Politics

How #EndBadGovernance Protests Led to the Removal of DSS and NIA Chiefs

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 31st, 2024.

How #EndBadGovernance Protests Led to the Removal of DSS and NIA Chiefs

Protesters

The resignations of Yusuf Bichi, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Ahmed Abubakar, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), have been linked to their agencies’ handling of recent events.

President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu questioned both agencies’ performance after the violent outbreaks during the #EndBadGovernance protests in northern Nigeria and the controversial seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in France.

Bichi faced criticism for failing to provide actionable intelligence on the protests, which saw significant unrest and property damage in Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, and Bauchi states. Meanwhile, Abubakar was scrutinized for the NIA’s lack of forewarning regarding the jets’ seizure by the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited amid a dispute with Ogun State.

The protests, which began on August 1, escalated due to public dissatisfaction with rising fuel costs, electricity tariffs, and living expenses. The violence prompted curfews in several northern states.

Sources revealed that the incidents embarrassed both the President and the National Security Adviser, leading to their decision to ask for the resignations of Bichi and Abubakar.

Tensions between Bichi and Ribadu had reportedly been escalating before the protests, with the situation providing a pretext for Bichi’s dismissal. Abubakar resigned on August 24, while Bichi’s resignation was announced two days later.

The departure of Bichi sparked mixed reactions among DSS staff and the public. Some officers viewed his exit as a relief from alleged mismanagement and nepotism. Reports surfaced of Bichi’s wife and son reportedly interfering in DSS operations, and complaints were voiced about inadequate salary increases and biased recruitment practices under his leadership.

Critics, including Daily Nigerian publisher Jafaar Jafaar, accused Bichi of weakening the service’s standards and allowing his family to misuse their influence, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the agency.