President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country, stressing that Nigerians demand tangible results rather than excuses.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the service chiefs with their new ranks, President Tinubu urged them to demonstrate patriotism, innovation, and courage in securing the nation.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. 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,” the President said, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
“I also urge you 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.”
The President said security threats were constantly evolving, expressing concern over the recent emergence of new armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South.“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he charged.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces with the resources needed to accomplish their mission, noting that national security remains a top priority of his government.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups,” he said. “There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case.”
The President also urged the service chiefs to work in synergy and provide exemplary leadership, saying collaboration among security agencies was critical to success.“Work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process.
“Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said.
The event, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; their deputies; and several state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.
Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in them.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” he said.
Those decorated at the ceremony included General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff.
The ceremony drew applause when the service chiefs, after saluting the President, turned to salute their spouses in acknowledgment of their support.
