Three months after his official redeployment from the State House, Adegboyega Fasasi, Chief Security Officer, CSO, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is still operating from his position.
Fasasi’s defiance of a posting directive from the Department of State Security Service, DSS, has raised concerns about adherence to service rules, security protocols, and overall discipline within Nigeria’s intelligence framework.
The DSS Director General, Tosin Ajayi had last October listed Fasasi for an executive management course—a mandatory requirement for officers of his rank. The training was designed to enhance versatility, professionalism, and discipline within the service towards maintaining operational effectiveness.
Ajayi’s decision to replace Fasasi with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, another director was influenced, in part, by Fasasi’s failure to attend the executive management courses required for Deputy Directors and Directors. Having spent over seven years at the State House in Abuja, Fasasi was due for this mandatory training.
Fasasi has stayed put ostensibly backed by influential government officials and politicians.
“President Tinubu is apparently facing pressure from these powerful figures to keep Fasasi in his role, complicating the resolution of this issue,” said a source.
Concerns have also been voiced by some DSS personnel who noted that Fasasi’s refusal to comply with the redeployment order is “unusual and ambiguous.”
Such action could undermine institutional discipline and erode respect for constitutional authority, said another source.
Security sources noted that personal and security aides within the Presidential Villa operate at the President’s discretion.
Top officials also agree that Fasasi plays a crucial role in ensuring the President’s safety, acting as a key point of access to him. His actions have reportedly earned him the trust of both the President’s immediate family and other principal officials within the villa.
One official said Fasasi is expected to attend an executive course beginning next month.
“The training program 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 stated.
Crediblenewsng.com
