ADC presses Tinubu to explain real “reason” why he fired Christopher Musa to ensure Abuja transparency and credibility
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit.
“However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians.
“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat” – ADC National Publicity Secretary Abdullahi.
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Bola Tinubu has the right as both President and Commander-in-Chief to hire and fire his service chiefs on a whim, but he still needs to explain the clearing out on Friday of his defence top brass, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted.
Musa – a savvy marksman eloquent on television – was abruptly sacked on Friday alongside others in the top national security architecture, except General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Army Staff), who transitioned to CDS; and Major General E.A.P Undiendeye who retained his job as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
The new guys on board now are Major General W. Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke (Chief of Air Staff ), and Rear Admiral I. Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff).
The firings rode on the backdrop of historical insecurity North and South, lingering economic hardship – and the rumour this month of an attempted military coup de’tat to topple Tinubu, which the army denied.
Aso Rock also side-stepped the coup angle, saying the changes were made “to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi asked Tinubu to give the public a clear and honest explanation for the “sudden and surprising overhaul” of military leadership.
Abdullahi expressed concern in a statement that the reshuffle came soon after widespread rumour of an attempted coup.
He said although the President has the constitutional right to make changes in military hierarchy, the timing of this decision raises serious questions, as the government’s reaction to the coup rumour lacks clarity and creates confusion among Nigerians.
ADC noted that many of the sacked officers had barely served three years in office, with Musa promoted only last year, warning that such a sweeping change could unsettle the military and threaten internal stability.
It stressed that the government owes the public a full and transparent account of what truly prompted the decision, accusing Tinubu of being distracted from critical national security challenges as terrorism and insurgency are remain rife.
According to ADC, the replacement of military heads could fuel more suspicion and conspiracy theories and urged the government to act transparently and assure the public that Nigeria’s democracy is stable and secure.
“As an opposition party, our concern is the peace and stability of Nigeria,” ADC said, warning that the situation in neighbouring Chad and other Sahel countries should serve as a reminder of the dangers of political distraction in times of insecurity.
“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit,” Abdullahi stressed.
“However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians.
“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat.”
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