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Directs officers to restore peace, flush out insurgents, smash new threats
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Says Nigerians expect results not excuses
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday decorated newly appointed Service Chiefs with their new rank of four and three star generals and charged them to demonstrate urgency, courage and innovation in tackling the nation’s security challenges and restoring lasting peace.
The ceremony, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, saw Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Major General Waidi Shaibu, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, and Air Vice Marshal Kelvin Aneke decorated as General, Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral and Air Marshal, respectively.
Tinubu said the event symbolised a renewed national commitment to securing peace and stability, describing it as more than a ceremonial exercise.
“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,” the President stated.
He warned against the rise of new armed groups in parts of the country, stressing that such threats must be swiftly contained.
“We must smash the new snakes right in the head. We need to clean them up, clear them out, and make our nation safe again. Nigerians expect visible results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he stated.
The President emphasised that security remains the foundation of national development, noting that no meaningful progress could occur without peace.
“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,” he said. President Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism and successes in reclaiming territories from terrorists and rescuing kidnapped citizens. He also made personal reference to General Shaibu’s recovery from an injury sustained during operations, applauding his resilience and dedication.
The President further tasked the Service Chiefs to embrace technology-driven warfare, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
“Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies,” he declared. Tinubu pledged his full support to the military leadership, assuring them of the resources required to fulfil their mandates.
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“I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said, ending with a prayer: “May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.”
Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, General Oluyede pledged total loyalty to the President and the Constitution, assuring Nigerians of the military’s resolve to eliminate all forms of criminality.
“We will do our utmost to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer for socio-economic activities to thrive,” Oluyede said.
He called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
“Without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. So I urge citizens of all backgrounds to support us; together, we will make Nigeria safer,” he added.
Speaking later to State House correspondents, the CDS reiterated the pledge, assuring the public that the Service Chiefs would translate the President’s charge into concrete action.
“Mr President noted that terrorism has been with us since 2009.
He said it’s important we bring that to an end, and with his support and that of the Nigerian people, we are determined to do so,” he emphasised.
The event, which began at 1:28pm, featured the sequential decoration of the Service Chiefs: General Olufemi Oluyede (CDS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (COAS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (CNS), and Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke (CAS). President Tinubu was assisted by the officers’ spouses.
Dignitaries present included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Head of Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jackson.
Also in attendance were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of the DSS, NIA, EFCC, and NIMC, among others.
