By Rikwense Muri

The shooting near the White House that left two National Guard soldiers critically wounded has once again pushed America’s internal security crisis into the global spotlight. It was a jarring moment: the seat of one of the world’s most powerful governments placed on lockdown, the U.S. president whisked away to safety, and Washington reminded — not by foreign adversaries, but by its own domestic instability — that even great nations bleed.

For many who watched events unfold in the American capital, the shock was not only about the incident itself, but about what it says in a wider global context. This was not happening in a conflict-ridden region or in some fragile state. It was unfolding mere steps from the White House, an icon of Western stability, power, and democratic order. The incident echoed a series of violent episodes that have become disturbingly frequent in the United States, from mass shootings to politically motivated attacks, including last year’s attempt on Donald Trump’s life by Thomas Crooks.

Yet while these events evoke global reactions, they should also provoke global introspection — and especially introspection in the United States, whose foreign policy has long been predicated on the assumption that its internal strength qualifies it to police the rest of the world. It is a comfortable narrative for a superpower. But it is no longer a realistic one.

The United States records more than 40,000 gun-related deaths annually — a figure unimaginable in many countries it regularly admonishes. In contrast, Nigeria, despite its very real security struggles, recorded far fewer terror-related deaths in the last Global Terrorism Index. Yes, Nigeria’s figures remain troubling. Yes, banditry, rural violence, and insurgency have ravaged communities, particularly in the North. But Nigeria has not had an armed breach of Aso Rock. Nigeria has not had its soldiers gunned down near the presidential complex. Nigeria has not seen the level of routine, widespread, civilian-targeted gun carnage that plays out in the United States every year.

None of this is to trivialize the pain experienced by Nigerians in Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Plateau, or elsewhere — communities that continue to endure violence that is both unacceptable and unsustainable. What it does underscore, however, is the folly of imagining that some nations suffer insecurity because they are inherently less capable, less organized, or less stable. Insecurity is not a uniquely Nigerian affliction, or an African affliction, or a developing-world affliction. It is a global affliction, fed by global arms flows, cross-border criminal networks, economic desperation, ideological extremism, and failures of political trust.

In this interconnected world, the illusion that any one country — even the United States — stands above the vulnerabilities of others no longer holds. The White House shooting shatters that illusion more clearly than any academic argument or policy paper ever could.

And so, when we hear voices — both Nigerian and foreign — casually calling for U.S. military intervention in Nigeria’s internal affairs, we should pause. What exactly is being proposed? That a nation wrestling with daily mass shootings should export solutions it has not yet found at home? That a country where schoolchildren practise active-shooter drills is uniquely qualified to stabilise the streets of Katsina or Sokoto? That a state struggling with some of the deepest political divisions in its modern history should assume the burden of resolving conflicts an ocean away?

These questions are not rhetorical. They speak to a deeper contradiction in the contemporary global security narrative. The United States remains a powerful country, with immense resources and a historic role in global governance. But power is not the same as perfection. And leadership is not the same as infallibility.

The world no longer needs a global policeman. It needs genuine partners. It needs nations that recognize their own vulnerabilities, even as they seek to help others address theirs. It needs humility to replace hegemony, coordination to replace coercion, and collaboration to replace unilateral action.

Nigeria’s security institutions are far from perfect, but they are evolving. The country is investing in reforms, deploying new tactics, strengthening intelligence, and attempting — however imperfectly — to address longstanding structural rot. President Tinubu’s administration, like those before it, faces both criticism and expectations. But nation-building is not a relay that can be outsourced to foreign militaries. It is a long, messy, often painful internal process.

The shooting in Washington is a reminder that insecurity is not a measure of national weakness. It is a human reality confronting societies at different scales and in different forms. America’s challenge manifests in lone actors with weapons. Nigeria’s challenge manifests in networks of organized bandits and insurgents. Europe’s challenge manifests in extremist cells and refugees fleeing conflict zones. The Middle East’s challenge manifests in geopolitical rivalries that destabilize entire regions.

