By Victor Ucheka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to the newly appointed service chiefs, charging them to intensify efforts in bringing an end to terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the Presidential Villa after decorating the new military chiefs with their ranks, President Tinubu declared that Nigerians expect tangible results, not excuses.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” the President said. “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.”
He urged the commanders to be innovative and courageous in their approach to security challenges, stressing the need to stay ahead of criminal elements and to deploy modern technology in military operations.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” Tinubu noted. “Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
The President assured the military of the Federal Government’s full support, reaffirming that the safety of Nigerians remains his administration’s top priority.
Among those present at the ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, including Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).
Other dignitaries included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Didi Walson-Jack; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Ministers of Defence, Finance, and Information.
Commending the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces, Tinubu said the nation owes a debt of gratitude to fallen soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he said. “We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups.”
He urged the service chiefs to ensure synergy across all branches of the military and to work closely with other security agencies to achieve lasting peace.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all,” the President directed.
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them, pledging unwavering commitment to the security of the nation.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything,” General Oluyede said. “We call on all Nigerians to support the military so that together we can make Nigeria a safer place.”
Those decorated at the event include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The service chiefs, accompanied by their spouses, drew applause from guests after saluting their Commander-in-Chief and then their wives — in a light-hearted moment that capped off the ceremony.
