The Marksman

WITHIN HIS STRIDES

By…….Henry Aeryck Onyidoh

What we do determines who we are and what we become, the ability of applying our thoughts into actions is a clear indication one has mastered the principles of priority, discipline, determination and dedication opined Myles Munroe in his book, Spirit of Leadership. It comes as no surprise, therefore, when all true leaders possess these attributes. With a little pinch of salt I listened when soldiers and civilians alike were singing the praises of Major General Chukwuemeka Osita Onwuamaegbu, when he resumed office as the commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2010. Those who knew him from his last unit at the Peace Keeping Center, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna were all thankful that at last a man with the people at heart is coming to take charge at one of the strategic and key institution in Nigeria’s security apparatus. As usual there was little fanfare when he resumed, nevertheless I still had my doubts and my take at that time was “come and do your IGG (initial ‘gra- gra’) and go,” despite the stories told in hushed tones within both military and civilian circles, I remained indifferent. One pushy soldier persistently offered to informally debrief me on the General’s credentials, even when I showed no interest and maintained that they all come in with glittering credentials but add no value nor leave any landmark in the institution when going out. You can’t change the system, I remember telling him, nevertheless he still gave me an earful. Incognizant of my disinterest he went on to tell me that he couldn’t really say when he had the first contact with the Anambra state born General, but vividly remembers it was related to the reawakening of the comatose SOJA magazine, a publication which details the activities of the military. When the young officer was appointed its editor, he continued, the manner with which he went about revitalizing the magazine was synonymous to a shrew (known in local Hausa parlance as Jagba) prodding at bee hives for a taste of the delicious syrup, defiant of the constant stings on his hide. He possessed a can do spirit, spiced with determination to ensure that the magazine never experienced a near death situation again, he did this by ensuring the inclusion of like minds in the editorial board and still keeps tabs with the magazine board even after he left the position. In my defence I still insisted that’s a part anybody can accomplish, so it amounted to nothing. He wasn’t through just yet; he blew the trumpet further, hinting that the General was instrumental in bringing peace to Liberia, and backed his point by showing me a picture of a jubilant Liberian crowd carrying the General head-high, when he was the image maker of the military. Pausing for some air, he went on to say that he was present when the women of the Jaji Military Cantonment, literally marched to his office amidst tears and gratitude, as they heard that he had been posted to the Nigerian Defence Academy from the Peace Keeping Center, Jaji. That was the first time he saw the General’s eyes swollen red, he stated with a smirk on his face. Highlighting further, he added that many people in Jaji owed their lives and livelihood to him, due to his philanthropic gestures to them, and he creating a favorable atmosphere in the barracks for both human and economic growth in addition to his charity. He mentioned that the soldiers were not left out, for he ensured that whatever monies or allowances appropriated to them was duly and timely paid. He also made sure that all facilities were not only in place but functional, while adequately and consistently maintained. This gave everyone who worked with him a sense of responsibility and duty.

I swallowed all this like a bitter pill, and hoped for the day I would tell him in his face, I told you so!! But the Generals’ strides seem to be moving against my favour, though I’m still kept my cool, waiting patiently for that day. Although, that day seems very far now, as I have gradually grew from being appreciative of the things he has done, to admiring his ardor and person for the things he’s still doing. I am now realizing that despite he came in with an aura like any other General; he is fast leaving trademarks very few are known for. I do not want to sound the gong too early, but it’s humane to give commendations to who deserves it, timely and frequently too. It therefore stale news within the academy that the officer cadets, who hitherto the General’s resumption were living in such derogatory conditions, that some people likened to a Mexican prison. Their meals were rations in refugee camps, corporal punishments fashioned as trainings were death traps, transportation to drill camps were hell drives, because prior to his arrival a journey which should take at most 2-3 hours end up being a 2-3 days event, leaving both cadets and instructors stranded on roads due to flat tires, mechanical faults or running out of fuel without adequate fund for refueling. Within a month of his resumption, cadets not only gobble mouth watering cuisines, but in the ‘right’ proportions too. To ensure this standard is sustained he visits the cafeteria unscheduled regularly. With proactive officers like himself at different helm of affairs, his works ripple downwards with the desired effect, and no one is caught napping. Worthy of note is Lt. Col. Nzide who sits atop the Military Transport yard (MT Yard). Being a very dedicated and upbeat officer, he still doesn’t fail to let you know the General keeps all his officers on their toes, always ‘combat’ ready. Consistent maintenance of vehicles tops his priority, which has drawn the attention of the General prompting him to acquire new ones to the growing fleet. Keeping the fleet in good conditions is just part of the bigger picture, because you can’t have a sound vehicle on ground with an empty tank. In order to tackle the fuelling issue, he rejuvenated the defunct petrol station in the academy to cater for his fleet, which also caters for residents of the academy, as well as outsiders. Many people will attest to this, especially during the fuel scarcity which hit the state sometime in March, as the station was the only point selling PMS at that period within an eight kilometer radius. It is still functional to date. The cadets are now free from transportation hassles, as he didn’t only fix the vehicles, but now domestically airlifts them to distant areas, being the first commandant to do so in the history of the academy, thereby lowering the risks of fatigue, attacks and accidents which had bedeviled the institution for long. This development has left a positive dent on the cadets as they are now fit and gallant for any engagement.

