NSA, Defence Minister Dropped

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, removed Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi as the National Security Adviser (NSA). In his place, he named Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) as the new NSA.

The Minister of Defence, Bello Haliru Mohammed was also dropped. But as at press time, no replacement had been named.

According to Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, changes came after the National Security Council meeting presided over by Jonathan.

Others who attended the meeting include Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; Chief of Army Staff, General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Caleb Olubolade told journalists after the meeting, which ended late in the evening that the president expressed his displeasure with the security situation in the country.

Olubolade said: “He (Jonathan) particularly didn’t feel too well about the loss of lives. He said that we needed to do something proactively to stop it at all cost.”

There was nothing extraordinary about the meeting, he said, stating that, “It is a usual security meeting with the President looking at things in a comprehensive manner and seeing how the security agencies are faring. It was a useful discussion on certain areas where we had problems, how to tackle them, how the security agencies can be more effective and the role the populace has to play in assisting in the war against terror.

“We had to reappraise the other measures we had been taking before now and look at how Nigerians can be carried along to get more information so that peace can return to the land. We do not really have to kill Nigerians to sustain peace. The C-in-C believes that we need to talk and do what is right to ensure that we calm the nerves and make sure that this incessant bombing are minimised. It is a source of worry to all.”


Author of this article: From Madu Onuorah, Abuja and Laolu Akande, Dallas, United States