General Lucky Irabor, the immediate former Chief of Defence Staff, argues that ensuring security for a varied country like Nigeria is not an easy assignment, but it is not impossible to accomplish.
This was stated in his valedictory statement at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja on Friday during the pulling-out ceremony.
According to Irabor, the country’s debts to men and women who serve in the military forces cannot be entirely paid.
He expressed happiness with his military service, noting that he is leaving the armed forces today bigger and stronger than when he arrived.
The former defence chief also appealed to citizens not to engage in acts that can undermine the Nigerian military, saying that the military stands as a beacon of hope, unity and stability that must be protected.
He expressed optimism in the ability of his successor to beat the records set so far in the armed forces.
In attendance at the event are senior military officers, former Chiefs of Defense Staff, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Irabor was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff by former President, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2021, replacing General Abayomi Olonisakin.
However, his tenure as the defence chief came to an end on June 19, 2023 when President Tinubu replaced all the incumbent service chiefs and replaced them with new ones.
The President replaced Gen. Irabor with Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, who is now the the Acting Chief of Defence Staff pending his confirmation by the Senate.
Other Service Chiefs appointed alongside Gen. Musa are Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff.
Also appointed are DIG Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as the Chief of Defense Intelligence.
The President as well appointed former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, as his new National Security Adviser (NSA). Ribadu replaces Babagana Monguno as the nation’s NSA.
Tinubu also approved the appointment of Adeniyi Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs. He takes over from Hameed Ali.