20 August 2008
interview
Lagos — He is substantial as a man and bears striking resemblance with his father, Gen J.T.U Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria's first head of the Army and military head of state in 1966. Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi was defence minister in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. After more than one year of leaving office and operating from the background, Chief Aguiyi-Ironsi, a former ambassador, recently spoke to our Special Correspondent in Abuja, Obinna Nwanze. Excerpts:
It is no secret that since the end of the Obasanjo administration you have kept a low profile. We commiserate with you over the loss of your 30-year old first son.
As the immediate past Defence Minister, what is the state of the Nigerian Armed forces today?
Well, for a long time I have worked in the "shadows." I can also assure you that in spite of personal problems I continue to work for Nigeria, albeit quietly. Now on the question of our Armed Forces, I would like to look at it from the perspective of whether today our Armed Forces can adequately guarantee the territorial integrity of Nigeria. By way of a preface, it is important to note that when I first assumed office as Minister of State in August, 2006, it was apparent that President Olusegun Obasanjo who gave me a chance to serve at such a high level together with the leadership of the National Assembly and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were aware that our Armed Forces had deteriorated badly over the years. Why did this happen? People are still alive who can throw light on this issue. President Obasanjo I must confess was committed to my point of view when I became Minister of Defence that if we were to have a strong Armed Forces to ensure our country's security, it was absolutely necessary to transform our Armed Forces by revamping, re-equipping, and reorienting them. I did my best on the matter and passed on the mantle. Fortunately, the previous sets of Service Chiefs and Chiefs of Defence Staff had prepared the necessary framework to achieve this objective but unfortunately political exigencies and cash flow problems to date have posed challenges. Consequently, I have to sadly inform that Nigeria's security is still not good enough. We are the proverbial sitting ducks. I however remain confident that the current leadership of the country will take up this matter.
What needs to be done?
Well, the Air Force needs younger pilots, more aircraft (jet fighters and attack helicopters), the Navy requires helicopters, frigate, better communications equipment and fast state of the art patrol boats to protect our long coastal boundary, as well as protect our oil/gas economic assets especially in our Expert Processing Zone (EPZ) and increasingly in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Army needs to improve its communication system, revamp its equipment for a mobile force, train more special forces, have more regular exercises especially along our borders with Chad and Cameroun to improve combat readiness. We must also ensure that our Army is properly fitted for UN operations even if it needs to borrow from banks. My sympathy goes to those families that recently lost their dear ones in Sudan. Recruitment into the Army should also be re-examined to ensure that only gentlemen officers emerge.
Are you referring to the reported cases of sodomy in our training establishment?
Na you sabi. The appropriate authorities should ensure that gentlemen officers emerge after training.
What are your views on the Niger-Delta?
No easy question today! Like every other Nigerian, I am concerned about recent developments as armed conflict is escalating and diplomacy failing. Of course, I am against any act of criminality in the Niger Delta, and stern measures must be taken to curb such activities. But the solution to the Niger Delta problem is not military but rather social and political. Everyone has a share of the blame for current developments in the Niger Delta but we must tone down rhetorics, and move ahead with a masterplan for the Niger Delta. State governors need to play a more active role in ensuring that funds are spent on priority projects in the Niger Delta. The education of the youths 15-20years must be given accelerated priority, scholarships given for training abroad, especially for technical education. Having said that, I still appeal to the leaders of the Niger Delta that Nigeria is for all of us. The youths in the North, South-East, and West are also suffering. So as government tries to assuage their grievances let them also plan to integrate youths from other parts of the country into the Niger Delta oil/gas economy. I have no problem with Niger Delta having a bigger slice of the cake.
How do you think the PDP government is performing?
I hope you are not trying to trick me. The Armed Forces of Nigeria ensured that a transfer of one democratic dispensation to another took place during my tenure. Yes, there were problems, and it is now up to our judiciary, political party leaders and media to ensure that the democratic process continues. As a political scientist, I wonder whether a system of caretaker government three months before an election with the Chief Justice of Nigeria as the interim Head of Government assisted by six to seven advisers could lessen tensions. The system was practised in countries like Bangladesh. However, it is important that the Armed Forces be allowed to defend the Constitution and not personalities in government. The PDP will continue to do well, and will even do better once there is a credible opposition that hopefully will appoint spokesmen for different ministries, in order to question government policies at local government, states, and federal levels. Today we hear that the Federal Executive Council approves this and that. But where are the opposition spokesmen to bring in their points of view or even pat the current PDP government on the back, when things are done well.
You are still young, and will obviously continue to play an important role in our country's development efforts. Can you list some things you would like to see before the next elections. Also, what satisfied you the most during your tenure as Minister of Defence?
Our president's seven-point agenda fully implemented! Also
- Our exchange rate policy needs to be re-examined. Foreign investment is not coming in enough. Perhaps 30-40 naira to a dollar will help up to buy and copy technology.
- Amnesty granted to those who stole our funds, so long as they return 75 per cent of the loot.
- That a major fund be created with contributions from all sectors and states to revamp our Armed Forces, and build barracks for them.
- That we have 2-5 (100,000 barrels) medium size oil-refineries in the country, with at least one in ECOWAS countries like Togo, Ghana and Niger Republic.
