As NIA clocks 22

In retrospect, this is the time to appreciate 22-year service of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) in exhibiting absolute professionalism in intelligence gathering, counter-intelligence, and analysing international intelligence information about Nigeria, as well as working with the local and foreign intelligence security organisations to ensure that there is peace and stability in our nation.

The NIA also renders vital service to the country in the organisation of complex information into comprehensible statements for senior policy makers; mounts opera-tions and analytical studies quickly; and responds rapidly to presidential wishes.

In all cases, the fundamental basis for the agency’s operations was its responsibility for national security, including its immediate neighbours and foreign policy establishment of Nigeria.

It was created in 1986 by Decree number 19 of June 5, 1986 , now known as Cap. 278 of the laws of the Federation, from the ashes of the defunct National Security Organisation (NSO).

Before the establishment of the NIA, the evolution of the intelligence service in Nigeria dated back to the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by the British colonial administration.

However, in 1958, the Special Branch, known as the “E” Branch, was created within the NPF and charged with the responsibility of gathering overall intelligence.

Similarly, in 1960 the Research Department of the Ministry of External Affairs was created and saddled with the responsibility for the procurement of external intelligence.

This arrangement was retained until 1976 when the then government of General Olusegun Obasanjo established the NSO, to take charge of both domestic and external intelligence, which later gave birth to the NIA.

During General Abdul-salami Abubakar’s era, there was the spelling out in great details of duties and obligations of the agency. The instrument no.1 of May 23,1999 states that “without prejudice to the generality of the provision relating to the duties of the NIA set out in Section 2(2) of Decree no.19, the objective of the agency shall include the protection, promotion and enhancement of Nigeria’s security, national interest, the economy and government’s outside Nigeria”.

Above all, the agency makes very public- spirited efforts to see that Nigeria is not outsmarted by her neighbours and the world’s ruling nations, without isolating itself from them.

However, in view of NIA’s achievements and the broader significance of many issues that involved the growth of international terrorism , it is imperative that NIA devotes itself to becoming the greatest intelligence agency in the world.

Ayodele Paul O.,
Serving corps member , Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Jos.

Bravo, Governor Fashola

We need to commend Governor Babatunde Fashola for his outstanding foresight and leadership traits. They are uncommon in this Hobbesian state called Nigeria. BRT, LASTMA, and LAMATA are good things happening in recent times and are outstanding trademarks of his unique style.

But as residents of Olabiran Street and environs, we are yet to directly reap any of his dividends of democracy. The area has been witnessing unjustifiable neglect for the past years and we hope it won’t continue under his tenure of office. The roads are in total collapse and so are the drains! To make matters worse, PHCN, in its usual style, has continued to dim the hopes of the good people of this area with its trademark-total blackout.

We urgently appeal to Governor Fashola to brighten our lives by installing our archaic and malfunctioning PHCN transformer with a new one, so that we could have a brighter, rewarding future.

Ade Badejo,
30, Olabiran Street,
Somolu, Lagos.

To Yar’Adua, on the food crisis

IN order to solve the problem of food crisis in this country, the time to establish farm settlements in each of the local government councils nationwide is now. The Federal Government should immediately mobilise all categories of unemployed people, the able-bodied male and female beggars that roam the streets, motor park touts and other unemployed people to work on these farms. This will create job opportunities for unemployed youths and reduce crime.

Also, this is the time to develop the country’s river basins for rice production and stop rice importation. Rice is not the only food that can sustain the nation or solve the food crisis. The time to act is now. Delay is dangerous.

Ayinde Olabisi,
Igboho,
Oyo State.