The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have applauded President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Adeola Ajayi as the new Director General (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In separate statements issued by Yerima Shettima, the President General of the AYCF, and Salihu Suleiman, Chairman of NAN, the organizations enthusiastically endorse Ajayi’s ascension to this pivotal role, emphasizing the promise of a refreshed approach to national security and stability under his leadership.
The Arewa group endorsement, according to Shettima and Suleiman, is rooted in Ajayi’s impressive track record and tangible achievements in various states, including Kogi, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, and Plateau, stressing that His tenure in these regions has been characterized by notable successes in mitigating insecurity and restoring public safety, adding that his swift response to the security challenges in Bauchi and Plateau resulted in a significant decline in violent incidents, allowing for an atmosphere of safety that the populace has since enjoyed.
The groups whose statements are corroborative further said that Ajayi’s intervention in Kogi led to the neutralization of the insurgent group Ansaru.
This feat speaks volumes about his capability and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
In the current climate, where security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and community unrest continue to plague Nigeria, the group lauds Ajayi’s appointment as a timely and strategic move by President Bola Tinubu.
The groups envisioned that Ajayi’s leadership style would prioritize a more covert and intelligent approach to intelligence gathering and operational deployment within the DSS.
For Shettima, “This aligns with the AYCF call for an emphasis on discretion and strategic silence regarding sensitive security matters, a method they believe could significantly enhance the agency’s overall effectiveness.
Expressing their optimism, the groups underscored the necessity of the collective support of all stakeholders, including the general public, in facilitating Ajayi’s mandate. They advocated for citizens’ patience, cooperation, and understanding as they navigated the complex terrain of national security. This collaborative spirit, they argue, is essential in creating a conducive environment for him to implement his vision for a secure Nigeria.
They further acknowledged the distinct challenges faced by the North, disproportionately affected by insecurity in recent years. They added that as custodians of the interests of Northern youth, they are particularly hopeful that Ajayi’s deep understanding of these issues, along with his unprecedented antecedents, will enable him to restore peace and order across the region.
They believed that proper strategy implementation, reinforced by community engagement and trust, could reverse the current security threats.
They also recognised that the path to security is fraught with challenges but believe that with exemplary leadership grounded in integrity, professionalism, and community outreach, the DSS can significantly improve Nigeria’s security landscape.
On the part of Suleiman, “The coming months will be critical in evaluating the impact of his leadership on national security dynamics, but the AYCF stands ready to support the new DG in his efforts to restore order and confidence in the state security apparatus.
Ultimately, the groups encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind him, fostering a unified front against insecurity and its disturbing implications for the nation’s future.
