Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu not to bow to pressure to remove Nigeria’s service chiefs, arguing that what the military needs is stronger backing, not a change of leadership.
The senator, who represents Borno South, said on Thursday, September 11, that calls for the sack of the chiefs were politically driven and could harm the morale of soldiers on the frontlines.
“Those pushing for sack of the present crop of service chiefs have ulterior motive and they do not mean well for the present administration and Nigerians,” Ndume said.
His remarks came after the Northern Ethnic National Forum, led by Dominic Alancha, accused the military leadership of incompetence and failing to justify the huge sums allocated to security.
Ndume rejected the claims, insisting the current commanders have the training and experience required for the job. What they lack, he argued, are resources and proper welfare.
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“It is outlandish and uncharitable for any group of individuals to accuse the present service chiefs of professional incompetence.
“All of them have the requisite training and experience in theatre operations. All they need is adequate ammunitions and motivation,” he said.
The senator called for what he described as a “TEAM approach — training, equipment, ammunitions and motivation” — as the surest way to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
He also highlighted poor welfare for soldiers, noting that a private earns about ₦100,000 monthly, with only ₦5,000 as daily allowance.
“People should desist from pronouncements that could dampen the morale of our soldiers and officers on the field of operation,” he added.
Ndume commended President Tinubu for what he called a fair sense of ethno-religious balance in his security appointments.