President Muhammadu Buhari, has assured the newly appointed service chiefs of his prayers as they lead the fight against terrorism, especially in Nigeria’s North-Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
He also advised the service chiefs to give responsibilities to trusted hands, while charging them to be loyal and patriotic.
The Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated this in a piece on Friday, titled, ‘Inside PMB’s First Meeting With New Service Chiefs’.
Adesina said the President assured the new service chiefs of his prayers and support, adding that “victory comes from the divine powers”.
But human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has argued that no level of prayers can win the Boko Haram war, noting that the Federal Government must equip the military to function optimally.
The new service chiefs are Major-General Leo Irabor as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao as Chief of Air Staff.
The new service chiefs met with the President on Wednesday at Aso Villa in Abuja and Nigerians expect them to hit the ground running very fast.
Adesina in the piece quoted Buhari as telling the service chiefs, “You know the stage we were in 2015, and you know the stage we are now, and the undertakings we made.
“In terms of equipment and other logistics, we are doing our best, and will do more. Give officers you can trust command, and support them. Respect seniority and intellectualism, but also use people who can deliver, those who show courage and leadership qualities.
“I will be praying for you. I assure you of that.”
