By Linus Aleke
Despite the alleged disquiet in the military following the continued extension of tenure of the incumbent service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Army Council has approved the promotion of 230 senior officers of the Nigerian Army.
Sources in the military allege that the perennial renewal of the tenure of the service chiefs has stagnated promotion of three sets in the military, arguing that no serving officers can be promoted above the service chiefs no matter his exploit and performance.
The sources further alleged that stagnation of officers who are qualified for promotions but denied because of continued stay of the service chiefs beyond the stipulated period in the name of extension of tenure is capable of causing disharmony amongst the high ranking officers.
However, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman who announced the promotion in a statement in Abuja explained that the Army Council has approved the promotion of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to the ranks of Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Colonels and a Lieutenant Colonel, respectively.
While giving breakdown 230 officers that benefited from the promotion, Brigadier General Usman said that 29 Brigadier Generals were promoted to the rank of Major Generals, 95 Colonels to Brigadier Generals, 106 Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels as well as one Major to Lieutenant Colonel.
He said, “Among those promoted to the rank of Major General are, Brigadier General TOB Ademola, Nigeria Defence Attaché to China, Brigadier KO Ogundele, Director Coordination at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier General ON Ugo, Brigadier General AO Uthman, Brigadier General M Bashir and Brigadier General MM Mshelia.
“Others include Brigadier General US Mohammed, Brigadier General IO Ehiorobo, Brigadier General CG Musa, Brigadier General CO Ofoche, Brigadier General DH Alli-Keffi, Brigadier General A Kigbu, Brigadier General YI Shalangwa, Director Army Legal Service and Brigadier General SZ Kazaure, Director General National Youth Service Corps, amongst others”.
He further explained that “Those promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals include Colonel AA Ayanuga, Colonel SC Ogbuanya, Colonel FO Ilodibia, Colonel EF Oyinlola, Colonel SO Oloyede, Colonel S Kawugana, Colonel FG Dimlong, Colonel OK Falade, Colonel IZ Ohiaka, Colonel CS Okafor, Colonel A Yellow-Duke, Colonel MA Etsu-Ndagi, Colonel AM Alechenu, Colonel Y Yahaya and Colonel IG Lassa.
“Others include Colonel PAO Okoye, Colonel AO Oyelade, Colonel MLD Saraso, Colonel VE Emah, Colonel RI Odi, Colonel WD Nasiru, Colonel LA Jimoh, Colonel AP Ahmadu, Colonel QA Ahmed and Colonels JS Sura, amongst others.
“Similarly, Lieutenant Colonels CA Magaji, AA Bello, CE Ugworji, CY Ufurumazi, K Imam, CE Aniorha, MC Akin-Ojo, KO Kalu, AY Emakoma, MA Dogo, MG Udotong, BA Adeshina and I Sadiq, were promoted to the rank of Colonels. Others promoted Colonels include NC Achikasim, BI George, YD Ishaku, EA Otseh and SB Salisu, amongst others, while Major UA Musa is promoted Lieutenant Colonel”.
