By Ibrahim Muye Yahaya
There was a change of baton recently at the Nigerian Security and Civil and Security Corps (NSCDC) headquarters, as a new commandant general emerged after expiration of two-term five years tenure of Dr. Ade Abolurin. The new CG is Abdullahi Gana Muhammad. The corps is statutorily empowered by Act No. 2 of 2003 and amended by Act 6 of 4 June 2007 to institute legal proceedings against any person or persons suspected to have committed an offence and maintain an armed squad in order to bear firearms, among others, to strengthen the corps.
The new CG and Ade worked closely for the success of the corps. His appointment is a welcome development and a morale booster to the entire corps. The new CG was one of those groomed by his predecessor. He was picked based on merit, transparency and integrity to oversee the affairs of NSCDC for next five years. Dozens of civil defenders, including the outgoing CG, DCGs, ACGs, commandants and other officers trooped out with tears of joy to celebrate the corps victory over attempts by lobbyists outside the system to clinch the NSCDC’s top position.
The civil defenders had stormed Algiers Street, Wuse-Abuja chanting pro-Civil Defence slogans in a victory march before converging at the NSCDC Chapel for special thanksgiving service and prayers. The elated out-going CG did not hesitate to invoke divine wisdom and blessings on Muhammad. The media was abuzz with different tales of how outsiders, retired police officers and retired military generals were scheming to be appointed to head the corps. This did not only send a chilling and low morale of the personnel, who saw the move as an affront and setting of bad precedent which will affect the productivity or expectations from the corps.
The atmosphere that greeted the new CG’s arrival at the NSCDC headquarters before the taking over ceremony was a testimony that the personnel didn’t only welcome his appointment, but gave them more confidence to be dedicated to their duties as having one of theirs appointed. The appointment of Muhammad is well deserved and laudable. The new CG represents the fountain of humility, wisdom, loyalty, discipline, hard work, know-how and accountability.
The new CG comes to his new and challenging office with considerable and impressive résumé. But he will definitely need to see that the objectives of NSCDC are met. He can do this by drawing on his own expertise and the vast experience of old and existing staff. In order to accomplish the NSCDC’s tasks, the new CG needs to further consolidate the ongoing policies and programmes, especially at this critical moment of security challenges in the country.
New policies, strategies and approach should also be introduced to complement sister security agencies in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges. To achieve these, NSCDC must overcome some challenges, the main one being inadequate funding. Its capital grant has been poor such that it is impossible to meet its obligations.
The CG should, therefore, explore alternative sources of funds. This can be tapped from international donor agencies, foreign governments and partnership with international security bodies for technical and manpower aid. This will require skills which the new CG Muhammad is reputed with.
President Muhammadu Buhari could not have made a better choice among the corps which CG Muhammad represents to lead the agency. The new CG hails from Muye, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger state. He was born in Sokoto on January 18, 1963. He attended Turaki Primary School, Sokoto (1968-1975); Barewa College, Zaria (1975-1980); School of Basic Studies, Zaria (1980-1981); Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (1983-1986) where he graduated with BSc in Sociology and a Masters degree in International Security Law in 2011 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
In 1986-1987, he was at Utuk in Cross River state for his mandatory National Youth Service Corps. The new CG started his working career in 1988-1991 as Supervisor with Lead Merchant Bank; Nigeria Merchant Bank as a Deputy Branch Manager from 1991 to 1996; 1996-1999, Empire Group Consultants; one of the consulting firms to the then Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and from 1999-2004 he was Managing Director of Zuma Health Trust Limited before joining the NSCDC in 2004 as Deputy Commandant. In 2007, he was promoted to commandant and in 2008 he became ACG in charge of Procurement Unit before his appointment as CG last week. He has attended various international conferences, notably, Anti-Corruption conference in Amsterdam, Frontline Leadership course at the University of North-Texas, Monitoring and Evaluation course organised by Crown Agents, London.
One of his biggest challenges would be the expansion and increasing the impact of NSCDC, especially with current laudable victory of the agency in protection of the country’s crude pipeline, telecommunication and electricity equipment vandalisation. Let me state emphatically that the new CG’s appointment will bring sophistication, innovations, service delivery and openness to bear on the daunting task of and expectation of the corps to the nation. The new CG having been an insider for close to two decades and with such credible records, there is every raison d’être why he wouldn’t seize this opportunity to rewrite history at NSCDC. He is well traveled and his hobbies include brainstorming, football, volley ball and community development. He is happily married with children and recently he joined the Grandfather Club. For the ex-CG Dr. Ade, I say vale! and for new CG Muhammad, I say salvie!
Ibrahim wrote from Jagbele Quarters of Muye, Niger state. Email: [email protected]
