Forget federal character, this is how Buhari selected the new service chiefs – Presidency

The presidency on Wednesday, January 27, has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari selected the newly-appointed service chiefs to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Buhari, explained on Tuesday, January 26, that according to the Nigerian constitution, some appointments can be done without consideration of federal character.

Adesina, who spoke with Channels TV on Tuesday, said that security is one of the areas where this can be allowed.

The presidential media aide added that what is more important is competence, not necessarily the idea of federal character or ethnic background of the persons in question.

Why Buhari sacked Buratai, others; appointed new service chiefs – Presidency reveals He went on to state that the president appointed the new service chiefs based on their proven ability to deliver in their offices.

According to Femi Adesina, the selection of new service chiefs was not done by federal character

His words:

“There are certain appointments that are subject to federal character, for instance, the constitution says that there must be a minister from each state of the country but there are certain appointments that are also not subject to federal character and one of them is in the security.

“In security, they are not subject to Federal Character. It is about competence; it is about the ability to deliver. “So, the president will appoint whoever he feels is fit and proper and will deliver to the best level for the country and for Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, the presidency had finally lifted the lids on the appointment of the new service chiefs, saying the decision was based on the need to rejig the security structure of the country. Adesina made this revelation on Tuesday. 

Adesina said Buhari felt it was time to appoint new service chiefs, hence the decision to bring in new men with fresh ideas and strategy. 

The presidential media aide also faulted the claims that the outgoing service chiefs’ resignation was as a result of a number of security lapses under their tenure and the pressure mounted on the government for their sack.