The world’s crisis is not that insecurity exists. The crisis is that we still attempt to confront it through outdated models of dominance rather than shared responsibility.

As the White House secures its perimeter and Nigeria continues strengthening its own, the message should be clear: no nation is safe alone, and no nation is qualified to claim moral superiority over another on security matters. We all stand on fragile ground — some tremors loud, others faint, but all connected beneath the surface.

If the White House can be jolted by gunfire, then every nation should embrace humility. If Nigeria can weather decades of internal security challenges without collapsing, then every nation should recognize the resilience that comes from local solutions. And if both countries can acknowledge their respective vulnerabilities, perhaps the world can finally build a security architecture rooted not in hierarchy, but in shared humanity.

That is the conversation the world needs now — not another call for America to save a world it is still struggling to save itself from.

By Mathew Eliud Jen

In the heart of Taraba State, Governor Kefas had been facing intense scrutiny from observers. Criticisms mounted, and calls for accountability grew louder. Yet, amidst the storm, the Governor remained resolute in his commitment to serving the people. He knew that his vision for a prosperous Taraba would not be achieved overnight, but he was determined to lay the foundation for a brighter future.

One notable effort was his initiative to revamp the state’s infrastructure. He invested to some extent in human development, peace building, and upgrading public facilities. in these directions some dilapidated roads were touched to, connect communities and facilitate trade. The improved infrastructure not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also created jobs and stimulated economic growth.

The Governor’s focus on education was another significant endeavor. He launched programs to enhance teacher training, provide scholarships, and improve school infrastructure. Teachers were equipped with modern teaching tools and methodologies, while students received the support, they needed to excel albeit limply. This commitment to education is a great drive towards empowering the next generation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to go places.
Healthcare was also a top priority for the Governor. He increased access to medical facilities, equipment, and personnel. State-of-the-art hospitals and clinics sprouted up across the state, aimed at providing quality medical care to those who needed it most. The Governor’s administration worked tirelessly to reduce mortality rates, improve health outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of Taraba’s citizens.

However not everyone was convinced. Some are patriotically (or so to say) questioning the Governors decisions on choice of infrastructural development pointing to perceived flaws and mistakes. While Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi’s open letter (with apology to my sense of judgement) became more critical with tidal barrages of anecdotal inertia, Dr. Umar Mohammed Mijinyawa, in a literal assessment insists that Hon. Shiddi’s (open) must not be dismissed.
It is not just a critique but a national map to redemption. It offers Governor Kefas a final opportunity to reset, recalibrate and reconnect with people he was elected to serve “he said.

But as observers looked beyond the controversies of politico-economic judgements, there are positive impacts of his initiatives. To be more fare to him (Governor Kefas) his dedication to serving the people, his willingness to listen and his commitment to progress impeccably points towards redemption.
The Governor’s humility and willingness to learn from his mistakes also played a significant role in changing perceptions. He surrounded himself with experts and advisors, albeit few seeking guidance and input on key issues. This collaborative approach helped him make informed decisions and address challenges as they multiply.

As time passed, the narrative shifted. Observers started to acknowledge the Governor’s efforts, recognizing that his intentions were genuine and his actions beneficial. The call for forgiveness grew, not because the Governor was perfect, but because his commitment to Taraba’s development outweighed his flaws.
The story of Governor Kefas serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and service. It reminds us that forgiveness is not about forgetting mistakes but about recognizing efforts, acknowledging progress, and embracing the potential for growth and redemption.

In the end, the people of Taraba will wake up to appreciate Governor Kefas’ tireless efforts. Taraba will soon see a leader genuinely committed to the well-being, of the hoipolloi listened to their concerns, and worked tirelessly to address protruding needs. The Governor’s journey was not without its challenges, but his determination and vision ultimately prevailed.

If anything, Governor Kefas will look out upon the progress he had made, so far with personal assessment that much are still left undone. But i believe he is undeterred, knowing that his efforts would continue to bear fruit. The people of Taraba would prosper, and Taraba state would become a model for development and growth.

