Abuja — Forty years after the Nigeria-Biafra war, an Igbo man was yesterday named chief of Army staff. President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Major-General O. Azubuike Ihejirika as the new head of the Army. He takes over from Lt.-General Abdulrahaman Dambazau.
By the action, Major-General Ihejirika becomes the first Igbo man to occupy the office of chief of Army staff (COAS) since the end of the civil war in 1970.
However, it was not all too good for Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo who was removed and replaced with Assistant Inspector- General (AIG), Hafiz Ringim.
The changes were announced in a sweeping overhaul of the leadership of the forces and the State Security Services (SSS) where Ita Ekpeyong was appointed to replace Afarkiya Gadzama.
Other replacements announced yesterday by President Jonathan include that of chief of defence staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike who was replaced with Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, immediate past chief of the Air Force.
Also removed was chief of the Naval Staff with Rear Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, formerly Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Apapa, appointed in his stead, while Air Vice Marshal Mohammed D. Umar was appointed chief of the Air Force. Before now, he was Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna.
A statement by the special adviser on media and communications to the President, Ima Niboro, said the changes became necessary as the tenure of the service chiefs lapsed in August.
Niboro said the appointments took immediate effect but subject to confirmation by the National Assembly, in line with the provision of the Armed Forces Act, section 18, Cap A20, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President thanked the out-going service chiefs whose tenure expired in August for their loyalty and dedication to service. He specially commended them for defending the Nigerian Constitution at all times and for successful command of the Armed Forces during their tenure, Niboro said.
He also said that the President also thanked the out-going Inspector- General of Police and Director-General of the SSS for their dedication to service of the fatherland and wished them well in their future endeavours.
General Ihejirika, prior to the appointment, was a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja where he was in charge of logistics.
Earlier, he had served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Lagos. He had also been chief of standards and evaluation at the Army headquarters.
The office of the COAS is at the apex of the Army structure. It exists under his command, to deter all forms of aggression. Section 18(3) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, saddles the COAS with the responsibility of command, direction and general superintendence of the Army.
Comments 1 to 3 of 3 Post a comment
The change of security chiefs by President Goodluck Jonathan, now awaiting the approval of the National Assembly, is a welcomed development. Like previous appointments made by President Jonathan, these new ones are a reflection of fairness and justice, especially the appointment of an Igbo man as Chief of Army Staff since the last 40 years.
From all indications, President Jonathan is to run for next year 2011 Presidency on the platform of Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP). As the nation awaits his declaration for next year's contest, there is no doubt that these new appointments will allow the man to have boosted confidence and overwhelming control over the new service chiefs.
The nation's security is more than assuring the security of life of the President or self-service; hence, the new cheifs need be conscious of this fact please. God bless Nigeria.
Lt.-General Abdulrahaman Dambazau, THE Guy that was behind the Y'ardua fiasco? The guy who said he answered only to the Northern olygachy who hijacked umaru? I am surprised he was not sacked long ago and prosecuted for TREASON. Onovo sat on his asss while Nigerians got kidnapped left and right. Good job Jonathan. If they don't serve their intended purpose, sack them.
I WELCOME THE NEW APPOINTMENT WITH MIXED FEELING! To Azubuike Ihejirika the appointment could mean great honour and a deserved one. Judging his experince and profile,it is but in my mind, I am thinking that time has come again when the best brain, most brave, the risk takers are needed in saving the Nation from impending calamity. An it is only one tribe that is always used to achieve this -the IGBOMAN. The coming elction might mean a do or die affair to the contenders and sensing this the President has made the changes. 2011 election might have instigated this new appointment which puts an Igbo Officer like Azubuike in a dangerous position once again. Electoral ccrisis is envisaged either after thePDP PRIMARIES or the PRESIDENTIAL election. The the battle will again be between the Igbos and Hausa. God forbid. My advice to Azubuike: Put your ears on the ground and act with wisdom. Do not be overzealous. Do not act to impress any person. At any time you want to take a decision that will ipact on the people always think of God, self, your family the the Igbos and the Nation. If anybody ask you to command a war, say no and tow a line of peace. Igbo and Hausa cannot fight again because we now appreciate one another.Aguiyi Ironsi has been linked to your position and you have seen how he ended. It cannot be your portion!