President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to act decisively against emerging security threats across the country, stressing that Nigerians are eager to experience lasting peace.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during the investiture and decoration ceremony of the new Service Chiefs at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu noted that the event went beyond the symbolism of decoration, describing it as a renewed national commitment to safeguarding peace, stability, and the security of all Nigerians.
He noted that “security remains the cornerstone of national development, stressing that no meaningful progress can be achieved in its absence.”
The President said that the safety of citizens and the stability of the nation are fundamental prerequisites for the people to fully enjoy the dividends of governance.
He said; “I congratulate you on your appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication.
“The government’s foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service. In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories.”
President Tinubu recalled the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military in reclaiming territories once occupied by terrorists, he commended the armed forces for their patriotism and professionalism.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.
“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, has made the country proud.
“I thank our Armed Forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged and will continue to do so,” he explained.
Despite progress, President Tinubu cautioned that security challenges are evolving, with the recent emergence of new armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West and the South posing a serious threat.
He tasked the Service Chiefs to be decisive and take proactive action to prevent the groups from gaining ground.
The President directed swift operations to neutralise the threat at source and restore lasting stability.
He said; “However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.
“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.”
President Tinubu urged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to adopt innovative, pre-emptive and courageous strategies to stay ahead of all threats against national peace and stability, including the targeted deployment of technology where necessary.
” I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies.
” I advise you to work together and change your information effectively and follow up proactively, work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. we need to clean them up, clear them out…I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he added
The Nigerian Leader pledged the Nigerian Government’s support to the Armed Forces to enable them fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
President Tinubu had decorated the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks in the military to suit their new positions.
The newly decorated Service Chiefs General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
Others are Major General, now Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Air Vice Marshal, now Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Mercy Chukwudiebere