National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has been defended by a former militant leader in the Niger Delta, Osaanya Ossanya, against allegations of nursing presidential ambitions in 2031. Ossanya accused failed politicians of attempting to discredit Ribadu’s good work in combating terrorism.
According to Ossanya, these politicians are unhappy with Nigeria’s progress in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He stated, “That is why they have resorted to blackmail and all manner of propaganda against Ribadu, who is doing a great job that we are all proud of.”
Ossanya expressed disappointment that despite Ribadu’s efforts, which have led to an improvement in Nigeria’s Global Terror Index score, he is still being vilified. The ex-agitator wondered why anyone would link Ribadu to the politics of 2031, which is still six years away, if not to pitch him against his boss and distract him from the fight against enemies of Nigeria’s unity.
The former warlord warned those behind the media attacks to desist, maintaining that Nigerians, particularly people of the Niger Delta, are happy with Ribadu and will stand by him. He emphasized that under Ribadu’s leadership as NSA, key terror figures have been neutralized, allowing people to travel freely along the Abuja/Kaduna road and other parts of the country.
While acknowledging that more work needs to be done, Ossanya called for support for the NSA and the Bola Tinubu-led administration to make the country safer and free from notorious criminals and their financiers. He praised Ribadu’s intelligent approach to national security, focusing not only on physical security but also on food and other aspects of security.
Ossanya concluded, “Everything is now bearing fruit as we can see. Our National Security Adviser, one of the best we have ever had and one of the finest and most intelligent security experts to have come from our land, is on top of his game. His management of the nation’s security bears eloquent testimony to his dedication and commitment.”