President Bola Tinubu has allegedly reversed the special promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General following concerns raised within the Nigerian Army (NA).
SaharaReporters on Tuesday on Tuesday, quoted a senior military source as saying that the decision had caused concern among officers, particularly those who have completed professional military courses and served the required time in rank.
The source also added that the reversal came after consultations at the highest levels of the military and the presidency regarding morale and promotion procedures.
President Tinubu’s decision was welcomed by officers across the armed forces, with sources describing relief within the military.
The Presidency said the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) acted appropriately.
“The decision to promote Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General was rescinded yesterday (Monday). The Commander-in-Chief was misled but thank God he did the needful. The armed forces are celebrating Tinubu right now,” military source said.
The ADC had already completed preparations for the decoration ceremony before the reversal. Family members and other invitees had been notified of the event.
“The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) had already arranged for his decoration yesterday and his family members were even prepared for the event. Messages were even sent notifying everybody for the investiture to Brigadier General (Brig Gen). Tinubu had to listen to the voice of General Alani Akinrinade (retired), former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who also intervened.”
Chief of Army Staff, who was in Lagos for a conference, was summoned to Abuja to brief the President on issues raised by officers, including concerns about morale and rank structure.
The source added said, “The COAS, who was in Lagos for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference, was summoned to Abuja by Mr President yesterday. He had an audience with the Commander-in-Chief on the heavily demoralised soldiers over the unwarranted promotion of the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General (Brig Gen) and other issues.
“Mr President realized he was misadvised by Ribadu and quickly disapproved of it.”
The Presidency is also reviewing the composition of the President’s security detail, including the ranks of personnel holding key positions.
“Meanwhile, Mr President needs to remove the Chief Detail (CD), Mr Adegboyega Fasasi and Mr Usman Shugaba, the Chief Personal Security Officer (CSPSO), they have outranked these positions”
Concerns were raised about the proper ranking and roles of the security officers within the President’s team.
There were also general concerns that the special promotion raised questions within the Army over qualifications, precedent, and promotion procedures.
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