Details have emerged on why President Bola Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Luqman Adegboyega Fasasi, was removed from his position.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Fasasi’s removal by the Department of State Service (DSS) became known on Sunday evening.
The explanation at the time was that he was replaced because he had been sent for professional training.
However, the real reasons behind this sudden change have now come to light. It appears that Fasasi’s removal is part of a larger reorganization of the DSS led by the new Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
President Tinubu appointed Ajayi in August 2024, tasking him with restoring integrity and professionalism to the DSS. Ajayi, a seasoned security expert, was chosen for his merit and competence and it is understood that his reorganization efforts have the full support of President Tinubu.
Sources reveal that Fasasi’s removal was due to several infractions, including allegations of using his position to secure multiple promotions within the service. He was reportedly promoted three times in just one year, leapfrogging more senior officers.
“He was promoted three times within a year, even above some DSS officers who were his seniors,” a source said. “Some of these officers had been in the service six to eight years before him.”
It was also learnt that the new CSO, Lawal, was due for promotion to Director in July 2023, but his promotion was delayed by the previous service management.
“He is among the Deputy Directors who should have been promoted to Director in July 2023, but their promotion vacancies were given to juniors, including Fasasi, Koko, and Milad, due to favouritism,” another source said.
Additionally, Fasasi faced accusations of high-handedness, arrogance, disrespect, and alleged corruption.
“Fasasi stepped on many toes around the President,” the source said. “Even the President was not entirely pleased with how he managed the office.”
