TINUBU’S ADC PROMOTION TO BRIG-GEN SHELVED AFTER RETIRED GENERALS’ INTERVENTION
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE planned promotion of Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, to Brigadier-General has been shelved following intervention by two former Chiefs of Army Staff.
KEY ISSUES:
– Controversial Promotion : Yusuf, promoted to Colonel in January 2025, was set for “special presidential promotion” to Brigadier-General, bypassing normal requirements (4+ years as Colonel, National Defence College attendance).
– Intervention by Retired Generals : Defence Minister Chris Musa (retired general) and current Army Chief Waidi Shaibu cut short Lagos visit. Two ex-army chiefs persuaded Tinubu to halt promotion citing “dangers to military establishment”.
– Breach of Military Norms :
– No Brigadier-General has served as presidential ADC in Nigeria’s history.
– Promotion breaks tradition; officers typically need War College, Defence College, 4-5 years in rank.
– Concerns of “bad precedent”, favouritism, undermining merit-based system.
– Yusuf’s Influence Allegations : Accused of undue influence on promotions/retentions via closeness to Tinubu. Previously got president to sign memo promoting retiring officers, later withdrawn.
– Presidential Source : Promotion “not going to happen anytime soon”.
– Military Disquiet : Officers grumble over bypassed procedures, lack of courses attended. Sets worrying trend for discipline, morale.
– Letter Details : NSA Nuhu Ribadu conveyed approval (Dec 12, 2025) for promotion+retention as ADC. Authenticity questioned online
SOURCE==TheCable==EXCEPT THE HEADLINE AND INTRO PLUS A FEW PARAGRAPHS
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