“It is because he is seeing things that critics are not seeing. He is seeing things most people don’t see.”

“It is not a tenured appointment. There is no part of the law that says chief of army staff must serve for two years. Then, after two years, he must go.

It is no news that Nigerians across political divide have made countless calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs following the heightening insecurity crisis in the federation.

From Civil society groups to the National Assembly and even the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), the calls have become song in the ears of Mr. President that he would listen to but wouldn’t attempt any rhythmic movement, no matter the volume. What is news however, is the alarming revelation that there is no length his advisers or spokesmen wouldn’t go, to either defend his actions or inactions.

There is the worrisome handling of the President’s communication in such a way that any critic of policies by the Buhari administration is deemed an ‘enemy of progress.’ More disturbing also is the blatant disregard for the feelings of Nigerians.

Presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, had in December, said “he decides who he keeps as a service chief and for how long.” Reiterating this on Sunday, when he featured on a TVC programme, the President’s Senior Special Assistant stressed that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has refused to heed the demands of Nigerians because “he is seeing things most people don’t see.”

Considering how terrible the security situation in the country (from one geo-political zone to the other) continues to plummet, it would be better for Nigerians to ask Alhaji Shehu “what could Mr President be seeing that others can’t see?”

Are these things supernatural or extra-terrestrial?

While we await these answers, it will do the president’s handlers a lot of good to avoid stoking anger and frustration among Nigerians in the face of the near-hapless situation the administration keeps painting before us, especially on matters of security. This can be simply achieved by putting a stop to not just propaganda; but unprofessional, insensitive and shameful commentaries about insecurity in the land.

Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq

Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq is a Journalist, Political Analyst and Satirist with major interest in Nigerian Politics, Governance and Sports.