The Traffic

Northern Forum Demands Sack of Security Chiefs, Cabinet Shake-Up Over Rising Insecurity

ABUJA — The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), a coalition of socio-cultural and political leaders across the 19 northern states, has issued a damning verdict on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, demanding an urgent cabinet reshuffle and a total overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its convener, Dominic Alancha, the Forum said it had “deeply examined the painful conditions of the people of northern Nigeria and the nation at large” and concluded that only bold, transformative decisions could save the country from its worsening crises.

‘Cabinet full of underperformers’

The Forum accused several ministers of “glaring underperformance,” warning that the Federal Executive Council as currently constituted lacks both competence and political weight to drive the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“A ministerial appointment is not merely a reward for loyalty; it is a critical national assignment,” the statement read. “We call on President Tinubu to dissolve and reshuffle the cabinet, replacing under-performing ministers with individuals of proven integrity, exceptional capacity, and real political influence.”

The group stressed that building a stronger cabinet was not just essential for national development, but also for Tinubu’s own political survival ahead of the 2027 elections.

Security chiefs must go

On insecurity, the Forum described the situation in the north as a “full-blown catastrophe,” lamenting that banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings had crippled farming, trade, and transportation across vast parts of the region.

“The current service chiefs, despite enormous resources at their disposal, have failed to deliver effective strategies,” NENF declared.

It demanded the immediate dismissal of all service chiefs, the appointment of fresh military leaders with clear, results-driven mandates, and the declaration of a state of emergency on security in northern Nigeria.

“This is not a call for militarisation,” the Forum explained, “but for a targeted, multi-agency emergency operation to flush out terrorists, dismantle their networks, and restore order.”

Economic reforms not enough

While commending Tinubu’s bold economic steps, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, the Forum insisted that reforms must be matched with tangible relief for citizens.

It urged government to accelerate palliatives, invest massively in agriculture and manufacturing, and improve power, transport, and infrastructure to stabilise the economy.

Tinubu must show empathy

NENF also faulted what it described as a widening disconnect between Nigerians and the government in Abuja.

“A government that shares in the burden of its people inspires unity and resilience in the face of adversity,” it said, urging Tinubu to demonstrate more empathy in leadership.

The Forum stressed that its call was not borne out of opposition but patriotism, reminding the president that its support for his 2023 victory could extend to 2027 — but only if governance becomes effective and empathetic.

“The time for action is now,” the statement concluded.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna