Andrew Owoye Azazi Axed As National Security Adviser

Posted: June 22, 2012 - 20:06

Owoeye Azazi

 President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the removal of General Andrew Owoye Azazi as his National Security Adviser.

Mr. Azazi, a retired military officer, has been criticized as an inept adviser on national security. His tenure has witnessed an escalation in deadly bomb attacks by the extremist Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
A source told SaharaReporters that Mr. Jonathan’s decision to fire the NSA was a gesture to many Northern politicians who have accused Mr. Azaziof openly politicizing his office by making statements that disparage the Northern parts of Nigeria.
“Many big-time Northerners, including members of the PDP, complained to President Jonathan when General Aziza blamed in-fighting within the party for the increasing violence in the country,” said the source.
Another source close to President Jonathan refused to confirm the removal of General Aziza, but told SaharaReporters that he was aware that Mr. Jonathan “intends to explore various means of arresting the disturbing state of insecurity in the country.”
One source in the security sector revealed that Sambo Dasuki was the top contender to replace Mr. Azazi.