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Tinubu’s CSO Remains In Role Three Months After Redeployment Directive

Tinubu’s CSO Remains In Role Three Months After Redeployment Directive
  • PublishedJanuary 12, 2025

Three months after being officially redeployed from the State House, Adegboyega Fasasi, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Tinubu, has not yet vacated his position, despite a formal directive from the Department of State Services (DSS).

In October 2024, the Director General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, issued a memo reassigning Fasasi and directing him to attend an executive management course, a mandatory requirement for officers of his rank.

However, Fasasi continues to serve in his role, raising concerns about adherence to service rules and institutional discipline.

The directive, aimed at promoting professionalism, versatility, and operational efficiency within the service, included a plan to replace Fasasi with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, another senior DSS officer.

Ajayi’s decision was reportedly influenced by Fasasi’s non-compliance with the executive management training requirements applicable to Deputy Directors and Directors, especially after spending over seven years stationed at the State House.

Despite the directive, Fasasi has remained in his role, reportedly backed by influential political figures who are allegedly pressuring the President to retain him.

According to an intelligence operative who spoke with PRNigeria, these influential figures are making it difficult for the directive to be enforced.

“President Tinubu is apparently facing pressure from these powerful figures to keep Fasasi in his role, complicating the resolution of this issue,” the source revealed.

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Other DSS personnel have also expressed concern, describing Fasasi’s continued stay as “unusual and ambiguous.”

They warned that disregarding such directives could weaken institutional discipline and diminish respect for constitutional authority.

However, a security source cited by PRNigeria noted that personal and security aides working in the Presidential Villa operate at the President’s discretion.

The source, speaking anonymously, described Fasasi as a key figure in ensuring the President’s safety and maintaining direct access to him, which has reportedly earned him significant trust within the Villa, including from the President’s immediate family and key officials.

The source further disclosed that the executive management course Fasasi was directed to attend is scheduled for February 2025, suggesting his continued presence may be temporary.

“The training programme for Mr. Fasasi will begin in February, which is next month. He will remain in his position until the end of January 2025, after which he will embark on the training.

“This arrangement serves as a transitional period, allowing Fasasi to continue his duties while preparing for the upcoming training – unless the President decides to extend his tenure,” the source explained.

Security analysts have noted that the standoff highlights the delicate balance between professional service regulations and political influence in Nigeria’s security system.

The final outcome could set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.

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