Ben Williams, a retired squadron leader in the Nigerian Air Force, has voiced his concerns over President Ahmed Tinubu’s selection of politicians without security-related experience as ministers of Defense.
He pointed out that Nigeria requires individuals with fundamental expertise in s
ecurity-related fields to meet ongoing and emerging security concerns.
Williams, a security expert and leader of the All Progressives Congress’ Delta State branch, made this statement to journalists on Friday in Abuja.
He asserts that the management of security specialists, who are many throughout Nigeria, can better serve the country’s defense industry.
According to the retired military general, Nigerians deserve men and women who are prepared to protect and defend our nation’s 923,000 km2 of territorial space.
ensive domestic and international training funded by tax dollars.
Williams said that he totally agreed with the political analyst Mahdi Shehu’s assertions that Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle’s selections as ministers and minister of state for defense, respectively, were a “insult.”
“The job of supervising over critical formations across the nation in the police Commands in the military cannot be done on an experimental basis or require people to learn on the job,” he stated.
Because security issues need a great deal of specialized knowledge and rigorous training, military resources and assets are never taken for granted anywhere in the world, whether they are in use or in reserve. Nigeria is not an exception.
What precisely is the president up to with this “insulting” appointment, as the analyst Mahdi Shehu put it? He spoke for many serving and retired military officers as well as all of Nigeria, who have records of incapacity, particularly the former governor of Zamfara state, who did not effectively handle the security challenges that tested his resolve while he was in office.
“I’d like to think that the President released these names on purpose to gauge public opinion in order to help him make the final list choice.
“For a president who is paying attention, I would urge him to avoid inciting ego conflicts at the ministry of defense right away after making ministerial appointments.
“Retired military generals who provided significant assistance to the security committee during the presidential campaigns are available to the President.
“He cannot deny that the services provided by these policemen, who were led by a famous gentleman, were of the highest caliber; he ought to make use of that resource.
We are dealing with criminals of all kinds, pirates and economic saboteurs of all kinds, kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and armed groups in different parts of the country, stretching the military’s capabilities. This is why the call for help is so crucial.
“Only a military tactician with specialized training can deploy personnel and resources in the right ways to meet this task.
“President Tinubu must understand that Nigeria as a country has the right to use her resources, which she has invested in their education over the years.”
Williams continued, “These resources are abundant in the pool of retired military officers available for him to access, assess, and investigate for nation defense benefits. We are all aware of the president’s good intentions for Nigeria; therefore, he should withdraw the “insulting appointment” on the security of the country and give us all a sense of security.
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