- That our citizens in UK/USA, and ECOWAS countries be allowed to vote in presidential elections. I think that PDP is the only political party in Nigeria supporting this initiative. I stand to be corrected.
- That God Almighty continues to bless our country, and give good health and wisdom to our leaders, both spiritual and temporal.
What pleased you the most during your tenure?
During my tenure as Minister of Defence I was pleased that the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs co-operated on the vision to transform the Armed Forces of our country. I was also pleased that I put up a proposal to deal with the issue of medical discharged military pensioners, and that the current government has decided to continue to take an active interest in resolving the matter.
What did you dislike most during your tenure?
Lack of funds even after we in the Defence sector had prioritized items. Well, there will always be a case of bread or butter in government. That is why I called for a special fund to help provide badly needed security in our country.
Your predecessor in office, General T.Y. Danjuma, has been several times criticized by your mother because of comments he made against your late father, do you have anything to add?
I believe the appropriate personalities have all had their say on this matter. I am not keen to over heat the polity. General Danjuma remains a senior Northern elder, and further more, I have a lot of respect for his wife Senator Daisy Danjuma so I will not attack his views. God Almighty will judge us all. Let the dead rest in peace.
Some people have stated that you helped your brother get elected as governor of Abia state. Do you have any thing to say?
People are just being mischievous. Yes, His Excellency Governor T.A. Orji comes from the same locality as me. As Minister of Defence I tried to ensure that disorderliness did not derail the transfer of our democratic process. Where possible the Armed Forces assisted the police to maintain law and order. The same was true for Abia where the aim was to ensure a level playing field. All I can say is that two of three senators were returned from Abia to PDP and at lest six to the House of Reps. At the state level PDP did not do so well for reasons best known to political strategists. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Thank God some people currently in high positions in government appreciated my role, others did not. I of course wish Governor Orji well, and believe in the rule of law to ensure that all states including Abia have the candidate voted in by the people. A people deserve the leaders they get has some truth.
What are your views on the current Bakassi issue?
Let me answer that question from two levels. First as a Nigerian, it is important to appreciate who a Nigerian is in international system. We remain a frontline nation in Africa. In the world, one out of five black persons is a Nigerian. Consequently, our interests in Africa are crucial to our identity, and national interest. International law is international law but national interest must prevail if we are to remain a stable polity in the international system. The lives of our nationals must be protected, as well as our vital economic interest. Consequently, all necessary mechanism must be examined and put in place to ensure the above. A joint development authority in the Bakassi between Nigeria and Cameroun would appear appropriate one day. Other countries and multinationals (or it is transnationals) should also be co-opted to ensure that Bakassi becomes a zone of peace and economic development. However, from the perspective of former Defence Minister, I would urge all the relevant committees in the National Assembly to quickly strengthen our military capability close to Bakassi, especially Navy and our equivalent of the USA marines. Federal Government and National Assembly should have the mindset that any unprovoked attack against our military will be regarded as an act of war. Consequently, I believe that the PDP government should seriously examine the possibility of strengthening military bilateral agreements with friendly countries, as well as negotiating non-aggression pacts. The PDP may therefore have to call a national conference to finetune our foreign policy and strategic objectives in Africa. The recommendations should then be implemented by the PDP government. We need to examine issues from time to time such as the need to remain in Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Have you been following the Truth and Reconciliation Committee work in Rivers State?
I prefer to tread softly on such sensitive issues, especially since many Nigerians from the South East still believe the shoe still pinches, and that "no victor, no vanquished" was and remains a cliché, As a confidence-building measure to lesson tension, I support the concept of reconciliation committees. Many countries including South Africa and Thailand have undertaken exercise with various degree of success. I therefore wish the committee working in Rivers State well. However, I believe it is important to balance issues, and redress some severe criminal actions with appropriate sanctions.
Any comment on the current Ohanaeze Ndigbo impasse?
Well, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people. I therefore wish it well in all its efforts and programmes to promote the social and cultural heritage of the Igbo people. In a democratic dispensation, I agree with those who put the onus on "elected" Igbo state governors to take the centre stage and work out a dynamic mission to promote and execute a master plan for the economic development of the Igbo people. A committee of Igbo elders and traditional rulers can always make recommendations to governments, governors, and executives of the ruling and opposition political parties on issues of special concern to Igbo people.
So do you believe that Nigeria will do well in the Olympics?
Well, my brother-in law Dan Ngerem, a former President of our Athletics Federation of Nigeria has already commented on that issue. I share his pessimism that in spite of our great potentials, medals that we deserve may not emerge for a myriad of reasons already known to Nigerians. How can we do well in swimming without swimming pools? Yes, it is good to have parks. But where are the small football pitches? Where are the volley ball and badminton courts? I am trying to see if the game of rugby-sevens can be taken up seriously in Nigeria. I had hoped that our Armed Forces would have taken up the challenge, and one day beat South Africa. I am still examining the best way forward, and would welcome suggestions from your readers.
If called to come and serve the nation, will you oblige?
It would also be an honour, if given the opportunity. As you are aware I have always operated at the federal level.
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