Senator's Call to Replace Ribadu as NSA Sparks Debate on National Security Leadership

By Our correspondent 

Abuja, Nigeria - December 6, 2025(Series News Online)

A recent call by Senator Francis Fadahunsi for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with a retired military officer has sparked a heated debate on the leadership of national security in Nigeria.

Senator Fadahunsi's suggestion, made during a statement in Osogbo on December 2, 2025, urged the President to "further reorganize the nation's security management team by appointing a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser" and "redeploy the current NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu to another area of national service where his competence would be better utilized."

However, Henry Bassey, former Lagos State Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, criticized Senator Fadahunsi's call, saying it reflects a narrow view of national security leadership.

"The call by Senator Fadahunsi reflects a narrow view of national security leadership, a dangerous direction of thought inconsistent with global best practices and Nigeria's security needs," Bassey said in a statement.

Bassey argued that national security encompasses more than just military concerns, including physical, political, economic, social, food, energy, and environmental aspects.

"The idea that only a soldier can manage national security is obsolete," Bassey said. "The notion that only government officials with military backgrounds could command the necessary respect within the armed forces is a dangerous idea to be promoted by anyone in a democracy."

Ribadu, a civilian with expertise in intelligence, anti-corruption enforcement, and counter-terrorism policy, has demonstrated the necessary qualities to lead Nigeria's security efforts, Bassey said.

"Ribadu's leadership is anchored in deep experience in intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and counter-terrorism policy," Bassey said. "He is a square peg in a square hole as the NSA."

The debate highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of national security leadership, moving beyond traditional military concerns to address the complex challenges facing Nigeria.

"National security is not all hinged upon and cannot be left to military power and coercion alone," Bassey said. "It must enlist the other strengths of our nation to holistically address our challenges, and persuasively engage the world."