Jonathan Condemns Rivalry Amongst Service Chiefs

jonathan-speaking

President Goodluck Jonathan has warned the newly appointed service chiefs against unhealthy competition, noting that it had in the past given way to insurgents’ attacks.

Reading the riot act yesterday while commissioning the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Comprehensive School in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, Jonathan directed the armed forces to, as a matter of compulsion, work in harmony or face the consequences of their inability to cooperate.

“I urge you to cooperate, but sometimes you hear of unhealthy rivalry amongst service chiefs and personnel. This will no longer be tolerated, as any unnecessary competition that will not bring progression to this country, so I charge you to work together.

“If this country is to move forward, the defence industry is key. With the resources we have in the armed forces, we must encourage them to go further in terms of scientific and technological innovation. We cannot move with other developed countries of the world if we do not venture into innovation and creativity in science and technology.

“We will work with our traditional rulers, governors and senate to see that we elevate the country to a different level,” he said.

Jonathan lamented that just few years ago, Nigeria was ranked with countries such as Brazil and India, but today, “these countries have left us behind”.

Speaking further, the president commended the prudence exhibited by the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, which he said had set him apart and had influenced his present position.

“One of the reasons that made me uplift the present Chief of Defence Staff from Chief of Air Staff was because I noted very carefully that in terms of managing resources he was prudent.

“And I believe that with him in charge, after being briefed properly by how their work is being conducted, that the armed forces will be different,” he stated.

Jonathan also commended the NAF’s efforts at research and development, using the meagre resources at its disposal, saying: “Not long ago, I commissioned the first Nigerian inmanned ariel vehicle, Gulma 1, in Kaduna.

“The impact of this project will not only be felt in the state but also in its surrounding communities, as you know any country that is not planning for the future is planning to fail.

“Furthermore, it will help fight insurgency and improve the welfare of the servicemen in general. We are expecting that we produce men and women that will be the pride of our country,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Badeh said the commissioning of the NAF project had brought the long awaited development to the North-eastern part of the region.

“This is in fulfillment of our corporate social responsibility and an enhancement to the welfare of the people of Adamawa State,” he added.