NSA Monguno denies frosty relationship with NIA DG
EMERGENCY DIGEST – The National Security Adviser, NSA, Babagana Monguno, has denied any fall-out between himself and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar, as being speculated.
An online newspaper Daily Nigerian had reported that some unnamed former directors of the NIA had accused the NSA of instigating a frosty relationship between his office and the NIA.
The group had also accused Mr Monguno of working to frustrate the appointment of Mr Abubakar as the director-general of the agency in 2018.
But in a statement on Friday, the ONSA’s Head of Strategic Communications, Zakari Usman, said the intelligence community is pleased with the work of Mr Abubakar since his appointment as the NIA Boss.
“The National Security Adviser is equally satisfied with the level of consultations between his office and the Director-General in achieving the functions of the National Intelligence Agency.
“Contrary to these false claims Ambassador Abubakar never failed a promotion exam and has consistently been an outstanding officer,” the statement added.
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The ONSA, therefore, advised all stakeholders in the security and intelligence sector to disregard the “unfortunate falsehood being peddled by these shadowy groups”, warning them to desist from violating the secrecy upon which the Intelligence Community functions.
“Appropriate action is being taken to unmask them and bring them to justice,” the statement noted.
“Reported speculations by the unnamed former directors that the National Security Adviser had told the National Assembly that he was unaware of the Director General’s appointment in 2018 is false.
“The appointment of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency was made in full compliance with the relevant law.
“To set the record straight, by the provisions of the Instrument establishing the Agency under the National Security Agencies Act 1986, Cap 278 LFN, the appointment and tenure of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency is the exclusive prerogative of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“This office wishes to note that a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Okon Abang has already dismissed a suit challenging the appointment of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency,” the statement read in part.
