Security expert and public affairs analyst, Opialu Fabian, has openly criticized Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, holding him responsible for Nigeria’s deepening insecurity despite unprecedented support from President Bola Tinubu, okay.ng reports.
During an appearance on TVC News’ “Politics Tonight,” Fabian praised President Tinubu’s commitment, noting, “The President has done well. The budgetary provision is the highest in history, meaning the President has demonstrated the will to fight insecurity.” However, he lamented that the President’s security appointees, including Badaru, have failed to meet expectations.
“These appointees have not quite done well. The President gave the security agents marching orders to end insecurity, but it doesn’t work like that. Insecurity develops in stages — this has grown to this level due to the negligence of past leaders,” Fabian said.
Fabian highlighted the recent remarks by former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, who called for self-help, interpreting it as a vote of no confidence in Badaru. “If TY Danjuma is calling for self-help to end insecurity, that means he has passed a vote of no confidence in the current Minister of Defence,” he stated.
He further accused Badaru of failing to establish robust intelligence-gathering systems, a key element in addressing security threats. Fabian urged the minister to resign, saying, “The Minister should thank Nigerians and the President for the opportunity to serve and step aside. It’s clear that he is not fit for the job, and his continued presence in the position will only exacerbate the security challenges facing the country.”
Fabian concluded by calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the security framework and urged state governments, especially in Benue and Plateau, to address the root causes of insecurity with more proactive measures.
