governance driven by innovation, speed, and accountability.
At the heart of this transformation lies an ambitious economic vision. Initially, Governor Mbah set out to grow Enugu into a $30 billion economy. However, in a demonstration of confidence rooted in ongoing reforms and early gains, he has recently raised the bar—pledging to double that target. This upward revision is not mere rhetoric; it reflects a strategic recalibration backed by aggressive investments in infrastructure, productivity, and institutional efficiency.
Roads Infrastructure
Road infrastructure remains one of the clearest indicators of this shift. Through initiatives such as the “Zero Pothole Initiative,” the administration has significantly improved the quality of roads within Enugu metropolis. Many residential layouts in Enugu which roads were abandoned by successive administrations now enjoy asphalt roads with quality drainages on both sides to ensure durability. Beyond urban renewal, the government’s focus on rural access roads—especially those linking agricultural zones to markets—underscores a deliberate strategy to unlock economic value across the state. Roads, under Mbah, are not just pathways; they are economic lifelines.
Transformation of Transport Sector
In tandem with road development is a bold transformation in the transport sector. A standout innovation is the launch of Enugu Air, a state-backed aviation initiative designed to position Enugu as a regional transportation hub. This move signals a forward-thinking approach to connectivity—enhancing both passenger movement and economic linkages with other parts of Nigeria and beyond. Alongside this, the administration is modernizing the broader transport ecosystem through structured mass transit schemes, digitization, and the development of integrated transport terminals.
Tackling Age-long Water Challenge
Water provision, long a challenge in the state, is receiving overdue attention. The rehabilitation of major water schemes such as Ajali and Oji River marks a critical step toward restoring potable water supply to homes and businesses. More importantly, the government is adopting a sustainability-focused model that prioritizes efficient distribution and long-term maintenance—ensuring that access to clean water becomes consistent rather than episodic.
Security Reforms
Security reforms under Governor Mbah reflect a decisive embrace of technology and intelligence-led strategies. The establishment of a modern Command and Control Centre, supported by surveillance systems, CCTV installations, and improved inter-agency coordination, has enhanced the state’s capacity to prevent and respond to crime. This has contributed to a safer environment, essential for both citizens’ well-being and investor confidence.
Wealth Creation
On wealth creation, the administration is shifting the economic base from consumption to production. Agro-industrial processing zones are being developed to add value to agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs. At the same time, investor-friendly policies are opening up opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and commerce. These efforts collectively position Enugu as a competitive destination for business and innovation.
Tax Reform
Tax reforms have also played a crucial role in supporting this transformation. By digitizing revenue collection and strengthening compliance mechanisms, the government is reducing leakages and enhancing transparency. The objective is clear: to grow internally generated revenue in a manner that is efficient, fair, and sustainable. The government recently took steps to eliminate multiple taxation by introducing a bill at the State House of Assembly to harmonize various taxes payable in the state. The law has already been made and it is expected to give serious relief to tax payers in the state.
President Tinubu lauds Mbah’s achievements
These sweeping reforms have attracted national recognition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Mbah for his bold vision and tangible developmental strides, highlighting Enugu State as an emerging model for effective subnational governance.
President Tinubu while felicitating Dr Peter Mbah on his 54th birthday, celebrated the lawyer and philanthropist, highlighting the tremendous progress recorded in Enugu State under his leadership over the past two years.
He particularly lauded Dr Mbah’s bold commitment to the ideals of progressive governance and constitutional democracy, as exemplified in his administration’s transformational projects and programmes.
Dr Mbah was a private-sector player who had achieved success in the oil and gas sector before he was elected governor of Enugu State in 2023. According to Tinubu: “During my official visit to Enugu in 2025, I witnessed firsthand what good and competent leadership, as demonstrated by Mbah, can accomplish when anchored on vision and service to the people.
“Dr Mbah’s inclusive governance and partnership with other Southeast governors is repositioning the region for economic and political transformation.”
Mbah: A Distinguished Leader
What distinguishes Governor Mbah’s leadership is not just the scale of his ambition, but the discipline of execution. Projects are pursued with urgency, monitored with precision, and delivered with accountability. This governance style is gradually reshaping public expectations—proving that transformational leadership is both possible and achievable.
As he celebrates his birthday, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah stands as a symbol of a new governance paradigm in Nigeria—one defined by innovation, courage, and a relentless pursuit of progress. His administration’s disruptive reforms are not only transforming Enugu State but also offering a compelling blueprint for sustainable development across the nation.
