Zagazola Urges Fair Assessment of Former Lawmaker Aliyu Gebi Amid Intelligence Allegations
Counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has called for a fair and balanced evaluation of former lawmaker and security governance expert, Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, amid ongoing allegations of providing false intelligence to foreign embassies.
Makama, reacting to the controversy, urged the Federal Government not to hastily dismiss Gebi based on allegations still under investigation, but to consider his extensive record of service in national security and diplomacy.
He emphasised that Gebi’s contributions span both kinetic and non-kinetic aspects of security, including legislative oversight, counter-terrorism engagement, governance, and high-level diplomatic mediation.
According to the analyst, Gebi remains one of Nigeria’s notable figures in security governance and regional diplomacy, with experience in inter-agency coordination and transnational security operations.
Makama recalled that during his tenure in the House of Representatives, Gebi played key roles in legislative security oversight, including chairing security-related committees and contributing to policy discussions at a time of escalating insurgency threats.
He also highlighted Gebi’s involvement in regional engagements under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he participated in deliberations on border security, free movement protocols, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
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The analyst further noted Gebi’s role in non-kinetic interventions, particularly diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, as well as his participation in regional security dialogues involving Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Makama said such exposure underscores Gebi’s familiarity with complex multinational coordination mechanisms and alternative approaches to conflict resolution beyond conventional military strategies.
“Individuals operating in sensitive intelligence and diplomatic environments are often exposed to complex situations where misinterpretations can arise. This must be considered in public judgment,” he said.
He warned against what he described as premature conclusions, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to lose experienced actors in its security ecosystem without a thorough and fair assessment of their track records.
Makama added that Gebi has consistently advocated for improved intelligence sharing, regional cooperation, and a whole-of-government approach to tackling insecurity in West Africa through various policy engagements and platforms.
He also pointed to Gebi’s use of digital platforms, particularly social media, to promote national unity, counter-extremism narratives, and civic responsibility, describing such efforts as part of modern strategic communication in security governance.
The analyst cautioned that sidelining individuals with significant contributions based solely on allegations could discourage future participation by experts in sensitive national assignments.
“Nigeria must judge fairly, investigate thoroughly, but also remember those who have consistently worked to keep it stable. Gebi is one of them,” Makama said.
By PRNigeria
