Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, officially assumed duties as the National Security Adviser (NSA) with a pledge to subdue insecurity and stabilise the country.
Ribadu took over from Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu on June 19.
Ribadu, pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was previously appointed Special Adviser on Security to President Tinubu on June 15.
However, four days later, in an unprecedented shake-up in the country’s security architecture, the President retired Monguno as NSA and elevated Ribadu as his replacement.
In the last one week, there have been changes of baton in all the security agencies with the assumption of the newly appointed heads.
At a brief event in Abuja, yesterday, Ribadu promised to live up to the expectations of Nigerians and secure the country from all forms of security concerns such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
He said: “We will stabilise this country, we will secure our country and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe time has come for this country to enjoy peace, restore order and 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,” Ribadu said.
The NSA solicited the full cooperation of all servicemen and women, and by extension all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the former NSA, Monguno, said Ribadu is well equipped, well qualified, well-educated and has a very deep understanding of the complexity of the security challenges confronting Nigeria, adding that the ever-changing 21st security environment demands a complex approach.
“For me, I have been able to handover a comprehensive note to him and also brief him extensively.
“For me, I want to give gratitude to the Almighty God for giving 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 are associated with this all important office.
“I am also wishing in the same vein that Ribadu will have a very successful tenure and depart in good health when the time comes for him to depart.”
