Young northern Nigerians under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) have raised the alarm that some desperate political actors are engineering the removal of the present Service Chiefs in the middle of the war against insecurity in the country.
AYA admitted that the country is confronted with serious security challenges, as communities have suffered painful losses and families have endured trauma. However, for fairness and patriotism, Nigerians must acknowledge the enormous sacrifices being made daily by the officers and men of the armed forces under the leadership of the present service chiefs.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Aliyu Sanni Mohammed, said only President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional powers to appoint and remove service chiefs, and that he therefore does not need to be pressured by anyone or any group.
“No individual, no pressure group, no political interest and no covert alliance can usurp that constitutional authority. The Arewa Youth Assembly, therefore, declares unequivocally that President Tinubu must remain firm, decisive and unwavering in the exercise of his constitutional responsibilities.
“It has come to our attention through credible concerns circulating within the public space that certain individuals, power brokers and desperate political actors, allegedly motivated by ulterior interests and an insatiable quest for power, may have held meetings outside the shores of Nigeria, reportedly in another African country, to engineer the removal of the current service chiefs.
“We wish to state clearly that these allegations deserve serious attention and scrutiny by relevant authorities. However, until any such claims are officially established through lawful processes, they remain allegations.
“Nevertheless, if indeed elements are seeking to manipulate the nation’s security leadership for political convenience or personal gain, such actions are condemnable, dangerous and profoundly unpatriotic.
“Nigeria’s security architecture must never become a pawn in political chess games. The lives of millions of Nigerians depend on the stability, continuity and effectiveness of institutions tasked with defending our sovereignty and protecting our citizens.
“At a time when our armed forces are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other criminal threats, attempts to distract, demoralise or destabilise military leadership through orchestrated campaigns serve neither justice nor national security,” he added.
The AYA spokesperson called on President Tinubu to remain resolute and steadfast without yielding to whispers designed to sow discord between you and your service chiefs.
“Do not permit those driven by selfish ambitions to dictate the direction of national Security, stand firmly behind your service chiefs, strengthen their hands, empower them with the support they require within the bounds of law and accountability. Could you allow them the continuity and confidence necessary to complete the difficult task before them?
“We also call upon Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to rally behind our armed forces. Do know that Security is a collective responsibility; citizens must continue to provide credible information to security agencies, support lawful initiatives aimed at restoring peace, and reject narratives intended to divide us. Nigeria shall overcome every challenge confronting her,” Mohammed added.
