Buhari explains choice of service chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained how he settled for his choice of service chiefs, saying he considered merit and track records in picking them for their new assignments.

“All of you, including the National Security Adviser, were chosen on merit. Your records gave you the job. Save for the new Chief of Army Staff whom I briefly met at his command at the Multi-National Joint Task Force, in Chad, I don’t know any of you. Your records recommended you,” the president was quoted to have said during a brief meeting with the newly-appointed service chiefs and National Security Adviser (NSA), yesterday.

The president charged the new military chiefs to help him rebuild the reputation of the Armed Forces and the nation. He also called on them to show utmost commitment to their new duties.

Buhari assured them that their nominations would be sent to the National Assembly for confirmation. “Legally, you are in acting capacity until the National Assembly accepts you. It is only then that you will take the oath of office. Thereafter, we will sit down and talk in more detail,” he said.

Read also: Mr President unveils new Service Chiefs

The new military chiefs and NSA were summoned to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a meeting with President Buhari, shortly before their appointments were formally announced. Their appointments were after their predecessors were sacked.

The president appointed Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

He also appointed Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan as Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Retired Major-General Babagana Monguno as NSA.

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