Following spate of banditry and insurgents in northern states, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service Chiefs are in a closed-door meeting to discuss solutions that can address the problem in Nigeria.
The Service Chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin arrived at the seat of power early on Thursday and proceeded immediately to the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja for the meeting.
During the meeting, Buhari reprimanded the service chiefs over their failure to curb worsening insecurity in the nation, and categorically stated that their best was not enough for the country.
Addressing pressmen after the meeting on what transpired, National Security Adviser (NSA) to the president, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd) said “Mr. President expressed great concern over the declining security situation in the country. He is extremely unhappy about what is happening. He feels that even though the security agencies are doing their best, their best is not good enough for him and he wants an immediate reversal of the current trend and immediate reversal of our misfortunes in all their dimensions.
“Mr. President also told us clearly, in no uncertain terms, that he and indeed the administration campaigned to power on the platform of three issues – fighting insecurity, overcoming our economic difficulties and dealing with the scourge of corruption. More so, he noted that it takes common sense for anyone to understand that without security, the pursuit of the other two will just be an exercise in futility.
“He, therefore, warned the security agencies to take into consideration the wider implication of the gradual descent of the security of the country. He is not going to accept any further escalation of the security situation.
“He also stated that no one was forced on him. He selected everyone, individually, based on what he feels his records had revealed, and therefore, it is up to individuals to live up to expectations.”
On planned replacement of the service chiefs, the NSA said: “These are issues that only the President can address. I’m just an adviser. It’s up to Mr. President. He has the prerogative to make any change at whatever time he deems fit. Remember, he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and he is the one, ultimately, who will take this kind of executive decision.”
