Agbese opposes frequent change of Service Chiefs, urges Nigeria to exit ICC
Lawmaker Cautions Against Frequent Changes to Nigeria’s Military Leadership
A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has expressed concerns over the frequent replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs, arguing that such changes can weaken military operations and provide opportunities for terrorist and criminal organizations to regroup.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, made his remarks during an interview on TVC News on Thursday, where he addressed the nation’s ongoing security challenges and the efforts of the Armed Forces.
He emphasized that the military has achieved significant successes in combating insecurity and deserves consistent public support. Agbese highlighted that repeated calls for the removal of service chiefs in response to security incidents can disrupt operational continuity, as new commanders need time to acclimate and implement their strategies.
“Every time there are security issues, some people demand the removal of the service chiefs,” Agbese said. “These actions lead to setbacks because when replacements occur, new leaders introduce different approaches, taking time to establish their methods. During this transition, insurgents can gain an advantage and launch further attacks.”
While acknowledging that opposition parties have a role in holding the government accountable, Agbese stressed that national security should be treated with the utmost seriousness and not be politicized.
“Opposition members believe the government can always improve security leadership. However, the Armed Forces belong to all Nigerians and merit our collective support,” he stated.
Agbese praised Nigerians for actively countering misinformation regarding military operations on social media, describing public cooperation as vital for the success of security agencies. He noted that the Armed Forces had rescued around 1,000 individuals from captivity this year and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, as inaccurate reports could jeopardize national security.
He called for enhanced international cooperation in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts against insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
On the topic of international justice, Agbese advocated for Nigeria’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that its continued membership does not align with the nation’s current security realities. He pointed out that terrorist groups continue to perpetrate violence against civilians, while the ICC has not effectively pursued such actors.
Agbese expressed concerns that Nigerian troops could face international prosecution for actions taken in the fight against terrorism, despite having established legal frameworks for investigating human rights violations.
“Nigeria possesses a functional legal and judicial system capable of handling cases of human rights abuses,” he said. “Given the scale of the security threats our country faces, it is essential for the government to consider whether our ongoing membership in the ICC serves our national interests.”
He drew comparisons to countries such as the United States, Russia, and China, suggesting Nigeria should empower its Armed Forces to respond swiftly to security threats while reevaluating international obligations that may impede effective military operations.
