President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday urged the new military service chiefs to jealously guard the nation’s natural resources while ensuring security of lives and property of Nigerians.
The commander-in-chief made this remark after decorating the military heads with their new ranks at the State House, Abuja. The decoration marks their formal assumption of office.
Dr Jonathan noted that the war against terrorism must be sustained as the investment drive of the government can only produce results in a safe environment.
He asked the appointees to reward his confidence in them by immediately mapping out strategies that will make the country stronger, adding that his regime’s Transformation Agenda was on course.
The President thanked the predecessors and praised their dedication to duty and selfless services to Nigeria, especially in the efforts towards bringing peace to Nigeria following the security challenges being faced. He also wished them well in their future endeavours.
Before the decoration, there was handing and taking over ceremonies in Defence Headquarters, Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
Under the new rank structure for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Service Chiefs, Vice Admiral O. S. Ibrahim was decorated with the four-star rank of Admiral; Rear Admiral D. J. Ezeoba, with the three-star rank of Vice Admiral; while Air Vice Marshal A. S. Badeh was decorated with the three-star rank of Air Marshal.
The President had last Thursday October 4, 2012 appointed Vice Admiral Ola Sa`ad Ibrahim as the new Chief of Defense Staff. Also appointed are Rear Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as Chief of Naval Staff Chief while Air Vice Marshall Alex Sabundu Badeh is the new Chief of Air Staff.
Only the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika retained his position in the shake-up.
To many, the change in the highest hierarchy of the military did not come as a surprise as the two-year tenure for the CDS and Service Chiefs elapsed last month.
The former chiefs were appointed into office on September 8, 2010.
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