ADC tackles Tinubu over Homeland Security Adviser appointment, says it’s duplication of NSA responsibilities
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing the move as unnecessary and ideologically misplaced.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a reaction posted on Sunday, argued that the term “homeland security” has no practical relevance within Nigeria’s governance and security structure.
“President Tinubu has just appointed a Major General as ‘Special Adviser on Homeland Security.’ The term ‘homeland’ is ideological and historically rooted. It makes sense in contexts like the United States, Germany, Israel, or Palestine. In Nigeria, it is largely meaningless,” Abdullahi stated.
He further questioned the rationale behind creating the new office, suggesting it may indicate a lack of confidence in the current National Security Adviser (NSA).
“If the President no longer has confidence in his National Security Adviser, he should simply replace him, not create a new office with a copycat title,” he added.
Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Fadewa (Rtd)
The criticism followed an official statement announcing the appointment of Major General Famadewa (Rtd) by President Tinubu.
According to the presidency, the appointment was approved “in recognition of his exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.”
In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the government said the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening internal security coordination and intelligence-driven operations.
The statement noted that Famadewa, a highly decorated retired military officer, has over three decades of experience in intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and national security strategy.
It recalled that he served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021, where he played a major role in establishing the Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The centre was designed to enhance collaboration among key security agencies including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.
The presidency also highlighted Famadewa’s post-retirement role as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, where he contributed to policy discussions on policing, civil-security cooperation, and national security reforms.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the retired general would strengthen the administration’s efforts to improve security coordination and intelligence integration across the country.
“He also urged him to deploy his wealth of experience, professionalism, and strategic insight in advancing national security objectives and supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.
