A group, Civil Society For Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD) has kicked against a proposed Bill for an Act to provide a framework for the appointment of staff of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The group said the Bill, according to sponsor was enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of the NSA and for related matters
The Co-Convener of the group, Obadiah Ovye, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said the proposed Bill, the NSA would among others, appoint such number of Staff as he deems necessary and expedient for the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the office under the national security Act.
It said: “You must have been aware of the plans, many of which are clandestine to impress, cajole, persuade, force and/or intimidate the National Assembly by some dark agents and forces to enact a strange law for the appointment of Staff of the Office of the National Security Adviser and retention of quality and skilled manpower to enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of the Office of the NSA.”
The group wondered why the Bill seeking an expanded role for the NSA was not an Executive Bill?
It noted: “Why is it not emanating from the President? Why was such a bill not tabled before the National Security and Defence Councils for their inputs before being taken to the National Assembly?
“Why was the public hearing for the bill earlier slated before the end of January, 2024 hurriedly brought back to 30th December, 2023 – a Saturday and without well circulated information for the change in date?
“Who is seeking to enact the Act on the argument of enhancing an institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of the NSA?
“We wish to ask: What has happened to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office (PS SSO) designed to administratively coordinate the intelligence community and by implication serve as the institutional memory for national security management.”
The group also queried why the NSA wish to become an agency when Section 4(2) of the National Security Act categorically states that: “The Coordinator on National Security shall be a Principal Staff Officer in the Office of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces?”
The group, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu and all relevant stakeholders and supporters of this great country, Nigeria to oppose the ill- intentioned and ill-conceived bill which is aimed at monopolising the country’s security apparatus at the detriment of national interest.
The group maintained that the legislation is harmful and implored Mr President and patriotic citizens to join hands in standing against it in order to protect the integrity of our country’s security.