The new national security adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has the enormous responsibility of securing Nigeria, stabilising it and ensuring peace in all parts of the country.
The retired assistant inspector general of police who was appointed by Tinubu on June 19 however pledged to suppress insecurity and stabilise Nigeria.
He spoke in Abuja yesterday when he formally took over from his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd).
He said securing the country “is a work for Nigerians and we intend to continue with what has been done.”
“We will stabilise this country, we will secure our country, and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe the time has come for this country to enjoy peace, restore order and the rule of law just like any other country in the world.
“Securing the nation is a continuous process. We will look at what has been done and build on it. We will count on your support in the course of discharging our responsibilities.
“Mr President has a huge commitment to securing every inch of our country. We will work with all stakeholders to deliver on this vision.
“This enormous task of securing our country is that of all Nigerians and all friends of Nigeria,” he said.
Ribadu who was the first chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) solicited the full cooperation of all servicemen and women and, by extension, all Nigerians.
He said there was a need to unite to accomplish the present administration’s quest for a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
In his remarks, Monguno, said Ribadu “is well equipped, well qualified, and well educated to lead the country’s security agenda.”
He added that his successor has “a very deep understanding of the complexity of the security challenges confronting the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He further said Ribadu has the capacity to tackle whatever challenges he might encounter, having served in various top and tasking positions in the past.
“Given his pedigree, Ribadu would be starting on a sound footing
“For me, I have been able to hand over a comprehensive note to him and also brief him extensively.
“For me, I want to give gratitude to the Almighty God for giving me the grace to serve for such a long time and also allowing me to depart in good health and enjoy the rest of my life in an atmosphere that is bereft of the type of pressure that is associated with this all-important office.
“I am also wishing in the same vein that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will have a very successful tenure and depart in good health when the time comes for him to depart,” Monguno said.
Monguno said the ever-changing 21st security environment demands a complex approach.
“Today, we are dealing with a situation in which we have terrorists and insurrectionists.
“The way and manner you will deal with the situation is such that you will have to rely on the collection of competent staff,” he added.
He urged the staff to extend the same support and cooperation he enjoyed to his successor to achieve the desired national objective.
