President Goodluck Jonathan (Photo Courtesy Vanguard)

Abuja — Most Nigerians who spoke with LEADERSHIP last night expressed shock at the sudden removal of the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Ogbona Onovo as well as the director-general of the State Security Service (SSS), Alhaji Afakriya Gazama by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday.

Professor Pat Utomi, presidential candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last general elections, expressed shock at the removal of the service chiefs and the IGP.

"It's shocking; why should it be now?" That was all he could say.

Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, retired former Lagos State police commissioner, was also lost for words when LEADERSHIP broke the news to him. When he finally regained his stride, he passed off the incidence as normal in day-to-day life, noting that the President had the right to change those that are working with him at any time.

Alhaji Lai Muhammed, national publicity secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), described the change as shocking.

"Its shocking; we don't know the reasons. It's better you ask those in the PDP but we studying the situation and we will make our official reaction known later," Muhammed said.

The convener of the United Action for Democracy (UAD), Comrade Taiwo, Otitolaye, said Nigerians should not be surprised by the change. He, however, said that the change of personnel without looking at ways to improve the welfare of the people cannot last.

"Change of personnel without restructuring of the state and evolving a people-oriented constitution are cosmetic changes that cannot the Nigeria crisis what we demand true federalism devoid of neo-liberal policy," he said.