By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
A rare consensus is emerging across regional and political lines as seven prominent stakeholders from the core North have aligned with Southern Kaduna leaders to support Senator Ali Ndume’s call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain and strengthen the Service Chiefs.
The stakeholders: Alhaji Musa Danlami (Kano), Hajia Zainab Abdullahi (Katsina), Alhaji Usman Bello (Sokoto), Hon. Ibrahim Shehu (Bauchi), Dr. Kabiru Mohammed (Zamfara), Mallam Sani Abdulkadir (Kebbi), and Barr. Aisha Abdullahi (Borno), commended Ndume’s “TEAM” initiative, which stresses training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation as the surest way to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the group expressed confidence in the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
They noted that the security architecture under their coordination represents one of the most professional and balanced approaches Nigeria has witnessed in recent years.
“Today the security atmosphere is far better than in the past eight years. Farmers are returning to their fields, markets are reviving, and confidence is gradually returning to the North,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders accused some opposition elements of politicising security in the build-up to the 2027 elections, warning that such actions mirror the tactics used during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which they claimed weakened his government following the removal of the late General Andrew Azazi.
In a separate statement, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Uba Sani, echoed the stakeholders’ position. He maintained that the Service Chiefs have performed creditably despite daunting challenges and called on Nigerians to acknowledge the progress made in many parts of the North-West.
“From Birnin Gwari to Giwa, Katsina to Southern Kaduna, Chikun to Kajuru, life and business have improved significantly. Farming has resumed, local markets are vibrant, and people can travel with greater confidence. Those demanding the sack of the Service Chiefs are either blind to these gains or are deliberately ignoring them for political reasons,” Bobai stated.
He further advised the Federal Government to prioritise border fencing as part of a long-term security strategy. He added that continuous investment in modern equipment, regular training, and improved welfare for frontline troops would enable the Service Chiefs to consolidate current successes.
Senator Ndume, in an earlier statement, had warned that unguarded attacks on the Service Chiefs could dampen troop morale at a time when welfare issues require urgent government attention. He also praised the Tinubu administration for sustaining an ethno-religious balance in security appointments, describing it as a departure from the approach of the immediate past government.
With their collective vote of confidence in Ribadu and General Musa, the Northern stakeholders, Senator Ndume, and Southern Kaduna leaders are reinforcing a national call for continuity in the security sector. Their message is that Nigeria’s stability can only be secured through professionalism, unity, and sustained support for the current Service Chiefs.
