Southern Youth Forum, a collective of youth leaders from the seventeen Southern States, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into the construction of the new office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In a press conference on Wednesday, the group’s leadership, represented by Fidelis Nze (KSM), John Atani, and Hon Adekunle Ibilola, urged President Tinubu to probe the cost of the project, the procurement process, and the companies involved in building the facility.
The youth leaders expressed their concern that the NSA, Mohammed Babagana Monguno, may have misused funds that should have been allocated to combat insecurity across the country. They demanded that Monguno disclose the actual cost of the project and justify the necessity of such an extravagant office for his role.
“We observe with consternation the visit of Mr. President to a facility hosting the office of NSA and the National Counter Terrorism Center,” the group stated. “While we are not against Mr. President visiting any of our security agencies as the Commander in Chief, we are taken aback by the huge resources expended on a needless facility.”
The Southern Youth Forum highlighted the disparity between the NSA’s office and its core mandate of intelligence gathering and defence policy coordination. They argued that the funds used for the construction could have been better allocated to procure arms and ammunition for the military and improve the welfare of troops.
The youth leaders called on President Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the project’s cost, procurement process, and the companies involved. They stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in order to ascertain the actual expenditure on the facility.
Additionally, the group advised President Tinubu to be cautious of Monguno, suggesting that the NSA is using the new office and the President’s visit as a showcase to secure his continued tenure. They claimed that Monguno is attempting to consolidate his influence over various security agencies and control their budgets, which raises concerns about his intentions.
“We believe he should be in the process of rendering his stewardship to Nigerians, not lobbying to be retained in office,” the youth leaders asserted. They urged President Tinubu to remain vigilant and hold individuals like the current NSA accountable to the Nigerian people, particularly regarding the exorbitant facility housing the new NSA office.
As the call for a probe into the construction of the NSA’s office gains attention, it remains to be seen how President Tinubu will respond and whether further investigations will be initiated to address the concerns raised by the Southern Youth Forum.
