By Olayemi Esan, Abuja
...pays last respect to Late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya has assumed command today 28 May 2021 as the 22nd COAS.
The ceremony was held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
After the initial ceremonies, he addressed senior officers of the Nigerian Army at the main chamber of the Army Headquarters.
Before making his Address, he observed a one-minute silence for his predecessor Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash a few days ago.
On arrival from Maiduguri, the COAS proceeded to the Defence Headquarters where he formally reported to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and received the command insignia (flag), the symbol of authority before proceeding to take over his office at the AHQ.
He was received at the Army Headquarters by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Army, Maj Gen BI Ahanotu and thereafter inspected a quarter guards mounted in his honour and the symbolic lowering and hoisting of command flag to signify the end and beginning of a new command in line with Army traditions.
General Yahaya later held a brief meeting with Principal Staff Officers after observing a minute silence in honour of former COAS, late General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others.
He requested maximum cooperation of the senior officers in order to achieve the mandate of safeguarding the country from the multifaceted security challenges facing the country. The COAS further stressed team work and synergy as the way forward for the NA and the nation as no single individual or agency can make it alone.
The COAS thereafter proceeded to the Ministry of Defence to pay homage to the Honourabe Minister, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd).
He was appointed COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari on 27 May 2021 following the unfortunate demise of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others in a plane crash on Friday 21 May 2021.
