Nigerians Expect More From You, Abbas Tells Armed Forces

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has urged the military, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, to intensify efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism.

Abbas made the charge during his remarks at the decoration ceremony of senior officers of air rank in the Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the speaker emphasised that promoting senior officers to air Commodores is a call to more excellent service, requiring strategic leadership, clarity of vision, and sound decision-making.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Abbas acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, and criminality.

He stressed that the newly promoted officers must inspire operational effectiveness, innovation, and collaboration to address the challenges.

“Attaining a senior air rank in the Nigerian Air Force is a significant milestone, reflecting years of dedication, sacrifice, and exceptional service to our nation. However, as we all know, such elevation brings heightened responsibilities.

“It calls for strategic leadership, clarity of vision, and the capacity to make sound decisions under immense pressure—indispensable qualities as we confront the security challenges of our time.

“Today’s ceremony is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a call to more excellent service. Our nation entrusts you, our newly decorated senior officers, with the critical task of advancing the Nigerian Air Force‘s operational excellence and strengthening our nation‘s security architecture.

“Your wealth of experience, professionalism, and dedication will be cornerstones in fostering an environment of peace, stability, and national development.
As we celebrate this milestone, I would like to remind you, on behalf of the Speaker, of the task ahead.

Our nation continues to face complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality. With your new ranks come higher expectations and the mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity with even greater resolve. Your leadership must inspire operational effectiveness, innovation, and collaboration in addressing these challenges,“ he said.

Speaker Abbas also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting the significant investments in modernising the Nigerian Air Force.

I also extend heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

During his recent Presidential Media Chat, the President reaffirmed his confidence in the gallant men and women of our Armed Forces and highlighted his administration’s efforts to reposition the security architecture of our country. This demonstration of trust and belief in your capabilities underscores your critical role in our nation‘s collective security,“ he said.