By Worldview Magazine

In a bid to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to its inhabitants, the Taraba State Government established the Taraba State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (TSCHIA) in December 2019.

Since it’s creation, the Agency has been making efforts towards providing quality and affordable healthcare services to residents of the state.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Pharmacist Jacobs Akenzukpi, Executive Secretary of TSCHIA, disclosed that the agency is currently working tirelessly to ensure that all residents of the state have access to quality healthcare services without financial barriers.

According to Akenzukpi, the agency prioritizes vulnerable populations, including children under five years, pregnant women, displaced persons, mentally and physically challenged individuals, and aged people.

He explained that the enrolment process is straightforward, with multiple channels available, including community outreach, health social register, and self-enrolment.

“As you are aware, Taraba state has about 3.8million inhabitants and it is essential that they have access to quality healthcare. The challenge is that, people get sick but, in most cases, don’t have money to go to hospital. It is also in our record that over 70 percent of people when they are sick and go to the hospital, they pay from their pockets.

“As I speak to you, we have over seventy thousand people enrolled in these facilities across the Wards in the State. One will ask, who are the vulnerable people in our communities? They are children that are below five years. They are supposed to be enrolled so that whenever they are sick, they would go and receive free medical treatment.

“Pregnant women also fall in this category of vulnerable people. Any pregnant woman that is able to go to these facilities is enrolled and given proper healthcare so they don’t deliver at home or in a bad condition. We also extended free medical services to people who are displaced as a result of crises, criminal activities, flood disaster and so on. Another category is those who are mentally and physically challenged. We equally capture aged people that is, those who are 65 years and above” He clarified.

Akenzukpi also lamented that despite the progress made, the agency faces challenges such as awareness creation, finance, and mobility and logistics.

However, he expressed optimism that with the support of the Taraba State Government, international partners, and organizations like UNICEF, the agency will overcome these challenges.

“Our operations are simple, we work in synergy with Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency. Our relationship with them is a demand and supply one. This entails that we demand services while, they provide the services.

“As I speak with you, Taraba State is made up of one hundred and sixty-eight (168) political wards and the mandate is that each Ward should have one Primary Healthcare Facility that is situated right in the ward so that people can have access to healthcare services and currently, each of the wards has one Primary Healthcare.

“It is structured in a way that once you go and the quality service that you need beyond the Primary Healthcare, they will refer you to the Secondary and even Tertiary Healthcare like Federal Medical Centers and Teaching Hospitals as the case may be and what we do is that, for the vulnerable people, we pay for all their cases that are referred to the Secondary/Tertiary Facility through the Referral System” He stated.

On the challenges he earlier outlined, he called on government to assist the agency with vehicles and logistics to reach out to all the Wards and LGAs in the State to position things better so that access to quality healthcare will be guaranteed

By Williams Ayooso

By May 29, next year, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku will hand over to another governor that the ongoing electoral process will produce.

For Governor Ishaku, it will be a day of stock taking, at best, an event to herald his transition from one leadership stage to another. But for Tarabans, it will be a judgment day for Governor Darius. It will be a speech making event. And Tarabans will activate their curiosity on each breath in the Governor Ishaku’s speech. At the end of the ceremony, which would likely take place at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, people would go home either with a mindset of gratitude or blame. They would either be glad for what Governor Ishaku did as governor or they would go home, feeling that the Governor Ishaku’s led administration shortchanged their aspirations and their dream for a better Taraba. That is why it is a judgement day for Governor Ishaku.

It is expected that in his speech, the governor will obviously unravel some things in the catalogue of his achievements.  The fly over and the six pedestrian Bridges will be one of them. Road projects, such as the Wukari-Tsokundi, Magami road network in Jalingo, the Pamanga to Dakka road, the Lacheke -Pantisawa road, the 6.5km Jalingo -Kona Road etc, will feature prominently in the list. In the health sector, the governor will promote the renovation and equipping of some hospitals across the state. The rescue mission agenda, an ideological base on whose wings the projects were anchored, will take the centre stage in the speech. This would be followed by the recruitment of rescue teachers.

