However, no matter the quality of the replacement set of the military and security heads, they may hardly meet up the expectation of Nigerians. This is because of the perceived politicization of the appointment of the service chiefs and allied personnel.
Majority of those clamouring for the change are motivated by politics, ethnic or religious sentiments or all of it, rather than reason, though the current leadership have outlived their time and resourcefulness.
The opposition, among them, some clergy and their media allies, have hyped and exaggerated the gravity of most issues pertaining the state of the nation to the extent that terrorists, bandits and criminals have literally believed the sham blackmail that alludes to leadership failure in the country.
Hence, the criminals became influenced and emboldened. At some point, criminality became a free-for-all affair and would certainly continue to remain so, irrespective of who got appointed as replacements as long as the administration continues to appear weak, defensive and easily gives in to unreasonable demands by movements.
In fact, more drama and blackmail against this government should be expected, especially if the office of the National Security Advisor (NSA) continues to be sidelined by service chiefs.
It would seem that at present, the coordination level by that office is nearly zero as openly complained by the NSA, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno in a leaked memo published by the press sometime last year.
Such administrative lapse usually leads to speculations, accusations and innuendo about corruption being the major reason for service chiefs to be acting independent of the office of the NSA and the prolongation of the war against Boko Haram that is in its twelfth year despite the huge funds released to the military by the previous and current administration.
Nigerians may not be privy to the daily security briefs that the President receives, what is not in dispute however is the fact that the security challenges are becoming insurmountable and urgently needs new approach.
I am of the opinion that President Muhammadu Buhari should establish a National Security Committee (NSC) comprising top retired military, police and DSS officers to serve as an ad hoc advisory body to the President on security.
I have no doubt that the solution to the country’s security challenges, including the war on Boko Haram will be surmounted in no time if such a body is formed.
(To be continued)
