Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otunbajo, has said the appointment of retired Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security may signal a shift in responsibilities for National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, potentially narrowing his focus to international security matters.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News, monitored by The News Chronicle, Otunbajo argued that the development reflects shortcomings in the country’s existing security framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the move as an indication that current arrangements within the national security architecture may not have delivered the expected results.
“There was a basic error in the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser. It is an aberration for Ribadu to be standing in the midst of military generals,” he said.
Questioning the administration’s security performance, Otunbajo stressed that perceived progress must be backed by measurable outcomes.
“Success is not about effort but results. What is the empirical evidence that he has done well? When Nigerians say he has done well, what are the outcomes? Are Nigerians safer? Have the bandits disappeared?” he asked.
He maintained that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges have persisted over time, requiring deeper structural reforms rather than individual-focused solutions.
On concerns about possible overlap or rivalry between Ribadu and Famadewa, the professor dismissed such fears, arguing that the scale of insecurity makes it a task too broad for a single office.
He added that Ribadu’s role may increasingly tilt toward international security coordination, while Famadewa handles domestic homeland security responsibilities, stressing that national interest must remain the overriding priority.
