change in the security situation in the country with the appointment of
new security chiefs.
The Northern elders said their performance will be largely determined by
the Commander-in-Chief.
The Director, Publicity and Advocacy for the forum, Dr Hakeem
Baba-Ahmed, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, urged
the President to hold service chiefs and senior commanders accountable
for successes and failures.
Baba-Ahmed also urged the new service chiefs to live up to the
expectations of Nigerians in tackling the security challenges ravaging
the country so as not to dash their hopes.
It read, “In our current circumstances where the nation is being swamped
by old and new security challenges, a change of leadership in our Armed
Forces should be a signal that President Muhammadu Buhari accepts the
need to effect major changes in his disposition to security issues and
improvements in the nation’s capacities to deal with security and public
safety.
“Nigerians will hope that these changes, even if belated, are intended
as a response to the persistent demands for changes at leadership levels
as part of the requirements to improve professionalism, morale and
integrity of command structures of our Armed Forces.
“The Forum warns the nation not to be misled into thinking that these
changes will dramatically change the nation’s fortunes in its fight
against multiple security threats.
“The new service chiefs will be a lot more effective if they are
inspired by a Commander-In-Chief who adopts an involved and active
interest in their conduct, records and performances.
“President Buhari must therefore reduce his distance from defence and
security matters, and hold service chiefs and senior commanders
accountable for successes and failures.
“The new service chiefs have been part of the military that has been
severely challenged in the fight against a decade-old insurgency and
many other threats. The only way they can retain the confidence of
Nigerians is to substantially improve on the records of their
predecessors.
“The Forum believes that the priorities of the new service chiefs should
include real improvements in professional standards and morale of
fighting men and women as well as fighting corruption within the Armed
Forces.
“They will be aware that our frustrations regarding access to vital
weapons and criticisms from foreign and domestic monitors of the war are
related to the manner our Armed Forces execute the war, and it will be
important for them to lead a military which will operate with higher
standards of respect for rules of engagement.
“The Forum invites the nation’s attention to the need to rise in support
of leaders to reduce tension and other threats to our security. Events
unfolding in the South-West, particularly inflammatory comments and
threats by groups and individuals represent existential threats to the
whole nation.
“All Nigerians must eschew the temptation to tamper with sensitive
matters in pursuit of narrow goals. The Forum repeats its call on
President Buhari to summon a meeting of governors, leadership of
security and intelligent services and other Nigerians with capacities to
advise and assist in de-escalating tensions in the South-West.”