A civil society organisation, the Security and Public Affairs Analysts Forum, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the appointment of retired Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu as chairman of the Military Pension Board.
In a statement signed by its Head of Investigation, Olasunkanmi Olaniyi, the group alleged that although AVM Abubakar was appointed alongside other members, he was prevented from resuming duty.
The forum argued that the decision contradicted the President’s directive, noting that the board had previously been chaired by civilians, including J.A. Awosika (1975–1976), Onoche (1976–1977), Fakumoju (1977–1978), and D. Usman (1978–1979).
It questioned claims that only serving officers could head the board, pointing to retired officers who had led other paramilitary agencies. “During the Buhari administration, Col Hameed Ali (retired) headed the Nigeria Customs Service,” the statement said.
The group also stated that AVM Abubakar had acted for three months as head of the board and received commendations from officers, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Ministry of Defence. His appointment, it added, was formally approved by the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“It is very possible that Mr President is not aware of this development, which is why we are appealing for his intervention. Competence should take precedence over personal interests,” the forum said.
The statement further noted that groups from Abubakar’s zone, including the Northeast Development Association and the Arewa Youth Assembly, had publicly welcomed his appointment.