The governor will also talk about the peace for development mantra which he has dissipated lots of energy trying to ram into the mental state of the people. This is where the governor’s speech cannot be predicted. Most Tarabans will be watching his lips to hear his perception, whether from the confines of his conscience and the space of his vision, Tarabans have given him the envisioned peace that he craved for, in order to attract the needed development for the state. It is not certain, whether at this juncture, he would blame Taraban for refusing to give him peace, a condition that he has given for the development of the state. But if the Governor says he has lived by his promise in rescuing the state in all facets of economy, many Tarabans will be surprised. Another paragraph or two will be dedicated to his laurels by corporate bodies for his meritorious awards for leadership excellence in some sectors of economy, including water, electricity, health and security.

Now, who said that, governor Ishaku did not perform? For close to eight years, there is hardly a governor that will not have achievements to promote. But the test of good leadership and governance, is embedded in the judgement of the governed, whether in their impression, the leadership purpose is served. Therefore, the onus of rating the performance profile of the Governor Ishaku led administration is now placed on the conscience scale of Tarabans. If in their impression, Governor Ishaku has done well, there is nothing that another person can say to the contrary.

However, there are some issues that curious Tarabans will be looking for in between the gaps of his speech’s flow. One of which is the multi-billion naira cucumber project, which was variously criticized as a wasteful venture. It’s possible that the site will still wear its gloomy and tearing face on the handover day. If this happens, those who agitated that the governor should be held responsible for plunging the state’s resources into the pit of unproductive investment will be vindicated.

What about the nosediving fortunes of the hitherto thriving Taraba State Civil Service. While states like Benue and Adamawa states had celebrated salary crisis during leadership transition, Taraba State was handed over to Ishaku on a platter of gold. If for anything, salaries were regular and they were never mortgaged on the infamous process of bank overdrafts as it is currently the case. He will also be expected to say something about the worsening security situation in the state, especially on those communities in Takum and Wukari LGAs that are displaced by communal crisis during his administration. Most forests in the Taraba North and Central are now havens for bandits who kidnap, kill and maim while the governor helplessly look on.

What about the heat and the hostility in the state’s political space? What about the collapse of inter religious and tribal harmony? At no time that Taraba was visibly and dangerously divided along religious, political and tribal lines. Already, some Tarabans have formed their opinions. They are saying that it has never being this bad since the creation of the state. People like the APCs Aaron Artimas, who predicted that poverty will kill Tarabans, if Gov Ishaku gets a second term are already demanding credit for their accurate prophecy.

In the achievement profile of Governor Darius Ishaku, there are many things to talk about. Unfortunately, they did not translate to a better life for Tarabans. The welfare of the people, which is unarguably the supreme law of governance is not served in this case. Deaths, arising from needless tribal crises, hunger and poverty related illnesses are fast depleting the state’s population, thereby, making the administration’s trumpeted achievements an irrelevant factor of development.

By his antecedents, knowledge and experience, Architect Darius Dickson Ishaku is supposed to be a global political icon, with an exemplary leadership dexterity to go with it. Unfortunately, this iconic image coupled with those achievements that he is likely comfortable with did not manifest in the quality of lives of ordinary Tarabans.  The quality of his services delivery to Taraba, which he has provided for close to eight years now is far below average.

It is not out of place to predict that only few Tarabans will respond with enthusiasm like they use to do, if Gov Ishaku pumps his Daram! Dam! Dam! signature fist at the crowd of his handover day event, some will even run away.

This might be a belated counsel, as far the administration’s lifetime is concern. But there are few infractions that can be recovered, e.g., restoring the dignity of civil service and reuniting those Tarabans that are dangerously divided across, political, religious and tribal lines, etc.

By virtue of his office, Governor Ishaku possessed the needed capacity to reverse these insidious phenomenon that are pushing Taraba to the threshold of a failed state. Should this happened, Ishaku will be listed as the worst, among the governors that Taraba State has produced so far.

Please Governor Ishaku, do something before you go.

Williams Ayooso is a Jalingo based media practitioner