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Tinubu’s CSO Refuses to Budge: Three Months After Redeployment Order, Fasasi Remains in Office
Three months after an official memo regarding his redeployment from the State House, Adegboyega Fasasi, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to remain in his position.
Fasasi’s defiance of a posting directive from the Department of State Security Service (DSS) has raised concerns about adherence to service rules, security protocols, and overall discipline within Nigeria’s critical intelligence framework.
In October of last year, DSS Director General Tosin Ajayi ordered Fasasi’s redeployment to attend an executive management course—a mandatory requirement for officers of his rank. This redeployment is part of a standard procedure designed to enhance versatility, professionalism, and discipline within the service towards maintaining operational effectiveness.
Ajayi’s decision to replace Fasasi with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, another director was influenced, in part, by Fasasi’s failure to attend the executive management courses required for Deputy Directors and Directors. Having spent over seven years stationed at the State House in Abuja, Fasasi was due for this mandatory training.
However, Fasasi has retained his position as the President’s CSO, reportedly backed by influential government officials and politicians to “resist the directive,” according to an intelligence operative who spoke with PRNigeria.
“President Tinubu is apparently facing pressure from these powerful figures to keep Fasasi in his role, complicating the resolution of this issue,” the operative revealed.
Concerns have also been voiced by other DSS personnel, who expressed that Fasasi’s refusal to comply with the redeployment order is “unusual and ambiguous.” They warn that such actions could undermine institutional discipline and erode respect for constitutional authority.
Fasasi has also been accused of retaining close associates to work with him at the presidential villa.
Meanwhile, another security source indicated to PRNigeria that personal and security aides within the Presidential Villa operate at the President’s discretion. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source noted that Fasasi plays a crucial role in ensuring the President’s safety, acting as a key point of access to him. His actions have reportedly earned him the trust of both the President’s immediate family and other principal officials within the villa.
The source further revealed that the executive training program Fasasi is expected to attend is set to commence in February 2025.
“The training program for Mr. Fasasi will begin in February, which is next month. He will remain in his position until the end of January 2025, after which he will embark on the training. This arrangement serves as a transitional period, allowing Fasasi to continue his duties while preparing for the upcoming training—unless the President decides to extend his tenure,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, security experts have noted that the standoff underscores the intricate balance between professional protocol and political influence in Nigeria’s security operations. The eventual resolution—or lack thereof—will likely set a significant precedent for managing similar issues in the future.
By PRNigeria
A Nigerian good governance advocacy group, Countryfirst Movement, has announced plans to form a coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, aiming to make Tinubu a one-term president.
In a statement on Friday, the group’s convener, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, described the APC as “rudderless” and accused Tinubu’s administration of “outperforming” former President Muhammadu Buhari’s “colossal failure.”
Nwaokobia expressed confidence that there is sufficient time to build a coalition capable of defeating the APC, despite recent high-profile defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his team from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“Compatriots, those defending the egocentric and self-seeking defection of the Delta State Governor and his team are smart by half,” Nwaokobia said, dismissing concerns over the defections’ impact.
“There is enough time to perfect and pull through with the needed coalition to defeat the underperforming APC in 2027.”
Nwaokobia pointed to the 2023 elections, where the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, secured significant support in Delta State without controlling a single state government.
He noted that the “Obidient Movement,” a grassroots political force backing Obi, defeated the PDP’s machinery in the presidential polls in Delta, despite Oborevwori’s eventual gubernatorial victory.
“Delta State in 2027 offers a beautiful turf for the replay of the contest between the people’s power and the power of the men in power,” he said, predicting a “ballot-based people’s revolution” deeper than in 2023.
The activist also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and hold public officials accountable, urging citizens to reject “the poisoned chalice of deceit, falsehood, and debauchery” propagated by self-serving politicians.
Tinubu, declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has faced criticism for economic challenges and governance issues.
Nwaokobia argued that the president’s failure to secure a majority of total votes in 2023, combined with ongoing defections, will deepen public rejection of his leadership.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
The Lagos state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a driver of Lagos bus rapid transit (BRT), to death by hanging for killing Bamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer.
Sherifat Sonaike, the trial judge, gave the verdict on Friday.
More to follow…