If sustained, this bold vision—now recalibrated toward an even larger economic horizon—could firmly establish Enugu as one of Nigeria’s foremost economic powerhouses.
With the commitment and determination already demonstrated by the Governor, Enugu is undoubtedly on the path to economic prosperity, and its citizens will continue to declare: ‘OUR TOMORROW IS HERE.’”
• Tony Edike is a renowned journalist and public analyst
By Valentine Obienyem
The true revolution Nigeria needs is a break with the past, a transformation of civic culture, ethics of leadership, and public participation. This is the revolution that undermines corruption, enthrones accountability, and restores hope.
Revolution is not merely a dramatic or violent overthrow of governments; it is, more profoundly, a warning signal that societies emit, like a volcano emitting lava, when injustice, corruption, exclusion, and moral or material degradation have reached intolerable levels. It arises when established institutions lose their legitimacy – and of which institution is this not true in Nigeria? – and when the social contract between rulers and the ruled collapses. In such moments, revolution becomes the language of a people who have exhausted peaceful avenues of redress and can no longer endure the weight of systemic failure.
In other words, revolution functions as a painful but necessary process of renewal. It is the weeding out of entrenched falsehoods, surgical removal of decayed structures, and destructive habits that choke the life of a society. By clearing away what has become irredeemably dysfunctional, revolution creates the possibility – though not the guarantee – of a fresh beginning. It offers a chance for a nation to rediscover its values, reconstruct its institutions, and realign power with justice, dignity, and the common good.
History offers powerful illustrations of this truth. In the French Revolution, the accumulated suffering of ordinary people eventually broke the bonds of obedience and unleashed one of the most consequential upheavals in modern history. The careless speech of Marie Antoinette was merely a trigger. Reflecting on this process, Mirabeau posed a piercing question: “Have these men studied, in the history of any people, how revolutions commence and how they are carried out? Have they observed by what a fatal chain of circumstances the wisest men are driven far beyond the limits of moderation, and by what terrible impulses an enraged people is precipitated into excesses at the very thought of which they would have shuddered?” His warning exposed a central truth of revolutionary moments – that upheavals are not initially driven by extremists, but by the steady pressure of injustice and neglect, which, when left unchecked, push even the most moderate societies and individuals toward desperate and radical ends.
What happened in France was not unique. Throughout history, revolutions have erupted because ordinary people were pushed to the breaking point by unbearable conditions. Recently, I met a lawyer who had been detained by security agencies for months over a matter that could have been resolved in less than a week. In his own case, he had a wealthy brother who supported him. What, then, of those who do not have an “Abraham” to stand by them? When he was finally released, he was so frustrated and disillusioned that he expressed a willingness to join any revolutionary movement he could find, eager to fight against the injustices that had made life in Nigeria so difficult for many.
The American Revolution burned with resentment against colonial exploitation and denial of political representation; the Haitian Revolution erupted under the brutal yoke of slavery and racial dehumanization; the Chinese Revolution was powered by deep poverty, social exploitation, and foreign domination; and the Arab Spring sprang from frustration with corruption, unemployment, repression, and stolen futures. These historical moments share common causes: inequality, systemic corruption, political exclusion, economic hardship, abuse of power, suppression of basic freedoms, erosion of dignity, and, above all, the collapse of hope – just like our computer collapsed under “Mohmoodian” glitch – in the possibility of reform within existing systems.
Even in our own time, this pattern continues to repeat itself. Today, a different kind of revolution is unfolding thousands of miles away in Iran, where widespread protests have erupted across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, driven by soaring inflation, deepening economic crisis, and public anger at entrenched political and religious leadership. Demonstrations began with economic grievances – skyrocketing prices and a collapsing currency – but have swiftly grown into broader challenges to the regime’s authority and legitimacy. Authorities have responded with force, internet shutdowns, and mass arrests, reflecting how desperate governments react when people reach their limits.
Against this global background, Nigeria’s situation becomes even clearer. In Nigeria, too, the conditions for revolutionary pressure exist. Corruption has become systemic; public resources are routinely plundered, basic services are missing, and inequality grows every year. Economic hardship is now a daily reality for millions of citizens. The failures of leadership—political, economic, and moral—have left ordinary Nigerians with shrinking opportunities, growing insecurity, and diminishing trust in the state. Meaningful change cannot come through polite silence alone—it will require the righteous indignation of citizens who refuse to accept mediocrity and corruption as normal.
