The Presidency has clarified the recent removal and replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs, saying the decision was taken to provide a fresh sense of direction in the country’s security leadership, not in response to any alleged coup plot.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told Saturday PUNCH that President Bola Tinubu acted within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief in making the changes.
“Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President. He is the Commander-in-Chief. He has the power to hire and fire,” Onanuga said, dismissing suggestions that the shake-up was linked to security tensions or internal military discontent.
On Friday, the President approved sweeping changes across the armed forces, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, also named Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will retain his position.
