A civil society group based in London, the Congress for the Defence of Citizens (CDC), is urging President Bola Tinubu to fire Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with the entire leadership of the military. The group criticized the military’s inability to handle rising insecurity, especially in the North-East, where terrorist groups are now abducting soldiers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, signed by Prince Ugo, the Global Convener of CDC, the group expressed deep concern over the worsening lawlessness in Nigeria. They particularly highlighted the disturbing trend of soldiers being kidnapped by terrorists in Borno State.
The CDC warned that without a major change in military leadership, the country could spiral further into chaos. The group’s reaction comes after recent reports from Borno South Senatorial District lawmaker, Ali Ndume, who expressed concern over Boko Haram’s growing control in the region.
Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, also addressed the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town in Monguno LGA, Borno, during a session in the Senate. Additionally, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has voiced his worries about the worsening security situation, stating that the state is losing the battle against Boko Haram.
In response to these recent military setbacks, CDC described the level of insecurity as unprecedented. The group criticized the military’s failure to protect its own soldiers, calling it a complete collapse of leadership. The statement further noted that the terrorists have recently seized a large number of weapons, and now they are taking soldiers captive.
The CDC voiced their shock at the audacity of the terrorists and questioned the ability of the military to defend Nigeria. They pointed out that if the military can’t even protect its own personnel, then how can it safeguard ordinary citizens? The group insists that President Tinubu should act now to address this failure in leadership.
The civil society group urged the President to urgently remove the current military leadership, warning that anything less would signify an endorsement of failure. They described the ongoing situation as a betrayal of public trust and emphasized the need for strong leadership to address the issue of terrorism.
Additionally, CDC condemned the military’s response to terrorist attacks, calling it reactive and disorganized. The group’s statement pointed out that the military is often late to act and that terrorists have become increasingly bold, knowing that they can strike without facing significant resistance from the armed forces.
CDC stated that Nigeria is dangerously drifting, and that the country can no longer afford ineffective military leadership. The group implored President Tinubu to stop offering empty statements and take decisive action to restore order and defend the country.
The group also revealed that it is working with Nigerian diaspora communities and international human rights organizations to raise global awareness about the deteriorating security situation. CDC stated that they are preparing a detailed report to highlight the government’s failures in handling security, and they are determined to continue pushing for the removal of the current military leadership.
In closing, the group reiterated that Nigeria’s crisis cannot be resolved with leaders who lack the will and wisdom to tackle terrorism effectively. They urged for a sweeping reform of the military leadership, stressing that it is essential for the country to have a fighting chance to heal and regain its security.
