In a bold move to revitalize the nation’s security apparatus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The sweeping changes paved the way for the appointment of new leaders, with a diverse geographical spread, who will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to address the country’s complex security challenges.
This deliberate geographical spread in the appointment of the service chiefs has been hailed as a strategic approach to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of Nigerians from different regions are adequately represented in the country’s security decision-making processes.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hailing from the North-East, takes up the role of National Security Adviser, while Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, a representative of the North-West, assumes the position of Chief of Defence Staff.
Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja from the South-West is appointed as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla from the South-East becomes the Chief of Naval Staff, and Air-Vice Marshall H.B Abubakar from the North-West assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff.
In addition, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, hailing from the South-West, steps in as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye, representing the South-South, assumes the position of Chief of Defense Intelligence.
These appointments, strategically spread across the geopolitical zones, underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring a unified and comprehensive approach to national security.
Political analysts say the strategic move sends a powerful message of inclusivity and fairness and holds the potential to enhance the support and cooperation of Nigerians.
“It demonstrates that the government is actively working towards ensuring that every Nigerian feels represented and included in the nation’s security agenda. This, in turn, can contribute to increased trust, collaboration, and collective efforts in addressing the security challenges faced by the country,” public commentator Chinedu Oguejiofor said.
Similarly, prominent political commentator Reno Omokri, lauded the appointment of Ribadu as the National Security Adviser, describing it as the most impactful among President Tinubu’s recent appointments.
Omokri expressed admiration for Ribadu’s unwavering patriotism and strong moral values, noting that he has rarely encountered such qualities in other leaders.
“I have met leaders at various levels, yet, it is hard to say that I have encountered anyone as patriotic and morally upright as Mallam Ribadu. His sense of purpose will help ground President Tinubu’s administration and increase Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
“Mallam Ribadu is not a Northern Nigerian. He is a Nigerian who happens to come from the North. He is blind to tribe, region and religion in performing his duties. What he sees is character,” Omokri said.
As Nigeria strives to navigate through complex security concerns, the strategic appointment of service chiefs with diverse geopolitical backgrounds serves as a strong foundation for building a united front against threats to national security.