Two foremost sociocultural organisations—the Oodua Peoples’ Network (OPN) and the Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF)—have strongly condemned Osun East Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, for urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Senator Fadahunsi had argued that Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), should be replaced with a retired military officer.
But both organisations described the statement as reckless, outdated and unhelpful, especially at a time the nation is collectively battling multifaceted security challenges.
Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum: Fadahunsi’s Position “Narrow, Outdated, and Misguided”
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Barr. Andrew Mene, Secretary Roland Abarasi Tamunopiri, and Publicity Secretary Umukoro Joseph Erhimeyoma, the Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum said the senator’s remarks reveal a “narrow understanding of modern security leadership.”
They noted that contemporary security threats—ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to intelligence coordination—require a leader with strategic depth, intelligence expertise and inter-agency coordination skills, all of which Ribadu has “consistently demonstrated.”
According to the forum:
“Ribadu’s track record as former EFCC Chairman and his longstanding involvement in security and governance reforms show that effective leadership is not defined by military background, but by competence, integrity and the ability to integrate intelligence with security operations.”
They stressed that President Tinubu’s appointment of Ribadu aligns with global best practices, as leading democracies routinely appoint civilians, technocrats or intelligence professionals—not just retired soldiers—as national security advisers.
The forum added:
“Security is no longer about who wears a uniform; it is about who can analyse threats, dismantle complex networks, and coordinate civilian and military institutions effectively. Senator Fadahunsi’s argument belongs to the past.”
They cited countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and India, where NSAs are predominantly civilians, intelligence specialists or diplomats.
Oodua Peoples’ Network: Ribadu’s Competence “Speaks Louder Than Politics”
Similarly, the Oodua Peoples’ Network (OPN), in a statement signed by President Chief Olasupo Bamidele, Secretary Chief Emmanuel Adesokan, and Director of Organisation Kehinde Olasope, dismissed Senator Fadahunsi’s call as “simplistic and dangerously out of touch with global realities.”
The group said modern national security challenges—especially in complex environments like Nigeria—demand intelligence, integrity, and cross-agency coordination, not just military credentials.
According to OPN: “Ribadu brings to the table far more than a badge or a uniform ever could. His record in dismantling criminal networks, fighting corruption, and coordinating intelligence frameworks places him far ahead of outdated rank-based assumptions.”
They emphasized that hybrid threats such as banditry, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, cyber-crime and terrorism require brains, strategic foresight and policy coherence, not “nostalgia for military-era thinking.”
The organisation further noted that many global powers abandoned rank-based security leadership decades ago because contemporary threats require diplomacy, intelligence gathering, interoperability and civilian oversight, not military might alone.
Historical Perspective: NSA Not Reserved for Military Officers
Both groups reminded Senator Fadahunsi that the Office of the National Security Adviser has never been the exclusive preserve of military personnel.
They highlighted that the first two coordinators of national security—Late Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta, a retired Inspector General of Police (1990–1993), and Alh. Ismaila Gwarzo, a seasoned intelligence officer (1993–1998)—performed exceptionally and remain highly regarded.
Support for Ribadu and Tinubu’s Security Architecture
The organisations reiterated that Nigeria is experiencing difficult times and requires unity, responsible leadership, and constructive engagement, not divisive or uninformed commentary.
They reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s choice of Ribadu as NSA, describing him as the “most competent, credible and strategically equipped” personality for the role.
“What Nigeria needs now is results, not recycled arguments. The nation must rally behind efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance operational synergy, and secure sustainable peace.”
Both groups urged political leaders to avoid politicizing security matters and instead contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
