Two prominent socio-cultural organizations have strongly opposed a recent demand from a federal lawmaker for the removal of Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The groups insist that effective security leadership is not the exclusive preserve of military personnel.
Senator's Call for a Military NSA Sparks Debate
The controversy began when Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, issued a statement through his media aide, Sam Segun, on 5 December 2025. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reorganize the nation's security management by appointing a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser.
Fadahunsi suggested that Ribadu should be redeployed to another area of national service where his competence would be better utilized, implicitly questioning the NSA's suitability based on his non-military background.
Groups Condemn Public Grandstanding, Cite Historical Precedent
The Oodua Peoples Network (OPN) was the first to respond, criticizing the senator's approach. In a statement signed by its President, Olasupo Bamidele; Secretary, Emmanuel Adesokan, and Director of Organisation, Kehinde Olasope, the group accused Fadahunsi of bypassing proper channels.
"He has thrown our collective national security to the court of public opinion instead of using his privileged position to communicate directly with the President," the OPN lamented.
The group provided a crucial historical counterpoint, noting that the Office of the NSA, established in 1990, has been successfully led by civilians. They cited the pioneer Coordinator, National Security, the late Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta (1990–1993), a retired Inspector-General of Police, and Ismaila Gwarzo (1993–1998), a high-ranking security and intelligence official.
"The position of the NSA is not exclusively reserved for serving or retired military officers. It is open to all competent Nigerians in whom the President has confidence," the OPN emphasized.
Modern Security Needs Strategy, Not Just Uniforms
Echoing this sentiment, the Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Forum (NDSF) issued its own rejection. In a statement by President Andrew Mene, Secretary Rowland Tamunopiri, and Publicity Secretary Umukoro Erhimeyoma, the forum labeled the senator's suggestion a narrow view of leadership.
The NDSF argued that contemporary threats like terrorism, cyber warfare, and complex intelligence coordination demand a blend of skills beyond traditional military experience.
"Modern security challenges require not just military experience, but strategic intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and policy depth, all of which Ribadu has demonstrated," the group stated.
They further elaborated that Ribadu's background in anti-corruption enforcement, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration is a strategic asset in today's landscape. "Security is no longer about uniforms, but about analysing threats, dismantling criminal networks, and coordinating civilian and military structures effectively," the forum added.
The NDSF concluded that President Tinubu's appointment aligns with global best practices, and Nigeria needs "competence, strategy, and results—not old stereotypes disguised as advice." Both groups called for support for the NSA's ongoing efforts to strengthen national security architecture rather than politicizing the appointment.
