Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Picks Raise Questions on Merit, Strategy — Banwo
‎
‎

‎Dr. Ope Banwo, has questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s latest ambassadorial appointments, describing the list as reflective of political compensation rather than national strategy.

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans
‎
‎In a self-signed statement released from his base on Wednesday, Banwo argued that the composition of the list suggests a pattern where loyalty and political survival appear to outweigh competence and global credibility.
‎
‎According to him, countries typically deploy their most respected professionals and seasoned diplomats to represent national interests abroad. However, he noted that Nigeria’s approach seems to differ significantly.
‎
‎“Other nations send their best—economists, scholars, and experienced diplomats. In Nigeria, we often send political loyalists, ideological turncoats, and controversial figures,” he said.
‎
‎Banwo expressed concern that such appointments could weaken Nigeria’s global standing, stressing that diplomacy requires individuals who command respect in international circles.
‎
‎He further questioned why diplomatic postings are often treated as rewards for political allegiance rather than strategic tools for advancing national interests.
‎
‎The public commentator maintained that this pattern may partly explain Nigeria’s limited influence on the global stage, despite its size and economic potential.
‎
‎Banwo noted that while some appointees may still perform creditably, the overall perception created by the list raises concerns about the country’s priorities.
‎
‎He emphasized the need for a shift toward merit-based appointments, insisting that Nigeria deserves representatives who embody integrity, competence, and national pride.
‎
‎“In my view, Nigeria deserves ambassadors who reflect the very best of our intellect and values, not individuals who leave foreign observers questioning our choices,” he added.
‎
‎Banwo concluded that unless the selection process is reformed, Nigeria risks undermining its diplomatic effectiveness and credibility in international affairs.

Security Expert Backs IGP Disu’s Record, Affirms Legitimacy Of Tenure

Recent operational achievements by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, particularly in Kwara State, have once again drawn attention to his tactical leadership and commitment to confronting criminal elements across the country.

According to a renowned security expert and CEO Of the Western Eagle Security Ltd, Mr Mogaji Busayo, during a recent security engagement in Kwara State, the IGP demonstrated decisive leadership through a series of strategic actions aimed at strengthening security architecture and restoring public confidence. Among the notable steps taken were leading security clearance operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal enclaves, Conducting operational inspections and strategy reviews at the Kwara State Police Command, declaring a firm commitment to reclaim communities from bandits and kidnappers threatening residents amongst others.

Mogaji described IGP Disu as a tested and trusted tactical officer whose professional record and field experience position him as a capable leader in the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria.

According to him, the impressive operational strides recorded under the current police leadership have further reinforced the need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

He therefore addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, explaining that the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act 2020 by the National Assembly clearly provides that an Inspector-General of Police is entitled to serve the full tenure stated in the appointment letter, even if the statutory retirement age of 60 is attained within that period.

Mogaji noted that historically, several past Inspectors-General of Police were unable to complete a full four-year tenure, largely due to retirement age limitations and the absence of clear statutory provisions guaranteeing the term of office. He further noted that the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also legally appointed to serve a four-year tenure under the same statutory framework but chose to retire earlier than expected due to family reasons, a decision which did not in any way affect the legality of the tenure provision itself.

He further highlighted that the formal swearing-in of the current Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a historic turning point in the administration of policing in Nigeria, noting that no previous Inspector-General of Police had been formally sworn into office prior to assumption of duty.

According to him, the oath of office administered by the President is the first ever and not only symbolises institutional reform but also reinforces the legal and constitutional validity of the four-year tenure now attached to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

The security expert also referenced past legal controversies surrounding the tenure of former Inspectors-General, including litigation initiated by legal practitioner Maxwell Opara, which challenged the continued stay in office of former IGP Mohammed Adamu after retirement from service.

