Boko Haram: Why Buhari Cannot Emulate Chad President, Lead Nigerian Army – Momoh

The former Minister of Information, Tony Momoh, has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari can’t lead the march against Boko Haram insurgents.

Recall that the President of Chad, Idriss Deby, led military men on Saturday which saw Boko Haram arm store in Sambisa captured.

The attack against the insurgents was in retaliation for an ambush which killed over 90 soldiers.

The action of the Chad President saw Nigerians call out President Buhari over the fight against terrorism in the country.

However, Momoh, one of the national leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress said Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces does not need to lead the troops as he can monitor the military from anywhere in Nigeria.

The APC leader noted that the Chadian troops are well trained in desert and guerilla warfare, unlike Nigerian soldiers, hence the reason for their success against Boko Haram insurgents.

Momoh while speaking with the Independent said: “Every country has its own priorities. The fact that President Deby led Chadian troops to fight Boko Haram doesn’t mean he is at the war front and shooting guns. He was in the helicopter following them from place to place and they dealt with Boko Haram.”

“Look at the army, we have the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs who head different operations; we also have commanders of different sectors. Which of them will Buhari lead if he wants to go and confront Boko Haram?”

“Buhari is the Commander-in-Chief and can monitor our military wherever he is. Why should he go and lead the war himself? Is it because he was a military president? What if he is a civilian president?”

“President Buhari cannot copy President Deby. Do you know the population of Chad?”

“Boko Haram has been attacking Nigeria from Chad but when they now attacked Chadian army, the President had to lead the Chadian and retaliate.”

“Chadian army is a well-trained army in guerilla warfare. They have been fighting an insurgency for years and spent more money on arms and ammunition than any other challenges they have.”

“Chadian army is also a very hardened army, well-groomed in desert and guerilla warfare,” Momoh said.