By Amah
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the State House, Abuja, and charged them to deal with Nigeria’s protracted security challenges.
The new military chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Marshal, Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Sunday Aneke, Chief of Air Staff.
The President tasked the military helmsmen to be wholly committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity, adding that “beyond the symbolism of decoration” but “the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians.”
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” the president said.
Congratulating them on their emergence, Tinubu noted that their appointments were merited, adding that citizens must feel secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.
Addressing the new Chief of Army Staff, General Shuaibu, the president said: “To General Shuaib, I understand you were injured, you recuperated. I saw so many stories, clips online of Operation Hadin-Kai. All of you, working together as a team, have made the country proud.”
However, he warned against emerging threats and urged the military chiefs to be more vigilant and proactive.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” the president said.
He lauded the armed forces for their determination and and patriotism in protecting the country and restoring some once occupied by terrorists.
“Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” the president added, and advised them to embrace technology and devise pre-emptive strategies to outsmart terrorists and criminal groups.
“I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.”