Similarly, in a judicial pronouncement delivered in Suit No. FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, the court held that only an officer within the prescribed rank and with not less than four years remaining in service could validly be appointed Inspector-General of Police, a matter that previously generated debate during the tenure of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

Mogaji stated that the recent legislative clarification, combined with the formal swearing-in of the present IGP, has effectively resolved those ambiguities, ensuring that the tenure of IGP Tunji Disu is firmly anchored in law and due process.

He urged the public to focus on the ongoing reforms and operational gains within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing that sustained leadership stability will further enhance the capacity of the Force to tackle crime and strengthen national security.

Under Siege: Nigeria’s Spiraling Insecurity in the Tinubu Era

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

“As Violence and Kidnappings Surge, Nigerians Face a Humanitarian and Security Crisis Amid Perceived Government Inaction”

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the promise of a “Renewed Hope” has been starkly overshadowed by a relentless wave of violence and insecurity across Nigeria. Despite early pledges to prioritise national safety, the reality for millions has been a harrowing descent into a pervasive climate of fear. From the rugged terrains of the Northwest to the insurgent‑heavy Northeast, criminal cartels, bandits and extremist groups continue to challenge the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans

Independent monitoring groups and international bodies such as Amnesty International estimate that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks since Tinubu took office. Alongside this grim death toll is the dramatic escalation of abductions and the “kidnap‑for‑ransom” economy, which reportedly drained more than $1.4 billion (about ₦2.23 trillion) from families in the administration’s first year alone. This financial drain has compounded psychological trauma and deepened economic hardship.

“Nigeria’s security crisis is not merely a law enforcement problem,” says Prof. Abuja‑based security analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, “it is a symptom of systemic governance failure; where the state cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens.”

In the Northwest and Northcentral regions (including states such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau) armed gangs have razed villages and forced farmers to pay “harvest levies” just to access their own lands. This has devastated local food systems and contributed to rising inflation.

Meanwhile, in the Northeast, fractious insurgent groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and factions of Boko Haram continue to mount attacks against military and civilian targets. While the military claims to have “degraded” these groups, they remain capable of coordinated assaults, keeping large areas of the region under persistent threat.

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans

Adding a new layer of complexity is the emergence of the “Lakurawa” group in the Sokoto‑Kebbi axis, signalling that old threats persist even as new ones take root.

Critics argue that the Tinubu administration’s focus on economic reforms (such as fuel subsidy removal and currency realignment) has come at the expense of human security. Former defence policy adviser Prof. Ayo Ajayi of Ahmadu Bello University notes, “Security is the foundation of economic growth. Without it, reforms risk becoming hollow promises for millions who live daily under threat.”

Late in 2025, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional security personnel. However, many Nigerians perceive these measures as reactive rather than proactive. The government’s increased reliance on non‑kinetic strategies (such as negotiations and amnesties for some criminal elements) has been met with scepticism.

Observers argue this approach has inadvertently emboldened criminal networks, turning kidnapping into a low‑risk, high‑reward enterprise. Although the state has acquired new military hardware and reshuffled service chiefs, these changes have yet to translate into a sense of safety for ordinary citizens.

The situation is not merely a security challenge but a humanitarian crisis. Civilians are being displaced, families are paying enormous ransoms under duress, and school abductions have uprooted thousands of students from classrooms.

Political scientist Dr. Yemi Ogunleye of the University of Lagos warns, “When the monopoly of coercive force shifts from the state to non‑state actors, the very fabric of democracy is threatened. Citizens must feel safe within their borders; otherwise governance itself becomes irrelevant.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists it has the experience and strategy necessary to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that decisive leadership and strengthened community defence initiatives are critical. Many Nigerians now look back on previous administrations with the hope that a change in leadership might bring a corresponding shift in national safety and stability.

Until the state can effectively reclaim its monopoly on the use of force and protect lives and properties, the “Renewed Hope” agenda will continue to ring hollow for millions living in the shadow of insecurity.

Published on Tuesday, March 17, 2026