New Service Chiefs, NSA Were Appointed On Merit – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday explained the rationale behind his appointment of new Service Chiefs for the Armed Forces and National Security Adviser, saying they were chosen based on merit.

The president, who made this known while addressing the new military chiefs shortly after their appointments, also charged them to rebuild the battered image of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation.

Mr. Buhari had on Monday afternoon appointed new Service Chiefs and NSA, after sacking their predecessors.

He appointed Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

He also appointed Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan as Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd.) as National Security Adviser.

“All of you, including the National Security Adviser, were chosen on merit”, the President was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, as saying.

“Your records gave you the job. Save for the new Chief of Army Staff whom I briefly met at his Command at the Multi-National Joint Task Force, in Chad, I don’t know any of you. Your records recommended you”, he added.

The president therefore charged the new military chiefs to help him rebuild the reputation of the Armed Forces and the nation just as he called on them to show utmost commitment to their new duties.
Mr. Buhari assured them that their nominations would be sent to the National Assembly for confirmation after which they will sit down and talk some more.

“Legally, you are in acting capacity until the National Assembly accepts you”, the President said. “It is only then that you will take the oath of office. Thereafter, we will sit down and talk in more detail.”