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Senator Francis Fadahunsi Advocates for Military Leadership in Nigeria’s Security Command
Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to enhance Nigeria’s security framework. He argues that this strategic move would bring much-needed military expertise to the nation’s top security echelon.
Current Security Leadership Lacks Military Experience
Fadahunsi highlighted a critical gap in Nigeria’s defence leadership, noting that the Defence Minister and the Minister of State for Defence are civilians without military backgrounds, while the NSA is a former police officer. This composition, he asserts, undermines the authority and respect that civilian leaders command among military personnel.
“The Defence Minister is neither a soldier nor a retired general. The Minister of State comprises businessmen, and the NSA is a retired policeman. Soldiers often refer to us-despite our superior ranks-as ‘bloody civilians,’ which hampers effective command and control,” the senator remarked during a recent Senate debate.
Strategic Reassignment and Leadership Changes
While welcoming the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru and endorsing the appointment of retired General Chris Musa as the new Defence Minister, Fadahunsi urged President Tinubu to take an additional step. He recommended that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the current NSA, be reassigned to a role better suited to his expertise, allowing a retired military officer to assume the NSA position.
“Those currently managing the country’s defence have performed admirably, but it is imperative now to integrate individuals with military backgrounds who can effectively implement the President’s security vision,” Fadahunsi emphasized.
Enhancing Security Coordination to Combat National Threats
The senator believes that appointing a retired military officer as NSA would significantly improve the coordination of efforts against persistent security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and violent crime. This realignment is expected to foster a more cohesive and authoritative command structure within Nigeria’s security apparatus.
In line with this perspective, President Tinubu’s recent nomination of retired General Chris Musa as Defence Minister marks a notable shift towards embedding military experience within the highest levels of security leadership. This approach aligns with global best practices where military expertise is pivotal in national defence strategy formulation and execution.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Architecture
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security threats, the integration of seasoned military professionals into key leadership roles could be a decisive factor in restoring stability. Senator Fadahunsi’s recommendations underscore the importance of aligning leadership roles with relevant experience to enhance operational effectiveness and command respect across all security agencies.
