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President Bola Tinubu has rescinded the special promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General.
The reversal followed concerns raised within the Nigerian Army over morale, procedure and promotion standards.
Senior military sources disclosed on Tuesday that the decision to reverse the promotion followed consultations at the highest levels of the military and the Presidency.
According to the sources, the concerns centred on the impact of the special promotion on officers who have completed required professional military courses and served the stipulated time in rank.
The reversal was widely welcomed within the armed forces, with sources describing a sense of relief among officers.
A Presidency source said the Commander-in-Chief acted appropriately after reviewing the issues raised.
“The decision to promote the Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General was rescinded on Monday.
“The Commander-in-Chief was misinformed initially, but he took corrective action after proper briefings,” a military source said.
It was gathered that preparations for the decoration ceremony had already been completed before the reversal.
Family members and other invited guests had reportedly been notified ahead of the planned investiture.
Further findings revealed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who was in Lagos attending a conference, was summoned to Abuja to brief President Tinubu on growing dissatisfaction within the ranks.
Issues discussed reportedly included troop morale, rank structure and adherence to established promotion procedures.
Sources indicated that following the briefing, the President approved the withdrawal of the promotion in the interest of unity, discipline and fairness within the military.
Meanwhile, the Presidency is also said to be reviewing aspects of the President’s security architecture, including the ranks and roles of personnel occupying sensitive positions within the presidential security detail.
The review is aimed at ensuring proper alignment with existing regulations and operational standards.
Earlier reports had indicated that the special promotion generated debate within the Nigerian Army, with officers raising questions about precedent, qualifications and due process in promotions.
The development underscores the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining professionalism, equity and morale within the armed forces.
