Nuhu Ribadu officially assumed duties as the National Security Adviser (NSA) on Monday, saying he would use all he has in his capacity to subdue insecurity and stabilize Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by Z.U. Mijinyawa, Senior Special Adviser for Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Ribadu, who took over from former NSA Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), was announced last week by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a brief ceremony in Abuja, he said the administration of President Tinubu had enormous responsibility for securing Nigeria, stabilizing it, and ensuring peace in all parts of the country.
According to him, this is a work for Nigerians, and we intend to continue with what has been done.
“We will stabilize this country, we will secure our country, and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe the time has come for this country to enjoy peace, restore order, and rule of law just like any other country in the world.
“Securing the nation is a continuous process. We will look at what has been done and build on it. We will count on your support in the course of fulfilling our responsibilities.
“Mr. President has a huge commitment to securing every inch of our country. We will work with all stakeholders to deliver on this vision.
“This enormous task of securing our country is that of all Nigerians and all friends of Nigeria,” he said.
Ribadu solicited the full cooperation of all servicemen and women, and by extension, all Nigerians.
He said there was a need to unite to accomplish the present administration’s quest for a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
Earlier, the former NSA, Monguno, said that Rubadu was well-equipped, qualified, educated, and had a very deep understanding of the complexity of the security challenges confronting the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that the new NSA had the capacity to tackle whatever challenges he might encounter having served in the various positions, saying that Ribadu was starting on a good footing.
“For me, I have been able to hand over a comprehensive note to him and also brief him extensively.
“For me, I want to give gratitude to the Almighty God for giving me the grace to serve for such a long time and also allowing me to depart in good health and enjoy the rest of my life in an atmosphere that is bereft of the type of pressure that is associated with this all-important office.
“I am also wishing in the same vein that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will have a very successful tenure and depart in good health when the time comes for him to depart, he stated.”
Monguno said the ever-changing 21st-century security environment demands a complex approach.
According to him, “Today we are dealing with a situation in which we have terrorists and insurrectionists. The way and manner in which you will deal with the situation is such that you will have to rely on the collection of competent staff.”
He urged the staff to extend the same support and cooperation he enjoyed to his successor to achieve the desired national objective.
