By Muhammad TAG
Ribadu extensive background in Security, law enforcement, diplomacy, and conflict resolution makes him an ideal candidate to lead Nigeria’s efforts to tackle security challenges.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is a highly qualified individual who has proven his dedication and commitment to the security of Nigeria. His background as a former police officer, lawyer, and anti-corruption czar makes him an ideal candidate for the position of National Security Advisor.
The role of the NSA is not just a military one, but a multifaceted one that involves advising the President on a wide range of security-related issues. This includes intelligence gathering, law enforcement, financial crime management, and diplomatic efforts to promote national security interests.
Ribadu has an extensive career in security and law enforcement, serving for more than 25 years in the police force with a renowned track record, and as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous high-profile investigations, leading to the recovery of billions of naira in stolen funds and the prosecution of several high-ranking officials for corruption. Ribadu’s dedication to rooting out corruption in Nigeria earned him widespread recognition both at home and abroad.
In addition to his security and law enforcement background, Ribadu has also worked in tough climates as he aided the former President of Afghanistan with a diplomatic mission and gathered more intelligence knowledge of global security happenings, and also an experienced law officer, serving as a visiting Senior Counsel at Center for Global Development in Washington D.C. In this role, he helped to resolve investment disputes between governments and private investors, further demonstrating his capacity for diplomacy and conflict resolution, and also helped the World Bank with research on corruption and financing terrorism.
However, In Nigeria, even if appointed, Ribadu will not be the first non-military officer to serve as the NSA there have also been examples of non-military men who served in the position of National Security Advisor. Ismaila Gwarzo, for instance, served as National Security Advisor to General Sani Abacha, while Gambo Jimeta served as National Security Advisor to General Ibrahim Babangida. Both men, like Ribadu, had backgrounds in law enforcement and were known for their commitment to the security of Nigeria.
Ribadu’s non-military background also makes him well-suited for the position of National Security Advisor. In the United States, individuals with civilian backgrounds have held this position, including Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden. Sullivan, like Ribadu, has a background in law and diplomacy, having served as a senior policy advisor to both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.
Condoleezza Rice is an American diplomat and political scientist who is the current director of Hoover institutional Stanford University and a member of the Republican party she also served as the U.S. national security advisor from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush.
As can be seen, even in the United States of America, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barrack Obama, George Bush, and Clinton hs have all appointed non-military men as National Security Advisors.
The NSA serves as a critical link between the President and the various security agencies, providing advice and guidance on the best course of action to protect the nation from internal and external threats. Therefore, the appointment of someone with the right skills and experience is crucial to ensuring the effective management of the nation’s security affairs.
Therefore, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is an excellent choice for the position of National Security Advisor. His extensive background in law enforcement, diplomacy, and conflict resolution makes him an ideal candidate to lead Nigeria’s efforts to tackle security challenges. Furthermore, his non-military background aligns with the precedent set by other countries like the United States and Nigeria. Ribadu’s appointment would undoubtedly help to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the lives of its citizens.
