Ex-DSS Chief Hails New Defence Minister’s Appointment as Timely

A former Asst. Director, Department of State Security, Mr Dennis Amachree, has lauded the appointment of a new Minister of Defence, describing it as timely intervention to Nigeria’s insecurity crises
Amachree made the commendation yesterday in an interview with NAN.
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday nominated the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence after Alhaji Mohamed Abubakar’s resignation on Monday on health grounds.
Amachree, who is also a national security analyst, said that the role of a minister of defence was too critical to be filled by anyone lacking deep expertise.
“This position is the linchpin of our democracy, ensuring civilian control of the military and acting as the principal defence policy advisor to the president.
“Unfortunately, the current state of our nation’s security suggests a leadership vacuum.
“Nigeria’s defence establishment appears rudderless, precisely because the former Minister of Defence and his Minister of State failed to meet their core responsibility,” he said.
The security expert said the president looked beyond politics and chose a candidate with genuine expertise in formulating and executing national defence policy and strategy.
He added that such a candidate must be capable of designing and supervising the development of military strategies and operational plans that can effectively deter both internal and external threats.
“The candidate must exercise firm authority, direction, and control over all branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) to ensure unified action.
“The person must also guarantee that the military is properly equipped, trained and prepared to decisively end the insecurity crisis,” Amachree said.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Musa to deliver what was expected of him, to bring an end to the recurring cases of insecurity in the country.
He added that the enormous defence budget must be properly allocated to close operational gaps, with a zero-tolerance policy for corruption in acquisition and management.
“We can no longer afford excuses for failure. Our security demands an advisor who can deliver results,” Amachree said.