Yet, despite this growing pressure, the people of Nigeria today are disillusioned. The conditions that Mirabeau described—a fatal chain of circumstances driving citizens beyond moderation—are visible in the everyday struggles of Nigerians who wrestle with unemployment, insecurity, inflation, and political exclusion. Many who once placed their trust in peaceful, constitutional change now question whether the system can be transformed from within without a fundamental break with past habits of governance.
However, at this point, an important caution must be introduced. But here we must recognize a vital point captured by Durant: violent revolution often destroys more than it creates, and only a profound shift in national character and values can build lasting progress. Durant argued that revolutions that fail to transform the underlying moral and intellectual principles of a society often lead to new forms of corruption or stagnation. The true revolution Nigeria needs is a break with the past, a transformation of civic culture, ethics of leadership, and public participation. This is the revolution that undermines corruption, enthrones accountability, and restores hope.
Therefore, Nigeria today stands at such a crossroads. Economic decay, political mismanagement, and social despair could drive people to extremes that few would have imagined: exactly what Mirabeau warned against. But the choice is not merely between chaos and calm; it is between a revolution of character and purpose and a slow descent into disorder. What Nigeria needs is a revolution of renewal, exemplified by strong, ethical leaders like Peter Obi, and a citizenry determined to reclaim its future not through destruction, but through restoration and reform.
This brings us directly to why Obi is mentioned. The reference to Obi is grounded in his antecedents. We know what Anambra State used to be before he governed it, precisely under Mbadinuju, and that memory reminds us of what Nigeria has become today. Things have gone terribly wrong. Anambra itself had drifted into decay until 2006, when a disruptive meteor entered and altered its orbit. He introduced policies that stimulated inventiveness, industry, and thrift. He marched through the fisc with an economizing scythe, abolishing offices that carried emoluments without duties and restoring discipline, purpose, and direction to governance.
In the same spirit, only by breaking decisively with the patterns that have held us back can a new Nigeria that is possible begin. Just as Obi, our meteor, altered the orbit of Anambra, so does Nigeria now need a leader like him capable of altering her own trajectory. By confronting and dismantling Nigeria of corruption, impunity, and complacency that has taken root at the national level, Nigeria can truly transform.
Ultimately, the world has witnessed revolutions that toppled regimes, but history teaches that lasting change does not come merely from the fall of governments; it comes from a transformation in a society’s values, priorities, and collective will. Let that be the revolution Nigeria seeks today, not a revolution of burning buildings, but one fuelled by a burning desire for justice, integrity, discipline, and a shared sense of national purpose.
Consequently, to achieve it, the country definitely does not need the likes of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Each day he remains as president, arising from a stolen mandate, brings untold hardship upon the people. Nigerians are tired and are just waiting for 2027 to do the needful. Indeed, there is nothing revulsive in the history of governance in Nigeria than the rise of PBAT, or more comforting than the thought of Mr. Peter Obi becoming the next president.
By PETER MBAH
It is often said that when you arrive in a great city for the first time, before you see its tallest building or its finest restaurant, before you even hear its music or taste its food, you notice its transport system. The way a city moves tells you how it thinks, works, and cares for its people. In many ways, transport is the heartbeat of civilisation, and if the heartbeat is strong, the body thrives.
About two years ago, this location was practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness. Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity. We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria will be a futile bid, if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.
Governor Peter Mbah
So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed, beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State. It is about ensuring the people commute in dignity and comfort.
It is a key part of our integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Project’s Phase 1: Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1) – designated for interstate transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport; Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station); Abakpa Terminal (Abakpa Central Station); and Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station). Today, these terminals stand as inspiring reminders of the power of vision.
The Holy Ghost/Ogbete axis is the heartbeat of Enugu’s urban mobility. With over 50% of the city’s commuter traffic passing through here daily, its transformation signals our commitment to world-class standards. By modernising the area, we are creating a downtown experience that will anchor business, tourism, and urban renewal. The completion of these facilities teaches us that true development might yield some discomfort. But it always creates an outcome that benefits all.
Alongside the CNG Rapid Bus Service (Mass Transit Scheme), these terminals are central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.
With regard to roads, we have rehabilitated, built and expanded critical routes, improved junctions, and opened new corridors that connect communities and markets.
In aviation, we have launched Enugu Air and secured strategic partnerships to strengthen our position as a regional aviation hub.
