Buhari our service chiefs and their abiding loyalty

A sensitive topic!

The relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Armed Forces' Service Chiefs has been a subject of interest and debate among Nigerians and international observers. While the President has the constitutional authority to appoint and dismiss the Service Chiefs, the loyalty of the military to the President has been a topic of discussion.

Here are some points to consider:

1. Constitutional role: The Nigerian Constitution (1999) empowers the President to appoint and dismiss the Service Chiefs, who are responsible for the overall command and control of the Armed Forces.
2. Loyalty: The Nigerian Armed Forces are sworn to defend the country and its constitution, not a particular individual or political party. The Service Chiefs are expected to remain loyal to the country and its institutions, rather than to a specific President or government.
3. Historical context: The Nigerian military has a history of intervening in politics, with several coups and attempted coups since the country's independence in 1960. This has led to a culture of military involvement in politics, which can sometimes blur the lines between loyalty to the country and loyalty to a particular leader.
4. Buhari's appointments: President Buhari has appointed several Service Chiefs during his tenure, including the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. While some have criticized the appointments as being based on political considerations rather than merit, others have praised the President's ability to select capable and experienced military leaders.
5. Military professionalism: The Nigerian Armed Forces have a professional code of conduct that emphasizes loyalty to the country and its institutions. The Service Chiefs are expected to maintain a neutral stance in political matters and avoid involvement in partisan politics.
6. Recent controversies: There have been several controversies surrounding the Service Chiefs' loyalty to President Buhari, including allegations of political interference in military operations and the perceived lack of accountability for human rights abuses. Critics have accused the President of using the military to suppress opposition and silence critics.
7. International scrutiny: The Nigerian military's actions have been subject to international scrutiny, with human rights organizations and international bodies criticizing the government's handling of security issues, including the Boko Haram insurgency and communal conflicts.

In conclusion, while the loyalty of the Nigerian Service Chiefs to President Buhari is a matter of debate, it is essential to recognize the constitutional role of the President in appointing and dismissing the Service Chiefs. The military's loyalty should be to the country and its institutions, rather than to a specific individual or political party.