Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, officially assumed duties as the new National Security Adviser (NSA) with a pledge to restore order, rule of law, contain insecurity and as well stabilise Nigeria, saying the time had come for Nigeria to enjoy peace and stability.
On his part, the former NSA, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), said, “Ribadu is well-equipped, well-qualified, well-educated and has a very deep understanding of the complexity of the security challenges confronting Nigeria.”
Ribadu took over from Monguno, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has enormous responsibility to secure, stabilise and ensure peace in all parts of the country, adding that it’s a collective duty of all Nigerians to secure the nation 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 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,” he said.
Ribadu, however, solicited the full cooperation of all servicemen and women, and by extension all Nigerians, saying there was need to unite to accomplish the present administration’s quest for a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Monguno, who claimed Ribadu was well heeled for the job said the new NSA had the capacity to tackle whatever challenges he might encounter, having served in the various positions, saying Ribadu was starting on a good footing.
“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 Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will have a very successful tenure and depart in good health, when the time comes for him to depart,” he said.
Monguno contended that the ever-changing 21st security environment demanded 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 collection of competent staff,” he said.
A statement iby the Special Assistant, Strategic Communication, in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zu Mijinyawa, said Monguno urged the staff to extend the same support and cooperation he enjoyed to his successor to achieve the desired national objective.
