The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu replaced the nation’s service chiefs out of concern for how the country’s security challenges were being managed.
According to report, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.
This clarification comes amid widespread speculation that the shake-up in the military leadership was linked to an alleged coup plot against the Tinubu administration.
Onanuga, however, dismissed such claims, insisting that the move was a routine leadership change aimed at improving national security operations.
He explained, “I would say it’s a routine change. The President is concerned about how the security situation is being addressed and believes it’s time for new hands to take charge. He has given them a clear mandate not to allow a repeat of the crisis that began in 2009, which led to 16 years of insurgency and conflict. The President told the new service chiefs to ensure that this insurgency comes to an end.”
Addressing the alleged coup reports, Onanuga described them as unfounded rumours, blaming sensational journalism for fueling unnecessary panic.
“It was simply the spread of rumours,” he said. “As a journalist, I understand that some reporters sometimes publish stories without considering their value to the public. They use sensational headlines to attract attention, traffic, and clicks.”
