Why Ribadu Cannot Be NSA—Dare Babarinsa

Why Ribadu Cannot Be NSA

OpenLife Nigeria reports that in an intelligent reaction to what obviously turned out to be fake news that circulated round the media space on Saturday to the effect that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Police officer, Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser, NSA, one of Nigeria’s most trusted investigative journalist, Mr. Dare Babarinsa has offered clinical insights into what qualifies any individual to be appointed as NSA.

The respected journalist, on his Facebook page, argued that Nuhu Ribadu, pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , though intelligent and young, cannot be appointed as NSA because the position is “Often manned by retired senior army officers, especially those with intelligence background,” the Tell Magazine board member, now Chairman of Gaskia media group, stated.
In the piece titled “Not Yet Nuhu’s Time,” reads:
It is interesting that some internet warriors are spreading the false news that Nuhu Ribadu has been appointed the National Security Adviser, NSA, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The story of course is not true!
Ribadu is the lionised former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, who leapfrogged from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector General of Police in a single day! He later faced stormy times after the exit of his mentor, President Olusegun Obasanjo from power. Since then, he has tried his hands on many things including an attempt to be our President.
This new speculation is a long shot for the former police officer. The NSA office is often manned by retired senior army officers, especially those with intelligence background. The possibility of Ribadu emerging in this post is close to zero.”

Nuhu Ribadu, 62, hails from Adamawa State. He is a son to one of the key players in Nigeria’s first republic, Alhaji Ahmadu Ribadu who was a Minister and, later,Ambassador. He died in 2003 at age 79.
It would be recalled that Nuhu Ribadu was visibly present at almost all Tinubu’s campaign rallies.
He has also been a predictable face in Tinubu’s public outings including prayer sessions in Saudi Arabia.