Defence Headquarters, yesterday, in Abuja dismissed the purported retirement of the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim.
New Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, made the clarification in Abuja in his maiden press meeting with Defence Correspondents.
Olukolade not only dismissed the assertion but urged the media to avoid sensational news and stories capable of causing disaffection in the military.
His words: “The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, has not, under any circumstance, sought or asked for permission of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to voluntarily retire from active service, as reported by some national dailies and online reporters.
“These media outfits, some of which are quoting an online news sites or other anonymous sources, did not bother to check for facts before embarking on this dangerous sensational report, which is capable of inciting insecurity in the country.
“This is very unfortunate, especially as it went on to paint a scenario that portrays power struggle within the services, apparently with a view to undermining the cohesiveness of the leadership of the armed forces. Admiral Ibrahim remains committed to serving the nation to the best of his ability in his capacity as the Chief of Defence Staff of the most vibrant Armed Forces of sub-Sahara Africa.”
