The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has made a bold statement regarding national security, calling for significant leadership changes within Nigeria’s defense establishment. In a detailed press release, the organization leveled serious criticisms against Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, demanding his immediate removal from office.
Central to the NDYC’s argument are recent security breaches in Borno State, where insurgent groups reportedly overwhelmed military installations, resulting in the loss of 40 tanks and critical military equipment. The youth organization views these incidents as indicative of fundamental failures in the country’s defense strategy and ministerial leadership.
The press release articulated multiple concerns, including allegations of improper contract allocations, potential prioritization of political interests over national security, and a perceived breakdown in communication between executive and legislative branches. Of particular note was the organization’s criticism of the minister’s reported lack of collaborative approach and apparent disregard for parliamentary protocols.
Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the National Coordinator, signed the statement, which ultimately calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action. The NDYC’s primary recommendation is the immediate replacement of the current Defence Minister with a leader capable of addressing the nation’s complex security challenges.
The press release represents a significant intervention by a youth organization into national security discourse, emphasizing the critical need for effective leadership and strategic accountability in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.