Northern group expresses disapproval of call to remove service chiefs

The demand that President Bola Tinubu fire the nation’s present service leaders due to supposed underperformance has been denounced by the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN).

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The call was characterised as “ill-motivated, unpatriotic and a clandestine move to rearrange and alter the new structure of the military hierarchy by some ethnic bigots for primordial interest” by the organisation during a global press conference on Friday in Bauchi.

The globe news conference, according to NYAN President Godiya Adams Bogoro, was required out of a patriotic desire to launch a prompt intervention.

Bogoro demanded restraint from those who stand to gain from the security situation by diverting attention away from President Tinubu and the military.

“As the demand for the removal of alleged “non-performing” service chiefs is unfounded, we NYAN members felt it was appropriate to urge caution and moderation,” he stated.

Less than a year has passed since the new military chiefs took over. To many’s astonishment, nevertheless, they have succeeded very well in suppressing the operations of bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and IPOB agitation, all of which the previous governments had permitted to continue because they lacked the sincerity and resolve to act morally.

“We disapprove and denounce the demands made by certain northern groups to remove any service leader.

“We demand moderation, regrettably, while we are not shocked by the individuals and organisation engaged to do this disloyal, self-centered, and fruitless endeavour.

“Shettima, the president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, should not be taken seriously by anyone.”

“He has a history of racial intolerance; it is clear from his drive to force the Igbos out of the North that he uses ethnic conflict, crises, and mischief to further hatred and sectional interests.

Despite the fact that there have been no setbacks in the operations, many towns around the nation have seen their peace restored.

“For example, in Borno State, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, peace has largely returned, and the state is witnessing the resettlement of previously displaced persons.”

He cited Governor Babagana Zulum’s observation that security has significantly improved and would continue to improve during his presentation of the 2024 budget to the Borno State Assembly.

He stated, “A great deal of stability has been brought about to the Northeast by military operations,” as many people had noticed.

“Operation Delta Safe, a joint task force, and other security operations in the Niger Delta region have also decreased oil facility vandalism.”

“To date, the military has found and shut down illicit refineries and seized millions of litres of crude oil with a market worth in the billions. During that time, vessels that were being used to transport stolen crude oil and its byproducts were detained, and suspected oil thieves were apprehended. Nigeria’s oil production output increased sharply to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day in December as a result of the decisive intervention.

But these victories weren’t without a cost, including the deaths of soldiers in ambushes, sabotage, equipment loss, and operational mistakes that killed civilians. Ambushes and wrecks have claimed the lives of officers and soldiers.

“We are sorry for the families of our fallen heroes and heroines who gave their lives to keep us safe. We also extend our condolences to the families of the victims of terrorism and banditry as well as the innocent casualties.

“We commend the members of the Chief of Defence Staff.” It has been noted that General Musa has applied his extensive combat experience since taking office. Members of our group saw that his leadership has sustained positive relationships with community stakeholders, resulting in increased collaboration and accomplishments.

It has been noted that the synergistic strategy has produced greater results in the attempt to restore peace and security to the afflicted areas, thus we commend his strategic approach and cooperation with other security authorities.

“We have great pride in the Nigerian military, especially in General Musa, the CDS. We think that soon insecurity will no longer exist. We urge Nigerians to back the Service Chiefs and President Bola Tinubu.