By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army (NA) has categorically denied rumours of a leadership vacuum following the official leave of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasizing that its operational and administrative activities are proceeding as scheduled.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations disclosed this on Saturday in a statement said contrary to speculative reports circulating in the media space, particularly on social media, the Army is a highly structured establishment that ensures seamless continuity, with well-established procedures and protocols in place for various scenarios.
He noted that before General Lagbaja’s departure, necessary protocols were put in place for Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, to act on his behalf.
According to him, this arrangement is not unusual, as similar situations have arisen in the past without disrupting the Army’s functions.
“There have been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.
“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdusalami Badugu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away,” he explained.
He said, there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for extended periods, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.
The Director clarified that the claims of leadership vacuum are mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the Service are on course.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its Forecast of Events for 2024 remains unwavering, as evidenced by the recent conduct of the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure. The results of this examination were subsequently announced by Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander Training and Doctrine Command, after due authorization by Major General Ibrahim, who is currently acting on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.
He further stated that the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently underway in Jos, following a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer in Kaduna, adding that results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.
He further clarified that it is essential to note that the release of promotion results has never been the exclusive responsibility of the Chief of Army Staff.
Rather, departmental chiefs perform these functions routinely.
These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
The Army Headquarters encourages the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian Army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.
The Army’s dedication to protecting the nation and upholding its constitutional responsibilities remains unwavering.
Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to extend its gratitude to all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s well-being and have continued to pray for him. It assured Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that Major General Ibrahim is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the Chief of Army Staff.
The statement, however, urged the public to disregard speculative reports and remain confident in the Army’s ability to maintain national security.
Source: Facebook page| Nigeria ArmyInfo
