President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, telling them that “Nigerians expect results, not excuses” in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The President gave the order on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a ceremony where he decorated the military leaders with their new ranks. The event was attended by the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and several state governors.
In his address, President Tinubu emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that the security crisis which began in 2009 could no longer be allowed to persist. He charged the heads of the armed forces to carry out their duties with “patriotic zeal.”
“I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary,” the President said.
He expressed particular concern about the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and some parts of the southern region. “We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive,” he stated, using forceful language to describe the required response. “Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
While acknowledging the military’s past sacrifices and successes, President Tinubu made it clear that the current administration’s patience for explanations over inaction has run out. He pointed out that there were times when terrorists held significant portions of the country’s territory, but affirmed, “this is no longer the case.”
He advised the service chiefs to ensure synergy and provide exemplary leadership in all their operations. “I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out,” he said, promising to provide all the support needed to “get the job done.”
The President also commended the courage and commitment of the military and their families. “Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price for their service. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for their appointments. He urged all Nigerians to support the military in the campaign to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” General Oluyede said.
The service chiefs who were promoted and decorated include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The military leaders were accompanied to the event by their spouses. A moment of applause came from the audience when, after saluting the President as their Commander-in-Chief, the officers turned and saluted their wives in a public gesture of appreciation.
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