Deputy Director General of the Northern Elders Forum, Salisu Mohammed has faulted the security appointments made under former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing them as lopsided and unrepresentative of Nigeria’s diversity.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Mohammed said Buhari’s leadership failed to reflect the federal character principle in the composition of the nation’s security architecture. He argued that such an approach deepened distrust among Nigerians and undermined confidence in the government’s fight against insecurity.
“He stayed there for 8 years and came out with security architecture that is 100% northern extraction,” Mohammed stated.
According to him, while Nigerians initially believed Buhari’s military background would provide solutions to the nation’s pressing security challenges, his eventual choices in key appointments raised serious concerns. Mohammed explained that concentrating security leadership in one region created the perception of exclusion and imbalance, which is dangerous in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like Nigeria.
The NEF chieftain stressed that sustainable peace and security in the country depend on inclusivity, fairness, and equitable representation across regions. He maintained that Buhari’s approach alienated other parts of the country and weakened the unity needed to fight insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes.
“Leadership must show fairness in every decision. Once you create an impression that some parts of the country are excluded from critical roles, you lose the moral strength to demand collective sacrifice in times of crisis,” he added.
Mohammed urged the current administration to correct these imbalances by ensuring that security leadership reflects Nigeria’s diversity. He noted that addressing insecurity requires not only military strategies but also trust-building measures that guarantee all citizens a sense of belonging.
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