By Olayemi Esan
Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd) said knowledge, character and professionalism of the newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army are needed as catalysts to defeat insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country.
Magashi said this on Thursday during the decoration of newly promoted Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General, and Colonels to the rank of Brigadier General at the Army Headquarters Command Officers' Mess in Abuja.
The Minister reminded the promoted senior officers of the enormous responsibilities that come with their ranks.
He charged them to discharge their duties professionally and remain loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu who disclosed this in a statement added that the Minister described their elevation as a recognition for their diligence and selfless sacrifice to the armed forces and the nation in general.
He assured that the Federal Government will continue to support the Nigerian Army, especially in the acquisition of military hardware to facilitate the conduct of its operations across the country.
Speaking at the investiture, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya charged the officers to remain loyal to the President and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He reminded them of the current security challenges and urged them to remain focused in their effort to ensure peace and security across the country.
He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his guidance and the confidence reposed in the NA and other security agencies.
One of the newly decorated senior officers, Maj.-Gen. Chijioke Onwunle, who spoke on behalf of others reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, Chairman House Committee on Army Honourable Abdulrazak Namdas, the Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Ysuf Zailani; and the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Retd).
Others are the representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, President Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association Mrs Salamatu Faruk Yahaya, serving and retired senior officers, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, amongst others.