We have advanced discussions in rail to reconnect Enugu State to the regional and national rail grids for cheaper, faster freight and passenger movement.
With waterways, we are exploring viable inland water transport routes to boost trade and tourism.
The thrill that these projects give is beyond sheer aesthetic delight. They are engines of economic revival. They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth.
Our vision for these projects was clear: to create a modern, integrated transport system that will spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall standard of living. By enhancing connectivity within Enugu State and beyond, we are laying the foundation for a more vibrant and competitive economy. This will, ultimately, make Enugu a gateway to economic opportunities.
Last month, we witnessed the inaugural flight of Enugu Air, a significant economic enabler conceived to move us closer to the goal of making Enugu the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.
Infrastructure, particularly transport, remains a catalyst for economic transformation. From the farmer in Nsukka to the trader in Ogbete, from the manufacturer in Emene to the investor in Enugu CBD, opportunities will multiply.
Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we are creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.
This CNG rollout begins with the first 100 buses serving our markets and neighbourhoods, especially for all Enugu students, because our state is a city of universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Dedicated routes will connect campuses with major residential and commercial areas, ensuring a safer, more reliable, and more affordable travel for students.
With special student discounts, as well as reduced fares for the elderly and young children, we are making sure our transport system is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of education. Remarkably, this will reduce transport costs for the average family by over 40%.
Comfort and safety are irreducible minimums on which modern public transport is built. Our multi-modal transport system ticks all the boxes. The way a city organises its transport, to a large extent indicates how it organises its society.
In Enugu, we are showing the world that we value safety, order, and accountability. We have carried out a state-wide biometric capture of commercial vehicle owners and drivers. This initiative has strengthened our data intelligence, making it easier to identify and track operators, and has already contributed to reducing transport-related crimes.
We have integrated our transport system into the State’s security framework. The Command and Control Centre, equipped with surveillance cameras installed in strategic locations across Enugu, ensures that our streets, terminals, and junctions remain under constant watch — providing both a guide and a guard for our people.
Our cashless e-ticketing system eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for. Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top-up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses.
Again, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them. Our 80 bus shelters (to be clearly marked with arrival time), lay-bys, and junction improvement projects mean passengers and commuters travel with more comfort, dignity, and safety.
I am proud to announce that Enugu is the first State in Nigeria to proactively adopt and implement a State Climate Action Policy in line with national and global goals. The CNG Mass Transit Scheme we commission today is a major step in that direction – cutting carbon emissions, reducing dependence on petrol, and lowering transport costs for Ndi Enugu. We are proving that environmental responsibility and economic growth can complement each other.
There is often a common flaw in our nature as humans; it is the tendency to quickly forget the previous state of things once situations improve. Building these facilities required grit, sacrifice, painstaking patience, collaboration and support.
These projects would not have been possible, barring the bold decision taken by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remove oil subsidies. This policy – and several other well-thought actions – has ensured that developments such as we are witnessing was possible. It is indeed remarkable that the President understands that much of the economic activities that will spur Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy would come from the states.
He has demonstrated this, through the recent launch of the WARD Development Project, an idea conceived to create 8.8 million jobs across the 8,800 wards in Nigeria. It is obvious His Excellency, the President is committed to grassroots development – just as we are in Enugu State.
Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu’s and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly re-position Enugu as an aviation and economic hub. So, we commend the President, and will continue to support him and the Federal Government, because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done.
This is also an auspicious moment to thank Mr. President for his recent appointment of one of our sons as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
I wish to acknowledge and thank, as well: the transport operators, unions, market leaders and the business community. And all good men and women, who responded to the call for development, and partnered with the State to see the success of today.
I should also commend the Commissioner for Transport and his team for their hardwork and resilience. Change is never easy, but the benefits are often generally felt. Today, as we commission these terminals, we recommit to our promise: to build modern, efficient systems that serve the people, unlock economic potential, and extend the frontiers of development.
Our Transport Infrastructure Project is a legacy that will be remembered by future generations as one of several turning points in the history of Enugu State. This moment is about the Enugu of tomorrow; it reflects our resolve to grow our economy seven-fold. This is what enabling environment looks like.
We will continue to build and deliver world-class infrastructure. And together, we will make Enugu a premier destination with global reckoning.
Tomorrow is here!
Being Governor Mbah’s speech at the launch of five modern transport terminals and 100 CNG buses in Enugu, recently.
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