President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s appointment of Mal. Nuhu Ribadu as his Special Adviser on Security (NSA) matters, few weeks ago has obviously taken some people aback. The appointment was conveyed in a statement from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Immediately, as expected, the announcement sparked a debate on whether Ribadu approximates the the seat of the NSA or not.
It needs no further debate that Nuhu Ribadu will be an asset to the administration following the track records of his previous national assignments. The war against social insecurity is important to Nigeria’s social-economic revival. Social insecurity and its negative effects are the key factors why Nigeria is lagging behind in the area of infrastructural development and in investment.
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The insecurity has long overtaken most parts of the country. This has drawn the country’s economy far back from foreign direct investments. No investor will want to incur a loss on their hard-earned capital because a country failed to fix its security. The choice of Ribadu will take the war to the doorsteps of all stakeholders, and ensure peace and stability that has been battered for years.
Ribadu, during his time as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had proven to be a man of his word. Beyond doubt, he tried not to be lured by riches and luxurious lifestyle, to the surprise of corrupt Nigerian elites, the well-decorated police officer had waded off all that tendency.
Unfortunately, even the countries whose democratic system of governance we claim to adopt, have had National Security Advisers that were not retired military generals, the position was even held by civilians in some instances. The president has taken some bold steps and critical decisions that previous governments could not. Instead of the fear some people are expressing of the appointment of a non-military officer as NSA, Ribadu’s choice for the onerous task should be seen as a plus to the administration.
Despite allocations of huge resources in trillions to nip in the bud the insecurity challenge bedeveling us for decades now, the situation is still in dismay. It is believed that the president is so sophisticated and has a mastery of the game, he had turned a dumb ear to all attempts at disinformation, aimed to sway his attention.
It has become obvious that the appointment of Mr Nuhu Ribadu as NSA has given sleepless nights to corrupt elements taking our country hostage, unleashing all sorts of terror on the lives of our citizens, and rendering hundreds of thousands homeless.
Ribadu is indeed the man to bring succour to the displaced and restore hope in our security operatives, whose image has long been battered. We envisage an all-inclusive effort to face the dreaded insecurity challenge through a well-coordinated, inter-agency approach.
