President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to hit the ground running by tackling the security threats, thereby delivering results and not excuses.
ThelensNG had earlier reported that President Tinubu reshuffled the Service Chiefs, with General Olufemi Oluyede replacing General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff, among other changes.
While decorating the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, October 30, the President congratulated them on their appointments and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication. Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance. The government’s foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service.
“In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups,” he stated.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to duty.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, noting that security threats are constantly evolving and mutating.
“Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” the Nigerian leader said.
He wished the Service Chiefs success as they take up their new responsibilities and promised to provide all the support they need to get the job done.
