Henry Bassey

As a concerned citizen of Nigeria and someone who desire a stable structure in tune with the modern dynamics which will invariably bring about security of lives and property, my attention was drawn to a statement credited to Senator representing Osun East, Distinguished Senator Francis Fadahunsi issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Segun – Progress on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at Osogbo and published in Punch online and other social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X (formally Twitter) to mention a few.

In the statement, the lawmaker was urging President Tinubu “to further reorganize the nation’s security management team by appointing a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser. He also advised the President to “redeploy the current NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu to another area of national service where his competence would be better utilised.”

The call by Senator Fadahunsi for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with a retired military officer as National Security Adviser reflects a narrow view of national security leadership, a dangerous direction of thought inconsistent with global best practices and Nigeria’s security needs, and a comment that should not go unanswered. Rather than distracting the nation with unnecessary politicization of security appointments, leaders should support efforts already succeeding to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve operational synergy, and pursue lasting peace across the country. What Nigeria needs is results, not recycled arguments rooted in outdated assumptions.

For a proper understanding, it should be noted that the broad dimensions of national security include physical, political, economic, social, food, energy and environmental aspects, which have expanded beyond traditional military concerns to encompass the gamut of modern threats. These dimensions are interconnected and involve protecting a nation’s citizens, infrastructure, and institutions from internal and external threats, such as cyberattacks, economic shocks, pandemics, and climate change, external aggression, etc. Military means is therefore one among many contributing factors to national security, not its essence. This understanding is fundamental to having the right national security strategy and architecture.

Senator Fadahunsi’s suggestion that the President should replace the NSA with a retired military officer exposes a shallow and outdated understanding of modern national security leadership. The policymakers and security specialists of the United States and other climes, whose style of democracy we practice, have always leveraged this for preserving their national security. Among the many who have held that office in the US in recent times is a civilian lawyer, Jake Sullivan, and his predecessor too was a political scientist-turned-lawyer. Regardless of the difference in context, the fact is that the role has successively been held across the globe by civilians with intellectual understanding of the complex realities that undermine national security. Even here on the African continent, in countries like Egypt, the appointment of non-military security insiders and analysts is a proven practice. Few Nigerians are aware that policemen had been in control of ONSA in the past, serving under both military regimes and civilian administrations. Both Gambo Jimeta, a former Inspector-General of Police, and Aliyu Isma’ila Gwarzo, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) have served as NSA, and their performance was outstanding because of their recognition of the diverse range of challenges that undermined national security, and their understanding of the relationship between the civilian and military spheres.

What lies at the core of Nigeria’s complex and multifactorial security challenge? Nigerians are bedeviled by internal security collapses that require much more than tanks and other military hardware to combat, without diminishing the need for that. The nation desperately needs ideas and brains to identify the root causes of the conflicts and proffer solutions, hence the need for an NSA who possesses a combination of expertise in statecraft and public policy, mastery of engagement with civilian and military structures, dedication to the nation, as well as experience in internal security and law enforcement, to change the negative security narrative of the country – something that Mallam Ribadu has brought to the table.

Ribadu’s leadership is anchored in deep experience in intelligence, anti-corruption enforcement, inter-agency collaboration and counter-terrorism policy. The NSA is not a combatant position, the unique value they provide is the ability to analyze available information and intelligence to predict the state of security in the nation, hence the critical need for one with an understanding of the socio-cultural and political determinants of conflicts in a country like Nigeria undermined by internal security largely. Today’s security environment demands intelligence, intellectual capacity, integrity and strategic coordination of civilian and military structures, with unwavering patriotism, qualities which Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has demonstrated for decades. He is a square peg in a square hole as the NSA. The idea that only a soldier can manage national security is obsolete.

The notion that only government officials with military backgrounds could command the necessary respect within the armed forces is a dangerous idea to be promoted by anyone in a democracy, and is far from what modern military training delivers to the officers and men of the various services. The proper democratic structure which the military stands ready to uphold and defend, including proper regard for the command of any official appointed by the President and Commander-In-Chief, needs to be reinforced, not weakened as this suggestion by Senator Fadahunsi inadvertently achieves. The role of the NSA will remain suboptimized unless the nation moves away from excessive militarization of the office, particularly for a country where the military is overburdened with taking on responsibilities under the Nigeria Police Force and other internal security agencies.

National security is not all hinged upon and cannot be left to military power and coercion alone, it must enlist the other strengths of our nation to holistically address our challenges, and persuasively engage the world. As a nation we must strengthen the civilian security capabilities we have left to waste for so long. President Bola Ahmed is on track with the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the results that have been delivered so far, this needs only to be sustained for more results in the interest of all Nigerians, and not disrupted by a myopic few.

Henry Bassey,
Former Lagos State Chairman, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices.
Currently Head Community Engagement, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, South West
Email: bassey.henry373@gmail.com

By Dr Usman Sarki Madobi

In an era when public trust in political leadership often fluctuates, the example set by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril stands out as a refreshing demonstration of what progressive politics entails. His approach to governance and representation reflects a blend of humility, inclusiveness, and unwavering dedication to the public good showcasing the qualities that have earned him admiration across party lines and among citizens who yearn for purposeful representation. Today, DSP Barau Jibril became a treasure in the political arena of Kano state and the country at large. His politics, representation and leadership style has made him a distinguished politian worth of supporting for every elective position both at state and national levels.

