Army Urges New Generals To Be Apolitical

The Nigerian Army yesterday decorated 51 senior officers who benefitted from the recent promotion with their new rank of Major General and charged them to redouble their efforts and remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties.

The army had recently announced the promotion of 52 Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General and 70 colonels to Brigadier General.

Addressing the senior officers, the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, urged them to redouble their efforts to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Magashi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said the promotion was to enhance their future commitment and consistency, adding that it was a result of the combination of their qualities and sacrifices they must have made individually and collectively.

He said the elevation was a call for more sacrifices in discharging their duties as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, said the promotion was a result of loyalty, dedication and commitment to service as well as integrity and hard work.

Yahaya said those that were considered for the promotion were expected to enhance their professional competences to support the system in addressing issues where they are deployed.

He said a lot more was expected of them, expressing confidence in their abilities to make useful inputs that would move the Nigerian army forward.

He urged them to continue to put in their best towards addressing the nation’s challenges.