Dr. Yahuza Getso, a security intelligence and investigative specialist, has stated that unless underlying structural issues are resolved, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent move to relieve the former service chiefs of their responsibilities will not reduce insecurity in Nigeria.
Dr. Getso said that such replacements occur in accordance with the regulations governing military appointments in an exclusive interview on Sunday, characterizing the dismissal as typical and anticipated.
He emphasized that the action by itself won’t address the nation’s security issues, though.
“Well, firing or relieving service heads is a common occurrence; it’s nothing new. They can either be freed or renewed after serving for at least two years, according to him.
“This change just gives the older officers time to relax and allows the younger ones to grow.” It has no particular or tribal connotations. The President is free to act whenever it suits him. The president’s motivation is genuinely unknown, but only time will tell.
However, Dr. Getso cautioned that security cannot be improved by just switching service chiefs.
It can’t affect anything. It is not a good idea to replace the service chiefs. We are aware of the true issue, which has nothing to do with the person holding the post.
He praised the departing Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, calling them some of Nigeria’s most approachable and transparent leaders in recent memory.
Dr. Getso remarked, “In my opinion, they have done an amazing and wonderful job.”
“Every Nigerian should applaud them.” They never changed their phone numbers from the beginning of their business, and they were willing to listen to everyone, including journalists. They continued to be responsive and reachable.
He pointed out that the Nigerian military advanced under their command in a number of operational domains, including combating IPOB in the South East, Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry in the North West, and criminal activity in the South-South and South West.
With greater technical innovation, they revolutionized military operations. They did their best in the given environment, even though they might not have been completely successful.
Dr. Getso acknowledged their efforts, but maintained that unless corruption is seriously addressed and government institutions, especially the legislature, administration, and judiciary, are transformed to promote accountability, insecurity in Nigeria will continue.
According to Dr. Getso, “changing service chiefs won’t get us anywhere because what matters isn’t just the capacity or weapons.”
“Are we politically motivated? Is there a supportive climate for the service chiefs? Are we truly combating corruption? Many of the people who occupy political office are dishonest and dishonest, and our judiciary is corrupt. Were they anointed, or were they actually elected? We will never stop lying to ourselves and feeling insecure unless we address these issues and hold leaders responsible.
“If corruption is not combated practically, count the new service chiefs as failures,” he said.
“The new chiefs cannot succeed if there is no supportive atmosphere, if individuals are not held responsible, and if corruption persists throughout the government institutions and security agency hierarchy. They don’t perform magic.
He went on to say that some politicians are purposefully maintaining Nigeria’s insecurity for their own benefit.
“In Nigeria, we are misleading ourselves,” he declared.
Some individuals are using insecurity to further their political objectives. Insecurity will keep growing until we are sincere and prepared to combat corruption and repair our dysfunctional legal system.
Getso addressed his ideas for the future, highlighting the importance of accountability, authenticity, and a community-driven strategy.
He clarified that “holding people accountable, reaching out to the criminals where they are, and fixing our judicial system are the way forward.”
“We need to enhance the welfare of security personnel, improve technology operations, and involve young people in community-based monitoring and intelligence sharing.”
In order to eradicate internal corruption, he continued, the government must likewise concentrate on performance-based evaluations and monitoring within security organizations.
“Appointing new service chiefs is not the only method to move forward. It is imperative that we combat corruption in real life, not only on paper. Because our judiciary is already corrupt, it needs to be fixed. The government should enhance the welfare of military and paramilitary members and use technology to update operational tactics. Additionally, we require a community-driven strategy that improves citizen-security agency communication and involves youth in information collecting. Above all, to establish an atmosphere in which security agencies can genuinely thrive, there must be responsibility, appropriate oversight, and genuine cooperation between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
“We can’t move forward without sincerity from the leaders and citizens, and without a practical fight against corruption,” he said.
