In defence of Tsiga

Nigeria: In Defense of Tsiga Tijjani 27 August 2011 Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga had been in the eye of the storm following unpleasant experiences in recent past. Despite the good record the man had set for himself through the years, some public commentators chose to turn a blind eye and instead pretend as if nothing good had come out of his tenure as the Director General of NYSC. Two of such challenges in reference include kidnapping of corps members and post-election crisis. Kidnapping of corps members was one test that really hit the whole management of the scheme for it has never happened before. Though Gen. Tsiga stood on his feet to make sure that those corps members were released unharmed, little was mentioned of his effort even when that was successfully attained. Also the post - election violence that led to the killing of corps members was one challenge that almost threw the NYSC scheme off balance. Needless to say, the whole nation was saddened. Though not in any way his undoing, rather that of the security that Tsiga trusted to do their part, the blame was heaped on him with hundreds calling for his head. Those who castigated him at that time should know that the security of everybody lies with the state and all other relevant security agencies. He has no power over the security operations of any state where these corps members are posted and can only work in tandem with those saddled with the responsibility which he does prior to every posting. Moreover, he has demonstrated tremendous concern for their welfare. It is for this reason that he availed corps members with his direct phone lines so that good communication can be maintained between them in order to know what is happening to them at all times. The NYSC was established on 22nd May 1973 (thirty seven years ago). It cannot claim to be the only government parastatal that has been able to remain relevant since inception, but thankfully, it is not one of those that have become moribund. Therefore, the leadership of Marahazu Ismaila Tsiga, as enunciated above, has helped to ensure that the NYSC has remained focused on its mandate despite the challenges. Achievements of the NYSC since the coming of the present DG can be clarified from a five point policy directive: Also commendable is Gen.Tsiga's resuscitation of regular visits to all states and revival of regular management meetings to put heads together. In his time, the issue of honouraria to staff was moved to another level thereby boosting the moral of NYSC Staff most especially during orientation exercises. Tsiga made possible the implementation of new allowance to corps members. He has distinguished himself in the Nigerian Army. He is a proud recipient of the FSS, MSS, DSS awards of the Army. Like majority of his predecessors who had three years of tenure, it is most likely that this soldier gentleman can still deliver great services to the Nigerian nation through the ambits of the NYSC. Lastly, his tenure will be remembered by those sincere enough to admit, for a lot of transformation both on corps members and staff welfare. Tijjani wrote from Borgu Local Government, Niger State