Anxiety In Military Over Likely Shake-Up

Chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh; the chief of army staff, Lt-Gen Kenneth Minimah; the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman; and the chief of air staff, Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu.

There was anxiety yesterday in the military over the impending shake-up of the country’s security apparatus by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This was heightened after the president met with National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki. The President has summoned the service chiefs to a meeting today.

Col. Dasuki arrived at the Defence House, where Buhari is still operating from, at about 1.51pm yesterday for the meeting with the President. He left at about 3.00 pm without saying a word to anxious reporters.

The Nation report continues:

But sources said the meeting was part of a debriefing on the country’s security situation. President Buhari is being briefed by the NSA and the Service Chiefs before unfolding his plans of overhauling the security apparatchik.

Yesterday’s meeting might also be to prepare the President for his visit to Chad and Niger Republic to discuss the Boko Harm challenge with the neighbouring countries.

Apart from security, fighting corruption and fixing the economy are the other priorities he listed as priorities during the campaigns.

The President will from tomorrow make his first foreign trip – a two-day visit to Chad and Niger Republic.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Mallam Garba Shehu, said the two-day visit will focus on “matters of security”.

Buhari, who was sworn in last Friday, vowed to crush the terrorists’ group, which he described as “mindless” and “godless” in his inaugural speech.

The sect has continued its attacks in Borno and Yobe states.

A highly-placed source said: “Apart from what is in the handover, the President is conducting a debriefing to know the actual situation of the nation’s security.

“This was why he met the NSA, who has been coordinating the counter-insurgency in the Northeast.

“Buhari is a leader who will not rush to judgment on tactical, military and security matters.”

A top aide of the President said: “The meeting with the NSA was one-on-one; nobody knew what transpired.”

As at the time of filing this report, there was anxiety over a likely shake-up of the military and security agencies.

Another source said: “There is suspense everywhere on how the President may overhaul the nation’s military and security systems.

“The military and security agencies have also adopted a cautious approach in reacting to recent Boko Haram challenges in Borno and Yobe states.

“Everyone is waiting for the President to unfold his shake-up plans. We hope he will do so after the debriefing session.”

Apart from the NSA, the president also met with former Interim Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande and Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

On why Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have not moved to the Villa yet, Shehu told reporters that renovation was still ongoing.

“They claim some renovation was going on. The place is being cleaned up for his occupation. The contractors are working probably at their own pace, if I need to know or if you need to know this, I probably we have to talk to someone.

“As it is at the moment, I am not saying he’s comfortable where he is at his rented house. But he is operating from there and the moment the Villa is ready, he will move”.

On when Nigerians should expect the ministerial list, Shehu said “I have no idea. But it is not something anybody will rush because you know that the National Assembly will have to approve the list of ministers. So, even if he (Buhari) has the list today, it is only when the National Assembly is in place that he can forward it.”