At the heart of Senator Barau Jibril’s political philosophy is selfless service. His actions consistently demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the nation above personal or political gain. This people-first mindset is a cornerstone of progressive leadership, where decisions are guided by the desire to improve lives, uplift communities, and strengthen democratic institutions. His reputation for placing public interest before personal ambition has made him a dependable figure in the political landscape of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

Another hallmark of his leadership is his refusal to discriminate between party members and the opposition. In an environment where political divides sometimes hinder national development, Senator Barau Jibril proves that collaboration is possible and paramount. His inclusive style ensures that all voices, regardless of political alignment are respected and considered in the pursuit of common goals. This rare quality fosters unity, reduces partisanship, and encourages a healthier democratic process that facilitate human and Societal development.

DSP Barau Jibril also exemplifies a dignified brand of politics that rejects violence, intimidation, and thuggery. He further promotes peaceful engagement and issue-based politics that helps in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture. His stance sends a clear message stressing that political success should be achieved through ideas, integrity, and service to the people not coercion or unrest. This commitment to civility contributes to a safer and more respectful political environment.

As a member of the Senate, his dedication to purposeful representation is evident in the seriousness with which he approaches legislative responsibilities. His purposeful representation made him to understand the needs of his constituents and work relentlessly to address them through meaningful legislative action. He also champion the formulation of policies that support national growth, equity, and stability. DSP Barau Jibril’s commitment in this regard underscores his credibility and effectiveness as a true representative that can transform Kano within a limited time if given the chance.

Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of his political character is his consistent respect for his party leadership, fellow members, and for humanity as a whole. True progressiveness is grounded in humility and empathy, and Senator Barau Jibril embodies these values through his conduct. His respect for others fosters cooperation, reduces conflict, and reinforces moral leadership qualities essential for building strong political institutions.

In conclusion, DSP Barau Jibril stands today as a true model of progressive politics, not only because of the offices he holds but because of the values he upholds. His selfless service, inclusive leadership, insistence on peaceful politics, commitment to meaningful representation, and deep respect for people form a powerful blueprint for the kind of leadership Nigeria needs. In him, many see a compelling example of how politics can indeed be a noble instrument for societal transformation.

Dr. Usman Sarki Madobi

_By Abba Dukawa_

Whether former Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru Abubakar resigned or was quietly removed by the President, one thing is certain: the Defence Ministry urgently needs an experienced and capable leader, especially amid today’s escalating security crises.

In the Tinubu administration, citing “health grounds” has become the political equivalent of “ dog ate homework” a polite euphemism for someone who has essentially been dismissed.

The truth is that Badaru had no business being Defence Minister in the first place. He brought no relevant experience to the role, and his temperament was ill‑suited to a nation facing a deepening security crisis. His appointment baffled anyone genuinely concerned about Nigeria’s stability and survival.

Before his exit, Badaru had already exposed himself as hopelessly confused and entirely unfit to lead the Defence Ministry – the institution responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s military.

In a BBC Hausa Service interview *before his unceremonial departure* from the cabinet, he revealed glaring deficiencies in his understanding of security challenges. He even made a shocking claim: that the Nigerian Air Force cannot eliminate terrorists hiding in forests because some hideouts are “too thick for bombs to penetrate.” He said:

_“In this kind of war, from time to time there will be relief; sometimes they will do something that will shock everyone on the ground, although I have heard some say their whereabouts are known and who they are. It is true that their whereabouts are known, but they are people you cannot attack, or they are in the forests where our bombs cannot reach them.”_

His remarks reveal not only a lack of resolve to confront insecurity but also a habit of offering puerile excuses to justify failure. Under his watch, Nigeria witnessed some of its bloodiest days, as terrorists and bandits unleashed violence on defenseless citizens across the Northeast, Northwest, and North‑Central regions. During this period, terrorists abducted and publicly executed Brigadier General Uba and three of his men in Borno State.

The truth is that Badaru was unfit to be Defence Minister long before his exit. His comments suggest a Nigeria permanently at the mercy of bandits, yet these criminals were allegedly never apprehended because their locations were “too remote” or “too difficult to attack.”

Thankfully, President Bola Tinubu has responded with a sweeping overhaul, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. He has now nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, citing his ability to “further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”

General Musa, 58, is a highly decorated soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025. His distinguished career includes appointments as Theatre Commander of Operation, Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, and recipient of the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s leadership, describing him as a “tested professional capable of strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

The former Defence Minister’s defeatist comments have sparked widespread criticism and demoralized troops on the frontline. The focus now shifts to President Tinubu’s administration and General Musa’s ability to restore confidence and security across the nation.

Challenges ahead for General Musa as defence minister, Strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to combat terrorism and banditry.

Improve barracks conditions and support for military personnel. Accelerate efforts to tackle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other insurgent groups. Strengthen partnerships with global security agencies. Overhaul procurement processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Emphasizing innovation and technology will be crucial: advanced surveillance, AI‑driven threat analysis, and regional cooperation can make guerrilla warfare more predictable and attackers more accountable. With his extensive experience and proven track record, General Musa is well‑positioned to bring positive change to Nigeria’s defence sector.

Dukawa write it from Kano,can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com