Buhari sacks service chiefs after surge in Boko Haram attacks, BBOG pressure
By Usman Abubakar
President Muhammadu Buhari just fired all of Nigeria’s service chiefs.
The action came after increased Boko Haram attacks since Buhari’s inauguration on May 29.
The sacking trails increased pressure mounted on Buhari for his slowness at overpowering the insurgents who seek to turn Nigerian into an “Islamic” Caliphate.
Prominent Muslims have denounced Boko Haram’s ideology.
Earlier, today, BBOG leader Obiageli Ezekwesili turned the heat on the president for not fulfilling his campaign promise of effecting the rescue of the over 200 Chiboko girls Boko Haram kidnapped from Borno last year.
Many will view Buhari’s latest action as his response to the criticisms and pressure, but will have to wait for weeks to see if the move yields a positive outcome.
The sacking means the Chief of Defence Staff Alex Bade is no longer in the employ of the government.
The Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Usman Jibrin; Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosun will follow Badeh through the exit door.
They were all appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari’s media aide Femi Adeshina, who confirmed the sacking, said the government will soon release a full statement on the action.
Boko Haram is believed responsible for over 15,000 killings in Nigeria since 2009.
The sect is reportedly capitalizing on the high rate of youth unemployment in the country to gain new members.
A recent report say at least 5,000 “Christians” have joined the sect because they see it as “a job.” There are fears these “Christian” terrorists may be deployed to churches to carry out suicide bombings.
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