Being Commander-in-Chief Is Not A Licence To Erode Due Process – Timi Frank Warns Tinubu

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson, Timi Frank, has expressed concern over reports of an alleged accelerated promotion of President Bola Tinubu Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the rank of Brigadier-General shortly after attaining the rank of colonel.

He cautioned the President against actions he described as the politicisation of the Nigerian Army.

In a statement issued on Monday, Frank warned that abuse of military ranks could undermine democracy and national stability.

According to him, “The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard of any president but a national institution governed by long-established rules and hierarchy.”

He argued that promotions carried out outside laid-down procedures could demoralise career officers, weaken command authority, and erode discipline within the armed forces.

Frank warned that the politicisation of the military has historically fueled resentment and instability across Africa, citing recent coups in parts of West Africa as examples of the consequences of weakened civil-military relations.

He noted that even during military rule in Nigeria, the rank of general was treated with caution and respect, stressing that assigning or manipulating such ranks for personal or political reasons is alien to Nigeria’s democratic and military traditions.

While acknowledging the president’s role as commander-in-chief, Frank argued that constitutional authority must be exercised with restraint and respect for institutions.

“Being Commander-in-Chief is not a license to erode due process or professional norms,” he said.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford further weakening of its institutions,” Frank said, warning that undermining military tradition could dangerously incentivise coup plotting.

His reaction follows claims that the president recently promoted Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), to the rank of Brigadier General.

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