A senior IT consultant based in UK, Lanre Olakitan has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA), describing his appointment as a round peg in a round hole.
This Nigerian in diaspora expressed hope that with Ribadu’s appointment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the path of national recovery.
He stated this in Lagos, on Tuesday in his interaction with some journalists at the local wing of the airport.
According to him, Ribadu is a top-notch in security matters, a feat he demonstrated during his tenure as the pioneer Chairman of Nigeria’s anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He recalled that Ribadu, while he was EFCC Chairman gave teeth and bite to the war on corruption and built an image of integrity and impeccable platform which the commission stood for a long time, noting that till date, not even the enemies of the anti graft czar could pin him to any misdeeds while he held sway.
With scientific exactitude, Mr. Olakitan noted that the newly appointed NSA demonstrated in the past his vast aptitude in intelligence gathering and management of same saying the office of the NSA requires a Ribadu who has the wherewithal to lead an office where intelligence gathering is their preoccupation.
The IT guru stressed that President Tinubu, has appointed the best man for the job as he called on the office of the NSA to ensure Nigeria is safe particularly those regions he described as volatile while calling on other security agencies to work with the NSA to build a new security architecture that will ensure national security.
He said Nigeria as a nation has suffered setbacks in the past decades from invasion of criminal elements from the sahel region into the country, fomenting troubles and the success of such invasions he said draws a map of failure of intelligence gathering.
He advised the NSA to immediately open a vista for community based policing of the Nigerian boarders to support what the conventional security apparatus are doing and also extend same to ‘recalcitrant’ communities for workable intelligence.
“Mallam Ribadu brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a proven track record in the field of intelligence as an outstanding and highly respected retired senior police officer.
“With an extensive background in intelligence, Mallam Ribadu possesses the necessary skills to effectively navigate complex global challenges and safeguard our nation’s interests.
“I commend President Tinubu’s discerning judgment in selecting Mallam Ribadu for this position.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Mallam Ribadu has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, analytical insight, and a deep understanding of the evolving security landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
“Mallam Ribadu whom I’ve personally known close to 10 years, I am confident under his leadership that a comprehensive and thoughtful approach will be driven by him to shape our national security policies.
“Thankfully, he has a reputation for fostering collaboration among various agencies and building strong partnerships with international allies.
“This collaborative approach will undoubtedly enhance our nation’s ability to address emerging threats, promote diplomacy, and ensure the safety of our citizens both at home and abroad.”
Mr. Olakitan further stated that President Tinubu’s choice in appointing Ribadu reflects a commitment to excellence and a desire to assemble a team of the brightest minds in national security.
“I commend the President for prioritizing meritocracy and selecting an individual of impeccable integrity who will contribute positively to Nigeria’s security agenda,” he added.
The IT consultant with muti-layer expertise and experience of over 35 years also appealed to President Tinubu to appoint more competent and vibrant young people to other strategic positions to reflect the massive population of youths in the country.
