- He stressed that senior military ranks are traditionally attained through years of service
- Frank also dismissed arguments that constitutional powers justify such actions
- He further appealed to civil society groups and retired military officers to speak out
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against actions he described as dragging the Nigerian Army into partisan politics, warning that such steps could weaken democracy and encourage instability.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Frank’s warning followed reports alleging an unusual fast-tracked promotion involving the President’s Aide-De-Camp, said to have moved to the rank of Brigadier-General shortly after becoming a colonel.
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Frank described the claim as disturbing if confirmed, insisting that the military is a national institution guided by long-standing rules and not an extension of presidential privilege.
He stressed that senior military ranks are traditionally attained through years of service, operational command, training and rigorous assessment, not through political influence or personal favour.
According to him, bypassing established procedures erodes discipline, damages morale and weakens the authority of command within the armed forces.
Drawing from regional experience, Frank warned that the erosion of professionalism in military institutions across parts of West Africa has often preceded coups and unconstitutional takeovers.
He said Nigeria must avoid similar pitfalls by protecting the integrity of its armed forces.
Frank also dismissed arguments that constitutional powers justify such actions, noting that leadership demands restraint and respect for institutions.
He urged the Minister of Defence to advise the President appropriately and called for public clarification on the reported promotion.
He further appealed to civil society groups and retired military officers to speak out, insisting that silence could have dire consequences for civil-military relations.
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