The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concerns over what they perceive as President Bola Tinubu’s lack of interest in security matters, citing his actions, statements, and general disposition as evidence.
During an interview on Arise Television, Professor Usman Yusuf, a prominent figure within the NEF, highlighted their apprehensions regarding Tinubu’s focus solely on economic matters while neglecting the critical issue of security.
According to Yusuf, “Our president and commander in chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from his words, deeds, and body language, is not interested in security. All he’s interested in is the economy, where the money is, and he’s planted his people. Security, banditry, and others appear irritant to him.”
The NEF member further criticized the lack of direct involvement by the president in security matters, emphasizing that the military operates without proper civilian oversight, leading to unaccountable actions such as bombings against civilians.
He drew comparisons to the US system where civilian authority oversees the military.
“We don’t see the president hands-on with our security. Our military is not supervised by civilian authority; they’ve gone rogue, dropping bombs on our people, and they’re not answerable to anybody. In the United States, where we copied the presidential system, the military is subordinate to civilian authority.”
Moreover, Yusuf questioned the role of the Defence Minister, alleging that the president has shifted the responsibility for the country’s security solely to the military, which he believes is an untenable situation.
Regarding the recent bomb attack in Kaduna, Yusuf urged for an impartial investigation, contending that the military should not be investigating itself.
He proposed the establishment of an independent judicial panel, helmed by retired top judicial officials and inclusive of respected figures from the defence sector, traditional leaders, and religious figures genuinely committed to safeguarding the populace.
He posited, “Whatever the president is planning to do, the military cannot investigate itself. We’ve had several incidences, and there have been no outcomes.
“There should be an independent judicial panel headed by a retired CJN, a former defence chief, traditional leaders, and religious leaders who are interested in protecting the people.”
