Political analyst and former APC spokesperson Timi Frank has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about what he calls the politicization of the Nigerian Army.
Frank cautioned that misusing military ranks could harm democracy and national stability.
He expressed concern over reports that the President’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) was quickly promoted to Brigadier-General soon after becoming a Colonel.
In a statement, Frank said if true, this would break military tradition and professional standards.
He said, “The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard of any president but a national institution governed by long-established rules and hierarchy.” He added that high military ranks are earned through years of service, sacrifice, training, and leadership, not political favors.
Frank explained that promotions done outside the proper procedures could lower morale among career officers, weaken leadership, and hurt discipline in the army.
He warned that politicizing the military has caused problems and instability in Africa before, pointing to recent coups in West Africa as examples.
Frank noted that even during military rule in Nigeria, the rank of general was handled carefully and with respect. He stressed that giving or changing ranks for personal or political reasons goes against Nigeria’s democratic and military traditions.
While recognizing the president’s role as commander-in-chief, Frank said this power must be used carefully and with respect for institutions.
He said, “Being Commander-in-Chief is not a license to erode due process or professional norms.”
Frank concluded by saying, “Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford further weakening of its institutions,” warning that breaking military traditions could encourage coup attempts.
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