Three months after an official memo ordered his redeployment, Adegboyega Fasasi, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains in office, defying the directive from the Department of State Security Service (DSS).
The directive, issued in October 2024 by DSS Director General Tosin Ajayi, required Fasasi to attend an executive management course, a mandatory training for officers of his rank. The decision aimed to enhance versatility, professionalism, and discipline within the service. Fasasi, who has spent over seven years at the State House, was to be replaced by Rasheed Atanda Lawal, another senior officer.
However, Fasasi has reportedly refused to vacate his position, allegedly backed by influential government officials and politicians. An intelligence operative revealed that these powerful figures are pressuring the President to allow Fasasi to remain in his role.
“This situation complicates the matter as President Tinubu appears to be facing pressure from powerful quarters to retain Fasasi,” the operative said.
DSS personnel and security experts have raised concerns about Fasasi’s defiance. They argue that his refusal to comply undermines institutional discipline and could erode respect for constitutional authority.
Fasasi has also been accused of retaining close associates within the Presidential Villa, further deepening concerns about his grip on the office.
Despite these issues, another security source disclosed that personal aides in the Presidential Villa operate at the President’s discretion. Fasasi’s trusted role in ensuring the President’s safety has reportedly earned him the confidence of the President’s family and principal officials.
The executive management course Fasasi is expected to attend is scheduled to begin in February 2025. A source confirmed that Fasasi will remain in his position until the end of January 2025, allowing him to prepare for the program.
“This arrangement serves as a transitional period. Fasasi will continue his duties while preparing for the training unless the President decides otherwise,” the source explained.
Security experts view this standoff as a significant test of the balance between professional protocol and political influence in Nigeria’s security operations. The resolution of this issue is expected to set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.
https://phoenix-browser.com/IS8BNUY8w2
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about adherence to service rules and the importance of institutional discipline within Nigeria’s critical intelligence framework.
By Damilola Adeleke| January 13, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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