By SUMAILA OGBAJE

A civil society organisation, Inclusive Citizens’ Advancement Network (Inc-CAN), has criticised a seven-day ultimatum issued by a North-East youth group to President Bola Tinubu to probe the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The organisation described the ultimatum as an “empty outburst” and a distraction coming at a time when the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, successfully led Nigeria out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

Inc-CAN stated this in a communiqué issued in Abuja by its Executive Director, Mrs Esther Nwankpa, and Interim General Secretary, Mr Olufemi Adeniyi, on Friday.

The group said the demand by the youth coalition was misplaced and contrary to the popular view among Nigerians that Ribadu had worked tirelessly as a key figure in President Tinubu’s counter-terrorism and governance reform agenda.

Nwankpa described Ribadu as a public officer of “absolute integrity, patriotism and commitment to the greater good”.

She added that the attacks on him were being sponsored by “envious and mischievous interests” bent on derailing ongoing security reforms.

She said the ONSA, under Ribadu’s leadership, provided critical strategic oversight and coordination among the nation’s security and intelligence agencies, which contributed to the country’s removal from the FATF’s list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring.

“The historic delisting of Nigeria from the FATF grey list is a major milestone in our national journey towards financial transparency and integrity.

“The development has reinforced global confidence in Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing architecture and improved the nation’s capacity to attract foreign investment,” she said.

Nwankpa also commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their collaborative roles in achieving the delisting.

She praised the Director-General of the NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, for her pivotal role in coordinating reforms, saying Inc-CAN would nominate her for a national honour in recognition of her exceptional service.

Nwankpa urged Nigerians to disregard the “misguided outbursts” of the youth group and support the Tinubu administration’s efforts to consolidate national security and institutional integrity.

“The NFIU under Hajiya Bakari’s leadership displayed uncommon commitment and professionalism in addressing FATF’s concerns and strengthening the country’s compliance framework.

“Ribadu has served Nigeria with utmost distinction, both as a former anti-corruption czar and now as National Security Adviser. His integrity and commitment to national stability remain unquestionable and unequalled,” she added. (NAN)