President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General, following strong objections within the Nigerian Army over procedure and morale.
The decision came after days of internal discontent and high-level consultations involving military authorities and the Presidency.
Army Officers Kick Against Special Promotion
The promotion had sparked anger among officers, especially those who have completed required military courses and spent the stipulated years in rank.
A senior military source said the move created tension within the ranks, as many officers viewed it as a breach of established promotion standards.
Presidency Steps In After Consultations
According to sources, the reversal followed consultations “at the highest levels of the military and the presidency regarding morale and promotion procedures.”
President Tinubu reportedly acted after being briefed on the wider implications of the promotion on discipline and hierarchy within the armed forces.
Relief Sweeps Through Armed Forces
Sources described widespread relief after the decision was announced, with officers welcoming the reversal.
A military source said:
“The decision to promote Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General was rescinded yesterday (Monday). The Commander-in-Chief was misled but thank God he did the needful. The armed forces are celebrating Tinubu right now.”
The Presidency also confirmed that the President acted appropriately as Commander-in-Chief.
Decoration Ceremony Cancelled at Last Minute
Before the reversal, preparations for the promotion ceremony had already been concluded.
The ADC had reportedly invited family members and other guests for the decoration.
A source explained:
“The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) had already arranged for his decoration yesterday and his family members were even prepared for the event. Messages were even sent notifying everybody for the investiture to Brigadier General (Brig Gen). Tinubu had to listen to the voice of General Alani Akinrinade (retired), former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who also intervened.”
COAS Summoned Over Morale Concerns
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who was attending a conference in Lagos, was summoned to Abuja to brief the President.
According to the source:
“The COAS, who was in Lagos for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference, was summoned to Abuja by Mr President yesterday. He had an audience with the Commander-in-Chief on the heavily demoralised soldiers over the unwarranted promotion of the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General (Brig Gen) and other issues.”
The source further claimed:
“Mr President realized he was misadvised by Nuhu Ribadu and quickly disapproved of it.”
Security Team Under Review
Beyond the promotion issue, the Presidency is reportedly reviewing the structure and ranks within the President’s security detail.
A source said:
“Meanwhile, Mr President needs to remove the Chief Detail (CD), Mr Adegboyega Fasasi and Mr Usman Shugaba, the Chief Personal Security Officer (CSPSO), they have outranked these positions.”
Concerns were also raised about their current roles and ranks.
Questions Over DSS and Police Appointments
Further allegations questioned the suitability of some security appointments.
A source claimed:
“Fasasi, the Chief Detail (CD) to the President, is a Department of State Services (DSS) officer and a Director of Intelligence Services (DIS) in rank, which is very wrong. The new Director-General (DG) of DSS withdrew him to correct the anomaly, but Mr Fasasi used his connections to refuse the transfer.”
On the Chief Personal Security Officer, the source added:
“The Chief Personal Security Officer (CSPSO) to the President is supposed to be an officer on the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at most, an unnecessary position that was formed for Jonathan’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) as Vice President after losing his position of Aide-de-Camp (ADC) on Jonathan’s ascension to the presidency.”
The source further alleged:
“The current occupier, Mr Usman Shugaba, is also a notorious lobbyist, who shot himself up to the position of Commissioner of Police (CP). His mates are still on Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).”
Questions Over Promotion Standards Persist
Earlier reports had already flagged concerns over the special promotion, with officers questioning qualifications, precedent, and adherence to established military promotion procedures.