All this has shown that his administrative skills are unrivaled. The dexterity with which he manages the academic arms of the institution would make professional administrators green with envy. In a sting kind of operation he supervises academic directors, principals, headmasters/headmistress, and lecturers to assess the standard of education they transfer and how they transfer such ideas to students and cadets, and reprimands anybody not found at his duty post. In addition to this he has provided ICT facilities in the academy to enhance learning, putting both cadets and academic instructors at the fore front of technological innovations. He proscribed and consistently discourages the use of very lethal punishments on cadets, by both senior cadets and instructors alike, who have confused such punishments as part of the informal training. In line with this veto, cadets have summarily been dismissed, reminding everyone that the academy was not patterned after a correctional facility, but an institution to train gentlemen officers.

Officers and men under his guidance would not hesitate to let you know that, it’s indeed a dawn of a new era with the sphinx-like General, as he always make certain that their salaries, estacodes, and other allowances are paid on time. He also encourages the training and retraining of his officers, by enrolling and sponsoring them to various courses both within and outside the country. Words making rounds at the barracks would tell one that, it is only under his direction that soldiers, both officers and men went abroad for courses or to witness military events as it’s been done in developed nations. If you need to confirm this, the Academy Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), who now goes by the name “RSM in London” wouldn’t hesitate to reel out the good gestures the people’s General have given to the soldiers. His overtures didn’t dwell on work alone, but also in recreational activities. The newly refurbished Sergeant mess, built in the 70’s is now wearing a new look, with state of the art electronics and fittings, in addition to newly constructed chalets for transiting soldiers, would attest to his idea that life does not always revolve round work. Under his guide the Academy is also constructing a social centre where everyone can bring their friends and families for a good time. And I have lost count of the boreholes he has dug, to curb water crisis in the barracks. My appreciation for this extraordinary gentleman grew into admiration and likeness, as my doubting Thomas’s were finally been silenced, when I witness, firsthand, the amount of constructing activities going on at the new site in Afaka, along the airport road in Kaduna. With an already completed ultra-modern gymnasium, housing an indoor standard basketball court, now awaiting commissioning, the General is not about to rest on his oars, as he is at present constructing a 32 room transit quarters for officers to curtail the accommodation issues for newly posted officers. The quarters are over 90% completed. The construction of a 3000 sitting capacity auditorium is nearing completion, the first of its kind in an academic institution in West Africa. This is in addition to a 60 room world class medical centre, which would house four executive suites, including a state of the art presidential suite. All these are scheduled to be completed before September this year, and the percentage of work done at these sites, which are all going on parallel with each other, would indicate these projects need no extension, as they have all surpassed 80%.

With a vision and a mindset which sees problems as prospects, the General has treaded where his predecessors feared to, with the introduction of female regular cadets officers into the Academy, first of its kind in West Africa. It is a mission which others dreaded, but he took it head on and emerged triumphant. A feat which saw him cautiously maneuvering the hodgepodge of politics, with the assistance of his friend the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mrs. Olusola Obada, who shared in his vision in enabling the academy recruit and train female regular cadets. Surprisingly, the first sets of female cadets are poised to move into their second year in the Academy, while new ones are expected in September. An entirely new female hostel is currently under construction, which will address gender specific needs when completed. This was a feat many considered impossible or were reluctant to take up because of the challenges involved, but now it is a reality and all regular female cadets who would graduate from the Academy in time immemorial can only be thankful to him and a handful of others for making their dream possible.

The General have never lost sight of developments within and outside his environment, for this he has become a pacesetter. In a time when our security agencies were all in a quandary on how to grapple the increasing insecurity in the country, Gen. Emeka as he is fondly called in close circles, in his capacity, has introduced novel trainings on terrorism in conjunction with the air force, and spearheaded the rappelling exercise which took place in Jaji early this year. It is also rumored that other intensive combatant training and courses on terrorism is in the oven. Already baked is the successful accreditation of the school of post graduate studies, which now offers Masters Degree program to the general public, in addition to diplomas, of which the General was instrumental in its successful take off. Though no man is without faults, his leadership qualities has endeared him to the hearts of many, and gradually mine is on queue too, but a few still nurse their reservations on the way cadets are being dismissed from the Academy on ‘slim’ offences. They are of the view that the Academy Disciplinary Board under his Chairmanship should be a little bit lenient, especially on cadets in their final terms, who might turn out to be a social menace, when one considers the level of training they have acquired. Being a good listener I’m confident he will take note, but shouldn’t allow this or other challenges derail his vision in shaping up the Academy.

I don’t know what else he will come up with as he seeks to redefine the Academy; or if the commendations are ripe at this period, though it’s pertinent to note that the issues raised here were gathered by non formal means, majorly by chats with residents and staff of the academy, while some were actual visits to the sites to confirm stories heard. It’s on this premise I make these submissions, so it stands to be verified, but one thing I’m sure of is that the physical achievements are there for all eyes to see, to this extent he has unwittingly cleared my doubts and is still blazing the trail; to this I say ‘carry-go.’