The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly constituted US–Nigeria Security Working Group, describing the composition as imbalanced, exclusionary, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s federal character principles.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala, and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, the group expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” over the complete exclusion of the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones from the eight-member committee tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States.
The Working Group, which will work with US officials in designing joint counterterrorism and national security strategies, comprises:
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Nuhu Ribadu – Adamawa (North-East)
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Yusuf Maitama Tuggar – Bauchi (North-East)
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Mohammed Badaru Abubakar – Jigawa (North-West)
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Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – Ondo (South-West)
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Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro – Plateau (North-Central)
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General Olufemi Oluyede – Ekiti (South-West)
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Mohammed Mohammed – Kwara (North-Central)
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Kayode Egbetokun – Ogun (South-West)
The absence of any representative from the South-East and South-South—two zones that have grappled with critical security crises ranging from separatist tensions to oil-related criminality—has triggered widespread criticism, with FOSAD describing the move as “unjustifiable and dangerous.”
A Lopsided Security Architecture
FOSAD argued that the Working Group, given its mandate, should be a symbol of national unity and strategic inclusion. Instead, the group said, the list “reflects a troubling disregard for fairness, balance, and sensitivity to Nigeria’s complex security landscape.”
“It is inconceivable,” the statement read, “that in a nation of six geopolitical zones, a federal security committee would be constituted without any representation from two major regions, especially regions that have suffered tremendously from insecurity and possess some of the nation’s most respected security scholars and practitioners.”
According to the Forum, such skewed appointments undermine confidence in the administration’s willingness to govern inclusively and suggest that the government may be prioritising regional networks over national cohesion.
Security Challenges Are National, Not Regional
Highlighting Nigeria’s growing insecurity—from Boko Haram terrorism and ISWAP insurgency to banditry, oil theft, separatist conflicts, and kidnapping syndicates—FOSAD warned that excluding certain regions from strategic security decisions could compromise the national response.
“Security challenges do not recognise borders,” the group argued. “A fragmented approach to security management will only weaken the country’s resilience and embolden violent actors who already exploit political and regional divisions.”
The Forum further stressed that the South-East and South-South zones remain central to Nigeria’s stability due to their economic importance, demographic significance, and strategic geopolitical position.
Call for Reconstitution of the Working Group
FOSAD issued a clear demand to President Tinubu: reconstitute the committee without delay. The group insisted that a credible, effective, and legitimate US–Nigeria Security Working Group must include all six geopolitical zones.
The Forum outlined four key demands:
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Immediate reconstitution of the Working Group to guarantee inclusion of all zones.
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Strict adherence to the Federal Character principle, particularly in national security appointments.
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Demonstration of genuine commitment to national unity, by avoiding decisions that could exacerbate distrust or stir ethnic tensions.
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Engagement of security experts and scholars from across Nigeria, ensuring a well-rounded and competent advisory team.
A Matter of National Survival
FOSAD warned that excluding regions from major security frameworks is not merely a political error but a threat to Nigeria’s long-term stability.
“For a partnership as crucial as the US–Nigeria Security Working Group,” the statement emphasised, “no geopolitical zone should be exempted—not in composition, not in consultation, and not in participation.”
The Forum further argued that national security cannot be treated as a sectional privilege or political reward, stressing that inclusiveness is essential for trust, cooperation, and effective conflict resolution.
A Call for Unity and Justice
FOSAD concluded by urging the President to act swiftly in correcting what it described as an “avoidable misstep,” noting that Nigeria’s security challenges demand unity of purpose, not selective representation.
“Nigeria can only defeat insecurity through unity, not exclusion; through inclusiveness, not sectionalism; and through justice, not favoritism,” the statement added.
The Forum expressed hope that the Presidency would review the list and make necessary adjustments to avoid deepening regional grievances at a time when the nation must work collectively to address worsening security threats.
Signed:
Dr. Stephen Nwala
President, Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General, Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
