Dambazau and Buhari’s quest for a better Nigeria -By Mamah Cosmas & Oju Franklyn

WITH the commitment of the new President Muhammadu Buhari administration to good governance and the enforcement of discipline in the country, it has become necessary for all well meaning Nigerians to join in the search for men and women of goodwill and high integrity to help in the quest to build a better Nigeria. One such person whose antecedents hold him out as a good material for the actualization of some of the president’s laudable plans is Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, a retired Chief of Army Staff (COAS), 2008-2010.

The impressive scorecard of Dambazau in all the offices he has held in the country is there for all to see. His invaluable contribution to the military is legendary. General Dambazau (retd) has the pedigree and the relevant experience to help the present government achieve its objectives in the area of security and all other areas in which a disciplined and visionary person is required to help the government in fulfilling its campaign promises.

He was commissioned a second Lieutenant in the Nigeria Army in 1977. Educated at Barewa College, Zaria, and the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, he was a member of 17 Regular Combatant Course. He later obtained a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from Kent State University of Kele in 1982, MA in International Relations, M.Ed in Higher Education Administration, and a PH.D in Criminology from University of Massaauchusets, Boston. He is also a fellow and Associate of the Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs Harvard University, and he currently teaches Criminology, gratis, at the Ahmadu Bello University. Such a highly educated man with a passion for public service will help the government so much in its bid to transform Nigeria.

In the course of his military career, Dambazau held numerous commands. He attended several military and civil courses with academic qualifications and awards. He is not only a soldier of soldiers, but a prolific writer and author, with the following books to his credits: Military Law Terminologies, Law and Criminality in Nigeria; Issue in Criminal Justice. He was once the Registrar of the Nigeria Defense Academy (1993-1999). He also served as Chief Instructor, Support Weapon Wing of Infantry Centre and School from 1999-2001. Later, was Directing Staff at the National War College, He equally served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Division, Ibadan. Late President Umaru Yar Adua appointed him Chief of Army Staff in 2008.

An intellectual and a modern security expert, Dambazau is noted for discipline, efficient service, expertise, philanthropy and humanitarian legacies, professionalism, civil-military relations. He is one who does not believe in change as a sheer mantra! This is the description of a retired military General who proved himself a formidable force in service. He has handled all assignments given to him creditably. He is admired as a security expert who never mingled politics with his work.

More often than not, solutions are arrived at when competent persons are put in office to tackle serious challenges. This is the simple way to understand the administrative overhauling of all the places that Dambazua’s career spanned. He proved himself to be an expert in Army administration. As COAS, he improved the capacities of troops, established Forward Operation Bases and maintained adequate civil-military relations. Was he not the brain behind the establishment of National Army School of Public Relations and Information which ended up earning him the position of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations? It was during his administration that the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre was accredite

Dambazua has gone through stages which perfected him as a national asset. He is an intellectual with high capacity for hard work. As Roosevelt put it, “To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to the society.” Abdulrrahman Bello Dambazau has proved to be educated in both mind and morals.

I think this is the time to give reward for hard work so that we can have even more hard work and service from him in the interest of Nigeria. It is our duty, when the scale permits, to commend our countrymen who have served us well and give them other responsibilities. He has written papers on Diplomacy, Security, the Rule of Law, Media, and Human and Drug Trafficking. This is one of the excellent minds and personalities of our time, with uncommon integrity.

As a security expert, Lt. General Bello Dambazau understands the trend of Civil-Military relations. His vision is to ensure that Nigerian Army continues to be the pride of the nation with capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities and meet contemporary challenges through training and discipline. This was his declaration on his appointment as the COAS of the Federal Republic. And, he did more than he promised.

With what is happening today in Nigeria, and the contemporary global terrorism, we need such a respected General with high civilian flavour. Occasionally, sanitation exercises and free medical services were rendered to the general public during his period in service. It all shows how Dambazau’s expertise has extended beyond curative to preventive approach to national security.And, his high consideration for civilians is worthy of note and desirable at this time. It is an expression of the nexus between the protector and the protected. There is no doubt that these kinds of experts still have something worthwhile and enduring to offer the Republic, but they need a platform. No administrative guru can act in absence of power, no matter how he loves his country and wants to serve his people. To do so will mean blistering administrative crisis.

He is an administrative force, an outstanding General now in civilian gown, but in whom the nitty gritty of security is unveiled. We have just perused a tip of the iceberg of this remarkable Nigerian. Because of his in-depth knowledge of defense and security, he was appointed Chairman, Security and Intelligence Committee, of the Buhari Campaign Organisation.

It is a well known fact that Buhari, few weeks ago, chose his Service Chiefs. And, Nigerians believe Mr. President was not mistaken initially having him on his wish list as National Security Adviser (NSA). Being a party loyalist even when the bid was not in the least certain shows how resolute he could be. It is usual for Nigerian politicians to maintain fair weather membership. But, some persons have transcended convention, and operated beyond this concept. We look forward to seeing Mr. President bring this humble fellow who has brought changes in all his leadership positions, into his team. Embracing him is a step to change.