Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has publicly advised President Bola Tinubu to disregard calls for the removal of Nigeria’s service chiefs.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the lawmaker defended the military leaders, emphasising their adequate training and extensive experience in managing security operations.
This counsel comes in response to demands from the Dominic Alancha-led Northern Ethnic National Forum, which had accused the service chiefs of professional incompetence despite significant defence funding. Ndume dismissed these allegations as unfounded and potentially driven by ulterior motives, asserting that the current military leadership possesses the necessary qualifications for their roles.
Instead of replacing the service chiefs, Senator Ndume proposed a comprehensive strategy centred on a proactive ‘TEAM approach.’ This framework focuses on four critical elements: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation.
He argued that enhancing these areas would empower the Armed Forces to more effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and insurgency across the nation. The senator particularly highlighted concerns regarding soldier morale, pointing out that a private in the army earns approximately N100,000 monthly with a daily allowance of just N5,000, compensation he described as severely inadequate given the risks and demands of their service.
As the longest-serving senator, Ndume urged the federal government to prioritise the welfare of military personnel, stating that improved motivation and resources are essential for operational success.
He concluded that providing the service chiefs with sufficient ammunition and motivational support would yield better results than initiating a leadership change, reaffirming his confidence in their capability to address the country’s security challenges when properly equipped and supported.
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cc: Daily Post NG
