Arewa Think Tank defends interior minister

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has dismissed allegations that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, interfered in the proposed two-year service extension of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement, Yakubu said accusations circulating in parts of the North suggesting that Ojo was attempting to block the extension of the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, were not true and not correct. “What the youth group is saying about the minister is not true and is not correct,” Yakubu said. “They should not bring politics into a very serious and sensitive issue such as security.”

His remarks came in response to a statement by the Coalition of Northern Youths Consultative Movement (CNYCM), which accused the minister of attempting to frustrate a reported presidential approval for a two-year extension of Audi’s tenure.

The group alleged that President Bola Tinubu had approved the extension in recognition of Audi’s performance, similar to extensions granted to the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller-General of Customs.

In a statement by its General Secretary, Bilal Gambo, the coalition warned that any move to halt the extension could destabilise the Corps and undermine national security.

It further alleged that the minister was seeking to install a preferred successor for personal interests, claims Yakubu strongly refuted.

“The minister has been doing very, very well. He is one of the high-profile, respected and performing ministers in the Tinubu cabinet,” Yakubu said. “We should allow due process and allow what the President has approved to take place. We must not mix up issues or regionalise, politicise or ethnicise security matters, especially at this time in our national development and as we approach elections.”

He also praised the leadership of Audi, noting that the NSCDC boss had recorded significant operational successes. Since assuming office, Audi has overseen the arrest of over 1,200 vandals and criminal suspects, secured 142 convictions and dismantled 218 illegal refineries.

Under his watch, the Corps established the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, the Arms Squad Training School in Nasarawa and a dedicated Female Squad to enhance gender inclusion.

The NSCDC has also expanded its mandate in protecting critical national assets, including oil pipelines and agricultural infrastructure, earning commendations from the state governments and security stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders and youth groups to avoid inflammatory statements capable of undermining public confidence in security institutions.

“Security should never be reduced to political contestation,” he said. “We must support our institutions and respect constitutional processes for the sake of national stability.”