By Kingston Magare 15.12.2025
Former All Progressive Congress deputy national secretary, Timi Frank has knocked President Bola Tinubu over the fast-tracked promotion of his Aide-de-Camp, Nurudeen Yusuf to the rank of Brigadier-General.
Yusuf has only been elevated to his rank of Colonel this year before the new rank of Brigadier General was bestowed on him after it was approved by President Tinubu against the mandatory four years requirement for such promotion. This according to reports, has caused murmurings in the ranks of the Nigeria army.
Speaking on the development Timi Frank stated that it was important the President maintained military tradition and not give in to favoritism and political considerations as this could cause disaffection in the army… an invitation to a military take over.
“The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.
“Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards,” Frank said.
“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations,” he said. “From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined.
“Even in those countries, the leaders of military regimes exercised restraint in matters of rank, mindful of the sensitivity of military hierarchy and the backlash that follows its abuse.”
“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness
“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms.”