Confusion over who should direct the national security of Nigeria is a threat to the country. It should not be treated like the two-fighting scene common in primary schools.
Turf wars among the advisers of presidents are common, whether over how the economy is run, a foreign policy or a political strategy. Under President Muhammadu Buhari these battles aren’t over ideas but personalities, perks and positions. Petty preoccupations that harm the economy, international relations and national security.
A leaked document from Mohammed Monguno, the national security advisor, accusing Abba Kyari, the chief of staff, of “illegal acts that serve nothing but the continuous undermining of our national security framework” is serious enough to make any president react. But President Buhari has kept quiet, as he is accustomed to do.
His silence, to be fair, may mean he prefers to settle such a sensitive matter quietly. Keeping quiet, however, is one thing, resolving issues quickly is another.
While he may choose to speak less and act more, it’s important that the president remembers he is the commander-in-chief. For national security issues, he has appointed an advisor, even though he serves at his pleasure. A chief of staff presiding over national security meetings with service chiefs is unconstitutional and violates constitution the president has sworn to protect. National security is above the paygrade of the chief of staff.
If his silence is an attempt to avoid responsibility (and put the blame on overambitious appointees eager to please) we remind the president that the blame for the confusion at Aso Rock falls on him. It is the consequence of a leadership style that prefers abdicating duties to a trusted few. A style which contradicts Buhari who in his Chatham House speech in 2015 promised to “always lead from the front” if elected president. Mr President, lead from the front, take responsibility for insecurity in the country.
The silence of the president about the extent of the power of his chief staff, especially after instructing that all matters be channelled through him, leaves room for unrestricted exercise of power. Unchecked power in the hands of a political appointee with no pressure to deliver on campaign promises or interest in the common good of the country is dangerous. It says volumes about who runs the country and makes nonsense of his inaugural speech about belonging to nobody.
Choosing to ignore the confusion around him and the calls for a rethink of national security strategy is indicative of how Kyari has become de facto Prime Minister of Nigeria. It limits the quality and breadth of advice available to the president in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
According to Monguno, leaving Kyari to attend to matters beyond his capacity and office “have not only ruptured our security and defence efforts but have slowed down any meaningful gain the president sought to achieve.”
To fight the terrorists, insurgents, bandits and militants that are emerging across the country, Nigeria requires more than just airstrikes. The Monguno-Kyari squabble will make it difficult to initiate a comprehensive economic development plan to build infrastructure, promote agriculture and generate jobs.
