Tinubu's Top Security Aide Removed: Adegboyega Fasasi Replaced by Rasheed Lawal Amidst Presidency Shake-Up

Tinubu's Top Security Aide Removed: Adegboyega Fasasi Replaced by Rasheed Lawal Amidst Presidency Shake-Up

In a surprise move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Adegboyega Fasasi as his Chief Security Officer (CSO), citing the need for Fasasi to attend a "strategic course" ¹. This development has sparked interest, as Fasasi's departure is seen as part of a broader reshuffle within the presidency.

Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a deputy director of the State Security Service (SSS), has taken over as the new CSO. Lawal is currently enrolled in a fellowship course at the National Institute for Security Studies ¹. Insiders reveal that Lawal was due for promotion to the rank of Director in July 2023 but was overlooked by the previous management due to unfavorable relations with the former Director-General ¹.

Fasasi's removal may be linked to allegations of high-handedness and stepping on influential toes within the presidency ¹. A source close to the matter noted, "Fasasi has stepped on so many toes. Even the president was not so much pleased with the way he coordinates the office" ¹.

The change in CSO is consistent with the tradition of the SSS, where a new Director-General typically appoints a trusted aide to the position ¹. As one source explained, "The position of the CSO is highly strategic. The DG needs someone he actually trusts and is comfortable with at that key position" ¹.

This development echoes a similar incident in March 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced his CSO, Bashir Abubakar, with Idris Ahmed, reportedly to attend a "strategic course" in Argentina ¹.

The presidency has yet to officially comment on Fasasi's removal and Lawal's appointment. However, this shake-up is likely to have significant implications for the inner workings of the presidency and the country's security apparatus.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.