At DHQ, Gen CG Musa Presides Taking Over of Acting Army Chief
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has charged the military hierarchy to work together to flush out terrorists from the country.
Speaking at the taking-over of Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, General Musa emphasized the importance of teamwork.
Maj.-Gen. Oluyede, will assumed command as the first officer to be so appointed in that capacity in the history of Nigerian Army.
The CDS acted on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure no vacuum in the military architecture.
He stated that the acting COAS will have full powers until the substantive COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, returns from medical leave abroad.
He described this as unusual circumstance, but necessary to maintain security.
“We must avoid a vacuum in the security architecture,” he said.
“The President made this decision to ensure continuity in the fight against terrorism.
Musa said taking over of leadership of the army by an Acting COAS was the first “because of the unusual circumstances at the moment.
His words: “The event today is something that is new, that has never happened in the history of the armed forces.
“Our brother and friend went for medical check-up, and it is our prayers that he will take the time to recuperate and come back.
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“The President and I met other authorities and decided and directed and appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff with the full power to lead the army until the President decides otherwise.
“But for us as professionals, we have to continue with our task ahead. No doubt, based on the challenges we have in the country, and the wisdom of the President, Commander-in-Chief, that today we present the authority to the Acting Chief of Army Staff for him to have full control and command of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The CDS said the appointment of Oluyede is in line with the provisions enshrined in the Armed Forces Act, Cap A-20, the Laws of the Federation 2004, Parts 7 Administration, Government, and Command, Sections 18 (1-4).
“I urge all commanders to continue their good work, despite potential criminal activities surfacing. We must work together and support each other”, he added.
In his address, the Acting COAS thanked President Tinubu for finding him worthy to take charge of the responsibility in a peculiar and sober situation as a nation.
Gen Oluyede said his appointment as Acting COAS was simply the right thing to do to enable Lagbaja to take sufficient time to get necessary medical attention and recuperate.
He pledged to play the role with full commitment in accordance with the directives of the president and the command focus of Gen Lagbaja.
“As we turn into this ‘yelutude’ period, I request that we all continue to pray for Lt.-Gen. TA Lagbaja’s speedy recovery and safe return to complete the career cycle.
“I seek everyone’s support and cooperation so that we can succeed together in ending all forms of insecurity in the country and return our beautiful country to a land of peace and economic prosperity”, he said.
By PRNigeria
