Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor says he was leaving the Armed Forces of Nigeria bigger, stronger and more capable to contain national security threats.
Irabor stated this in his valedictory speech at the Pulling out parade as he bowed out of service after 37 years to the nation and 29 months as the 17th Chief of Defence Staff.
“I feel greatly honoured today to address this August gathering on my retirement and ceremonial pull out from the Armed Forces of Nigeria after 37 years of unblemished service to our dear nation and having served as the Chief of Defence Staff in the past 29 months.
“I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions” he said.
He former Defence Chief said national security for a diverse country like Nigeria was not easy but not impossible.
“National security for a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task but it is also not an impossible one” he said.
He noted that the change of baton in the Armed Forces following the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signifies the start of routine process of regenerating the Armed Forces of Nigeria for improved service delivery.
“I seize this opportunity to congratulate the President for the profound leadership and direction thus far as he grapples with the challenges of nation building and national security.
“Mr President, no doubt, the debt we owe to the men and women who have served in the armed forces is one that we will never be able to repay adequately.
They sacrifice so much of themselves to defend the nation and they ask for so little in return”.
He prayed that “the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all of us”.
“In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic flux, efforts made by the federal government of Nigeria using the AFN in collaboration with the NPF, other security agencies and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation, we were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.
“In this regard, I acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our courageous men and women in uniform, my deepest gratitude to the brave officers, soldiers, ratings, air men and airwomen who demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication. Your services and courage in the line of duty are unparalleled. I know that you do this because of the love for country, I’m profoundly proud of you all”.
He said the services under his watch have “singly and collectively expanded strategic capacities, operational reach and tactical competences, received great impetus and support from the federal government of Nigeria, strategic partners, state governments and NGOs in terms of gross expansion of military strength, platform acquisition, expansions of equipment holdings, provisions of funding, material, and logistics as well as improvement of critical skills and aptitude of the personnel”.
“I wish to on behalf of the entire officers, men and women of the Armed forces express our deep appreciation first and foremost to the immediate past President and the current President Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, and our collective gratitude also goes to our strategic partners, the leadership and members of the National Assembly, State governors, the National Security Adviser, the honourable minister of defence, the honourable minister of finance, budget and national planning and other ministers of the federal republic, International and local NGOs, the media and the general public for the invaluable support.
“Due largely to the input from these sources, and the improved institutional capacities, the armed forces recorded goal attainment in core military roles and military aid to civil power”.
He added “in more specific terms we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and the military aid to civil authority role.
“We successfully work in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for Law and Order, critical democratic processes as well as human security and national development.
“The Armed Force is tough delivering on its constitutional mandate. As a defender of the Nigerian states, territories and people in addition to providing a bulwark for unbroken democratic evolution.
“In other words, the Armed Forces has been a foremost national institution and as sovereign describes the stability of the nation”.
Irabor said despite the current challenges, he was proud of the patrol dizzying dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces which is propelled by love for country.
“Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous and selfless men and women I have ever known. Your unshakable commitment to our nation, our values and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity, unbreakable and I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to have served with each and every one of you.
“Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military, to whom too many security concerns seem to now be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility but in as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity and stability.
“To do so, would be to effectively undermine the Nigerian state”.
“As I transition into the next phase of my life, I carry with me a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to have served our great nation.
“Our military stands as a beacon of hope, strength and resilience in an increasingly complex world and I’m honored to have played a part in that all levels of the armed forces of Nigeria”.
“As I retired from the service of the nation, I humbly register my praise and worship of the Almighty God for His divine guidance”.
