ADC demands explanation on sudden replacement of Service Chiefs

The opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC has demanded for explanation on sacking of military chiefs amid coup rumour.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday replaced Service Chiefs, while one among them was redeployed.

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Reacting to the changes in a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said, the military chiefs were appointed only 28 months ago, with exception of the current Chief of Defence Staff who is barely a year ago, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know reasons behind their removal from office.

The statement read: “We also note that 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. Our position remains, therefore, that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what truly happened.

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“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In the light of developments in our neighbourhood of Chad and the Sahel States, we are gravely concerned.”

The ADC observed that the near-total overhaul of the nation’s military leadership was more likely to fuel rumours and conspiracy theories rather than dispel them.

As reactions continue to trail the changes, a former Director of Legal Services at the Nigerian Army, Col. Yomi Dare (retd), described the appointment of the new service chiefs as a morale booster, noting that changes have its implications of encouraging new ones to work harder.

He said, “There is no security implication other than that the outgone officers have done their bit. The new service chiefs, by virtue of their appointment, must now be motivated to work effectively. They should assess what their predecessors achieved and, in unspoken words, learn from what they did and failed to do.”

Similarly, a former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, noted that while the President had the constitutional power to make such changes, the real challenge remained funding and operational conditions.
“For me, changing the service chiefs might not necessarily change anything because they have all been working under very difficult situations,” he said.

“We should also not forget that they are operating under serious financial constraints. People say this year’s budget is the highest in terms of defence, but has it been implemented? The funds have not been released, so they are working in a very tough environment.”

Ejiofor urged the Federal Government to prioritise the release of funds and strengthen coordination among the agencies.

“A foundation has already been laid by the former service chiefs, so the new ones should consolidate on the gains made by their predecessors,” he advised.

On his part, security analyst Akogun-Abudu Oluwamayowa faulted the timing and necessity of the overhaul.

“What is happening in this country in terms of insecurity is not about changing the service chiefs. One of the problems we are facing is that we do not have perimeter fencing. People from other countries come into our country without barriers, wreaking havoc. The change may not be effective when major issues are not tackled,” he said.

He urged the new chiefs to prioritise the welfare of soldiers.

“The best welfare for soldiers is not training but their well-being. Their salaries are not even enough. These people are really suffering. I advise that these new service chiefs fight for the soldiers and pay attention to their welfare,” he said.

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