Under my Watch, Nigerian Military Curtailed All Security Threats – Irabor
The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major-General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has said his leaving the Nigerian Armed force bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions.
Gen. Irabor stated this on Friday at a pulling out parade held at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.
Irabor while biding farewell to his distinguished military career after 37 years in service and served as the CDS in the past 29 months .
He expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and its citizens while praising the bravery and sacrifice of the NAF for their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and preserving peace and security.
In his valedictory speech, Irabor, said “In more specific terms we have significantly curtail the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and the military aid to civil authority role.
“We successfully work in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for Law and Order, critical democratic processes as well as human security and national development.
The Armed Force is tough delivering on its constitutional mandate. As a defender of the Nigerian states, territories and people in addition to providing a bulwark for unbroken democratic evolution.
“In other words, the Armed Force is has been a foremost national institution and as sovereign describes the stability of the nation. Despite the current challenges. I am very proud of the patrol dizzying dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the upstyles men and women of the armed forces which is prepared by love for country.
“Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous and selfless men and women have ever known. Your unshakable commitment to our nation, our values and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity, unbreakable and I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to have served with each and every one of you.
“Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military, to whom too many security concerns seem to now be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility but in as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity and stability.
“To do so, would be to effectively undermine the Nigerian state.
“As I transition into the next phase of my life, I carry with me a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to have served our great nation.
“Our military stands as a beacon of hope, strength and resilience in an increasingly complex world and I’m honored to have played a part in that all levels of the armed forces of Nigeria.
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“I also stated that the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, shall be ultimately responsible for the performance of the nation’s defense system but decision making shall be a collective process of active participation, consultation and consideration.
“To this end, I articulated a leadership philosophy with a focus to foster a professional armed forces, capable of effectively meeting constitutional imperatives.
“This broad focus was anchored on PEARL, which stands for professional, effective, agile, result oriented and loyal to constituted authority.”
Irabor while appluading the new service chief, he said: “Let me state that the change of baton in the armed forces of Nigeria occasioned by the assumption of office of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the start of routine process of regenerating the NAF for improved service delivery.
“I seize this opportunity to congratulate the President for the profound leadership and direction as he grapples with the challenges of nation building and national security.
“Mr President, no doubt, the debt we owe to the men and women who have served in the armed forces is one that we will never be able to repay adequately.
“They sacrifice so much of themselves to defend the nation and they ask for so little in return.
“I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all of us. National security for a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task but it is also not an impossible one.”
According to him, “men and women of the armed forces express our deep appreciation, first and foremost to the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the current President, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, Bola Tinubu.”
“In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic plus. Efforts made by the federal government of Nigeria using the AFN in collaboration with the NPF ,other security agencies and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation, we were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.
“I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions. In this regard, I acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our courageous men and women in uniform, my deepest gratitude to the brave officers, soldiers, ratings, air men and airwomen who demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication, your services and courage in their line of duty are unparalleled. I know that you do this because of the love for country.
“I’m profoundly proud of you all. Indeed in the period, the services have singly and collectively expanded strategic capacities, operational reach and tactical competences, received great impetus and support from the federal government of Nigeria, strategic partners, state governments and NGOs in terms of gross expansion of military strength, platform acquisition, expansions of equipment holdings , provisions of funding, material,and logistics as well as improvement of critical skills and aptitude of the personnel.”
The grand ceremony, attended by high-ranking military officials, ex- servicemen to celebrate his exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the country.
By PRNigeria
